Nickel carbonate (NiCO3) forms from nickel ions and carbonate ions. It’s a green solid used in ceramics and catalysts due to its unique properties.
| IUPAC Name | Nickel(II) carbonate |
| Molecular Formula | NiCO3 |
| CAS Number | 3333-67-3 |
| Synonyms | Nickelous carbonate; Carbonic acid, nickel salt, Nickel monocarbonate |
| InChI | InChI=1S/CH2O3.Ni/c2-1(3)4;/h(H2,2,3,4);/q;+2 |
Nickel Carbonate Properties
Nickel Carbonate Formula
The chemical formula of nickel monocarbonate is NiCO3. It consists of one nickel (Ni) atom, one carbon (C) atom, and three oxygen (O) atoms.
Nickel Carbonate Molar Mass
The molar mass of nickel monocarbonate (NiCO3) is approximately 118.7 grams per mole. This value is obtained by summing the atomic masses of its constituent elements.
Nickel Carbonate Boiling Point
Nickel monocarbonate does not have a distinct boiling point because it tends to decompose before reaching the boiling point. Upon heating, it decomposes into nickel oxide, carbon dioxide, and oxygen.
Nickel Carbonate Melting Point
Nickel monocarbonate has a melting point of around 200°C (392°F). At this temperature, it transforms from a solid to a liquid state.
Nickel Carbonate Density g/mL
The density of nickel monocarbonate is about 3.6 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³). This density value indicates the mass of the compound per unit volume.
Nickel Carbonate Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of nickel monocarbonate (NiCO3) is approximately 118.7 grams per mole. It is calculated by summing the atomic weights of its constituent atoms.
Nickel Carbonate Structure
Nickel monocarbonate has a basic structure in which a central nickel atom is bonded to three oxygen atoms in a triangular arrangement. This forms the core of the carbonate ion. The structure is held together by ionic and covalent bonds.
Nickel Carbonate Solubility
Nickel monocarbonate is sparingly soluble in water. Its solubility increases as the pH of the solution decreases. It can also dissolve in acidic solutions containing substances like hydrochloric acid.
Nickel monocarbonate’s properties make it useful in various applications. Its insolubility in water makes it suitable for applications in ceramics and pigments. Its decomposition at high temperatures contributes to its use in catalytic processes.
| Appearance | Green solid |
| Specific Gravity | 3.6 g/cm³ |
| Color | Green |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 118.7 g/mol |
| Density | 3.6 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 200°C (392°F) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes before boiling |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Sparingly soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in acids like hydrochloric acid |
| Vapour Pressure | Not available |
| Vapour Density | Not available |
| pKa | Not applicable |
| pH | Not applicable |
Nickel Carbonate Safety and Hazards
Nickel monocarbonate poses potential safety hazards. It can irritate the skin and eyes upon contact, causing redness and discomfort. Inhalation of its dust or fumes might lead to respiratory irritation or coughing. It’s advisable to handle it with care, wearing appropriate protective gear like gloves and goggles. Avoid ingesting or inhaling the compound. In case of exposure, wash affected areas and seek medical attention if symptoms persist. Proper ventilation and containment measures are essential to minimize risks. Adhering to safety protocols while working with nickel monocarbonate is crucial to prevent potential health issues and ensure a safe environment.
| Hazard Symbols | Irritant, Health Hazard |
| Safety Description | Irritant; Avoid contact and inhalation; Handle with care |
| UN IDs | Not assigned |
| HS Code | 2836.40.00 |
| Hazard Class | Not classified |
| Packing Group | Not classified |
| Toxicity | Can cause skin and eye irritation; respiratory irritation when inhaled |
Nickel Carbonate Synthesis Methods
Nickel monocarbonate can be synthesized through various methods. One common approach involves the reaction between a soluble nickel salt (such as nickel chloride or nickel sulfate) and a soluble carbonate salt (like sodium carbonate) in water. The two solutions are mixed, leading to the formation of insoluble nickel monocarbonate as a green precipitate. This precipitate is then filtered, washed, and dried to obtain the final product.
Another method involves the reaction between nickel oxide or nickel hydroxide and carbon dioxide gas in the presence of moisture. This results in the formation of nickel monocarbonate along with water. This process is often used industrially to produce nickel monocarbonate.
Additionally, a precipitation method can be employed by mixing a solution of a soluble nickel salt with a solution of a soluble carbonate salt. The resulting mixture is stirred, and the formed nickel monocarbonate precipitate is collected and processed.
These synthesis methods provide ways to produce nickel monocarbonate for various applications such as ceramics, catalysts, and pigments. Careful control of reaction conditions and purification steps is crucial to obtaining high-quality nickel monocarbonate products.
Nickel Carbonate Uses
Nickel monocarbonate finds diverse applications owing to its unique properties. Some prominent uses include:
- Ceramics and Glass Production: Nickel monocarbonate enhances ceramics and glass with vibrant colors for both artistic expression and industrial usage.
- Catalyst: It serves as a catalyst or catalyst precursor in various chemical processes, facilitating oxidation reactions through the release of oxygen upon decomposition at elevated temperatures.
- Electroplating: Utilizing nickel monocarbonate as a precursor enables electroplating of nickel onto diverse surfaces, bolstering surface appearance and corrosion resistance.
- Battery Industry: Within battery technologies, especially nickel-based ones, it contributes to cathode materials, supporting the advancement of battery systems.
- Pigments and Inks: Nickel monocarbonate is integral to producing a spectrum of green hues in pigments, inks, and paints.
- Agriculture: Its application as a nickel nutrient source in fertilizers benefits plant growth and finds use in agriculture.
- Medicine: Though uncommon, researchers explore potential medical applications due to certain nickel compounds, including nickel monocarbonate, demonstrating antimicrobial properties.
- Photography: Historically, it found a role in black-and-white photography toners, enriching shades and contrasts.
- Textiles: The textile industry employs nickel monocarbonate to enhance dye absorption and infuse fabrics with color.
- Research and Education: Nickel monocarbonate’s chemical attributes establish its significance in chemistry laboratories for educational demonstrations, experiments, and research purposes.
These versatile applications demonstrate the importance of nickel monocarbonate across various industries, from enhancing aesthetics in ceramics to playing a role in cutting-edge technologies like batteries and catalysts.
Questions:
Q: Which element is the most reactive?
A: Sodium.
Q: What useful material is made by mixing iron with chromium, carbon, and nickel?
A: Stainless steel.
Q: Is nickel carbonate soluble in water?
A: Sparingly soluble.
Q: How many moles of carbon are in nickel tetracarbonyl?
A: Four moles.
Q: How to remove nickel plating from carbon steel?
A: By using appropriate chemical stripping agents or electrochemical methods.
Q: Nickel(II) nitrate and sodium carbonate net ionic equation?
A: Ni²⁺ + CO₃²⁻ → NiCO₃(s).
Q: Role of carbon monoxide in the extraction of nickel?
A: It acts as a reducing agent to extract nickel from its ores.
Q: Nickel monocarbonate solubility?
A: Low solubility in water.
Q: Atomic numbers for carbon, sodium, and nickel?
A: Carbon: 6, Sodium: 11, Nickel: 28.
Q: What happens when you mix ammonium carbonate, nickel chloride, and water?
A: Formation of nickel monocarbonate precipitate and release of ammonium chloride gas.