Nickel(II) acetate explained

Nickel(II) acetate is the name for the coordination compounds with the formula Ni(CH3CO2)2·x H2O where x can be 0, 2, and 4. The mint-green tetrahydrate Ni(CH3CO2)2·4 H2O is most common. It is used for electroplating.

Synthesis and structure

The compound can be prepared by treating nickel or nickel(II) carbonate with acetic acid:

NiCO3 + 2 CH3CO2H + 3 H2O → Ni(CH3CO2)2·4 H2O + CO2

The mint-green tetrahydrate has been shown by X-ray crystallography to adopt an octahedral structure, the central nickel centre being coordinated by four water molecules and two acetate ligands.[1] It may be dehydrated in vacuo, by reaction with acetic anhydride or by heat.[2]

Safety

Nickel salts are toxic, carcinogenic and irritate the skin.

Notes and References

  1. 10.1107/S0365110X5300171X . . The crystal structures of nickel acetate, Ni(CH3COO)2·4H2O, and cobalt acetate, Co(CH3COO)2·4H2O . 1953 . Van Niekerk . J. N. . Schoening . F. R. L. . 6 . 7 . 609–612.
  2. 10.1021/ic50008a039 . . Cobalt and Nickel Acetates in Anhydrous Acetic Acid . 1963 . Tappmeyer . W. P. . Davidson . Arthur W. . 2 . 4 . 823–825.

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article "Nickel(II) acetate".

Except where otherwise indicated, Everything.Explained.Today is © Copyright 2009-2025, A B Cryer, All Rights Reserved. Cookie policy.