What is Nickel(II) chloride?
[[File:Nickel(II)-chloride-hexahydrate-sample.jpg|thumb|Nickel(II) chloride]] '''Nickel(II) chloride''', also known as '''nickelous chloride''', is a [[chemical compound]]. Its chemical formula is NiCl<sub>2</sub>. It contains [[nickel]] in its +2 [[oxidation state]]. It also contains [[chloride]] [[ion]]s. ==Properties== It is a yellow-green solid. It dissolves in water. It normally is attached to water molecules (hydrated). It reacts with [[ammonia]] to make a purple solution. It also reacts with [[hydrochloric acid]] to make a yellow solution. It reacts with [[base (chemistry)|bases]] to make [[nickel(II) hydroxide]]. Solutions of nickel(II) chloride have a [[pH]] of 4. ==Preparation== It is made by dissolving nickel metal in hydrochloric acid. It also can be made by reacting [[nickel(II) oxide]], [[nickel(II) carbonate]], or nickel(II) hydroxide with hydrochloric acid. ==Uses== It is used to [[electroplating|electroplate]] nickel metal on metal objects. It is also used as a [[catalyst]]. ==Safety== Nickel(II) chloride irritates skin and eyes. It can also cause [[cancer]]. ==Related pages== *[[Nickel(II) sulfate]] *[[Nickel(II) nitrate]] [[Category:Chlorine compounds]] [[Category:Nickel compounds]]