Nickel Nitrate Hexahydrate, Nickelous Nitrate, Nickel Nitrate, 13478‑00‑7

NICKEL NITRATE HEXAHYDRATE (NICKEL(II) NITRATE) 

Chemical Name: Nickel(II) Nitrate Hexahydrate
CAS Number: 13478-00-7
EC Number: 236-068-5
UN Number: 1477 (Oxidizing substance)
Customs Tariff Code: 2834.29
HS Code: 283429

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:

Nickel Nitrate Hexahydrate (Ni(NO₃)₂·6H₂O) is the nitrate salt of nickel in the +2 oxidation state, containing six molecules of water of crystallization. The compound features nickel ions coordinated by nitrate groups and water molecules in an octahedral geometry. It is a green, hygroscopic crystalline solid with high solubility in water. Nickel nitrate is a strong oxidizer and is classified as toxic, carcinogenic, and environmentally hazardous. It is widely used in catalysts, electroplating, pigments, and as a laboratory reagent.

Structural Features:

• Hexahydrate form (6 water molecules)

• High water solubility

• Green crystalline appearance

• Hygroscopic

• Strong oxidizing properties

• Octahedral coordination geometry

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Nickel Nitrate Hexahydrate is a green, hygroscopic crystalline solid with a molecular weight of 290.79 g/mol and density of approximately 2.05 g/cm³. It is highly soluble in water (~940 g/L at 20°C) and soluble in ethanol. The compound is a strong oxidizer and must be stored away from combustible materials. Aqueous solutions are weakly acidic (pH ~4-5, 5% solution).

3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

Nickel Nitrate is highly soluble in water (~940 g/L at 20°C) and soluble in ethanol and methanol. This property makes it an ideal precursor for aqueous processing, electroplating baths, and catalyst preparation.

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Nickel Nitrate is a strong oxidizer that can support combustion when in contact with combustible materials. Upon heating, it decomposes to nickel oxide (NiO) with the release of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and oxygen. It is a precursor for various nickel compounds including catalysts, nickel hydroxide, and nickel carbonate.

Key Chemical Reactions:

Synthesis (Acid Dissolution):
NiO + 2HNO₃ → Ni(NO₃)₂ + H₂O
Ni + 4HNO₃ → Ni(NO₃)₂ + 2NO₂↑ + 2H₂O

Thermal Decomposition:
2Ni(NO₃)₂ → 2NiO + 4NO₂↑ + O₂↑

Hydroxide Precipitation:
Ni(NO₃)₂ + 2NaOH → Ni(OH)₂ ↓ + 2NaNO₃

Carbonate Precipitation:
Ni(NO₃)₂ + Na₂CO₃ → NiCO₃ ↓ + 2NaNO₃

5. SPECIFICATIONS

Nickel Nitrate Hexahydrate is available in various grades including reagent grade (≥ 98%) for laboratory and industrial applications. Higher purity grades (99.9%+) are available for specialized applications.

6. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

6.1. Catalyst Production (Most Important Application)

Nickel Nitrate is a key precursor for nickel-based catalysts used in hydrogenation, reforming, and various industrial chemical processes. It is also used in the production of Raney nickel catalysts.

6.2. Electroplating and Surface Treatment

6.3. Pigments and Ceramics

6.4. Laboratory and Research Applications

7. SECTOR SUITABILITY TABLE

8. COMMON NAMES

• Nickel nitrate

• Nickelous nitrate

• Nitric acid nickel(II) salt

• Nickel(II) nitrate hexahydrate

• Green crystalline powder

9. PRODUCTION PROCESS

Reaction Equation:
Ni + 4HNO₃ → Ni(NO₃)₂ + 2NO₂↑ + 2H₂O
or
NiO + 2HNO₃ → Ni(NO₃)₂ + H₂O

Production Types: Reagent grade, technical grade, high purity grade

Major Producing Countries: China, USA, Germany, Japan

Commercial Purity: Ranges from 98% to 99.99%

10. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

SPECIAL WARNINGS: Nickel Nitrate is a strong oxidizer, toxic, and known carcinogen . It may intensify fire when in contact with combustible materials. Toxic if swallowed (H301) . May cause cancer (H350) . May damage fertility or unborn child (H360) . Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H410) . Strict handling precautions are required.

11. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Nickel Nitrate is classified as an oxidizing substance (UN 1477) and is toxic and environmentally hazardous . Transport requires special precautions and labeling.

12. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Nickel Nitrate is subject to strict regulatory controls due to its carcinogenic and toxic properties. It is classified as a Category 1B carcinogen and Category 1 reproductive toxicant under EU CLP.

13. STORAGE AND HANDLING

Handling Notes:

• CRITICAL: This compound is a strong oxidizer and known carcinogen. Strict safety protocols are required.

• Use only in well-ventilated areas with local exhaust ventilation (fume hood)

• Wear appropriate PPE: gloves (butyl rubber), safety goggles, protective clothing, dust mask

• Avoid dust formation and inhalation

• Avoid skin and eye contact

• Wash hands thoroughly after handling

• Keep away from combustible materials, reducing agents, and organic substances

• Store in airtight containers away from moisture

• Emergency shower and eye wash stations must be accessible

14. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Nickel Nitrate is not flammable but is a strong oxidizer that may intensify fire when in contact with combustible materials. Thermal decomposition may release toxic nitrogen oxides and nickel oxide fumes. Firefighters should use SCBA and full protective clothing.

15. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

In case of spillage, appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn. Due to its toxic and oxidizing nature, special precautions are required. Contaminated area should be cleaned thoroughly. Environmental release must be prevented.

16. FIRST AID MEASURES

Special Notes:

• Nickel compounds are toxic, carcinogenic, and may cause allergic reactions

• Medical personnel should be informed about nickel compound exposure

• In case of ingestion, do not induce vomiting due to possible aspiration risk

• Severe cases may require medical observation for delayed effects

17. RAW MATERIALS AND DOWNSTREAM PRODUCTS

17.1. Raw Materials (Upstream)

17.2. Downstream Products

18. QUALITY CONTROL PARAMETERS

19. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS

SUMMARY:

Nickel Nitrate Hexahydrate (Ni(NO₃)₂·6H₂O, CAS 13478-00-7) is a green, hygroscopic crystalline solid with a molecular weight of 290.79 g/mol and density of approximately 2.05 g/cm³. It is highly soluble in water (~940 g/L at 20°C) and soluble in ethanol. Thermal decomposition yields nickel oxide (NiO).

Its most important applications include catalyst production (hydrogenation, reforming), nickel electroplating, pigment and ceramic production, and laboratory reagent for analytical chemistry.

The compound is classified as a strong oxidizer (UN 1477), toxic, and a known carcinogen (IARC Group 1) . It may intensify fire when in contact with combustible materials. Toxic if swallowed (H301) . May cause cancer (H350) . May damage fertility or unborn child (H360) . Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H410) . Due to its hygroscopic nature and toxicity, it must be stored in airtight containers away from combustible materials and handled under strict safety protocols. Shelf life is approximately 2 years under proper storage conditions.

Key Properties:

Major Application Areas:

Key Safety Points:

• OXIDIZER: UN 1477, Class 5.1, Packing Group II

• TOXIC: Toxic if swallowed (H301)

• CARCINOGEN: IARC Group 1, H350

• REPRODUCTIVE TOXIN: H360

• ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD: H410

• HYGROSCOPIC: Must be stored in airtight containers

• PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Full PPE including gloves, goggles, protective clothing

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

1. CARCINOGENICITY (IARC GROUP 1): Nickel Nitrate is classified as a known human carcinogen (IARC Group 1, EU CLP Carc. 1B). Strict exposure controls are mandatory.

2. STRONG OXIDIZER (UN 1477): Nickel Nitrate is classified as a strong oxidizer. It may intensify fire when in contact with combustible materials. Store separately from reducing agents, organic substances, and flammable materials.

3. REPRODUCTIVE TOXICANT (H360): May damage fertility or unborn child. Special precautions are required for women of childbearing age and pregnant women.

4. RESPIRATORY SENSITIZER (H334): May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled. Inhalation exposure must be strictly controlled.

5. VERY TOXIC TO AQUATIC LIFE (H410): Nickel Nitrate is very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Environmental release must be strictly prevented.

6. HYGROSCOPIC: Nickel Nitrate is hygroscopic. It must be stored in airtight containers and handled in dry conditions.

7. CUSTOMS CLASSIFICATION: The correct customs tariff code is 2834.29 (HS Code: 283429).

8. REGULATORY COMPLIANCE: REACH, KKDİK, and TSCA registration requirements apply. Not permitted for food, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical applications. Subject to strict regulatory controls (EU REACH Annex XVII).

9. FIRE SAFETY: In case of fire, use water spray, CO₂, or dry chemical powder. Fire may release toxic nitrogen oxide and nickel oxide fumes. Firefighters should use SCBA and full protective clothing.

10. WASTE DISPOSAL: Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional, national, and international regulations. Due to toxicity, handle as hazardous waste.

Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. The information provided is based on available data and is believed to be accurate. However, the user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all applicable regulations and safety requirements. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. Users are responsible for testing the product in their own processes and applications. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with Nickel Nitrate. Due to its toxicity, carcinogenicity, and environmental hazards, a detailed risk assessment and handling procedure must be established prior to use. This material is strictly for industrial and research use only.