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| "Synonyms:Nickelous chloride hexahydrate Nickel dichloride hexahydrate Hydrochloric acid, nickel(2+) salt, hexahydrate Nickel chloride 6H2O NiCl2·6H2O Molecular Formula:Cl2Ni.6H2O Molecular Weight: 237.69 HS Code: 2833240000 Grade:Electroplating gradeNi(24%) Hazard Class:Class 6.1" | |||||||||
7791-20-0
bosschemical
7791-20-0
1. Product Overview
Nickel chloride hexahydrate (NiCl₂·6H₂O) is a green crystalline nickel salt and one of the two workhorse nickel salts of the surface-finishing industry, alongside nickel sulfate. It dissolves freely in water to deliver both Ni²⁺ ions and chloride ions, which is exactly why it plays an irreplaceable role in nickel plating baths — the chloride keeps nickel anodes dissolving actively and prevents anode passivation.
Beyond electroplating, nickel chloride is a versatile building block of industrial chemistry: it is used to manufacture nickel catalysts for organic synthesis and hydrogenation, it absorbs ammonia in gas-mask canisters, and it serves as a high-purity precursor for nickel pigments, inks, battery materials and other nickel compounds. Its high water solubility, tight impurity control and stable crystalline form make it easy to dose and reliable in continuous processes.
A single salt, four core value propositions:
Electroplating & Surface Finishing:
● the anode-activating chloride source of nickel plating baths and a key salt of electroless nickel systems;
Catalysts:
● a high-purity precursor for nickel hydrogenation, oxidation and organic-synthesis catalysts;
Gas Absorption & Environmental:
● an efficient ammonia absorbent for gas-mask canisters and industrial off-gas treatment;
Specialty Chemicals & Precursors:
● a clean starting material for nickel pigments, inks, battery materials and other nickel salts.
2. Product Information (Quick Facts)
Item | Specification |
Chemical Name | Nickel(II) chloride hexahydrate (Nickelous chloride hexahydrate) |
Synonyms | Nickel chloride hexahydrate; Nickel dichloride hexahydrate; Nickel chloride, hexahydrate |
CAS No. | 7791-20-0 |
EC No. (EINECS) | 231-743-0 |
Molecular Formula | NiCl₂·6H₂O |
Molecular Weight | 237.69 g/mol |
Ni Content | ≥ 24.0% (as Ni) |
HS Code | 2827.35 (nickel chloride; 8-digit code may vary by destination) |
3. Crystal Forms & Grades
Nickel chloride is commercially supplied mainly as the hexahydrate (CAS 7791-20-0), it is used only in special syntheses where water must be excluded. For virtually all electroplating, catalyst and precursor applications, the hexahydrate is the standard and most economical form.
4. Key Features & Benefits
● Dual functionality in plating: delivers both Ni²⁺ ions and chloride ions — the chloride activates anode dissolution and prevents anode passivation in nickel baths.
● High and consistent nickel content: theoretical 24% Ni, with tight lot-to-lot consistency for reproducible bath chemistry.
● Stable crystalline form: green, free-flowing crystals with low dusting and no caking under normal storage.
● Versatile chemistry: precursor for nickel catalysts, nickel complexes, pigments and battery materials in one salt.
● Full traceability: COA with every batch documenting Ni assay and key impurities.
5. Main Applications
5.1 Electroplating & Surface Finishing (Core Application)
Nickel chloride is an essential component of industrial nickel plating chemistry:
● Anode activator in nickel baths: the chloride ion keeps nickel anodes dissolving uniformly, preventing passivation and stabilizing bath operation over long production runs;
● Watts nickel plating: co-salt with nickel sulfate in bright and semi-bright nickel baths for decorative and functional coatings;
● Electroless nickel: nickel-ion source in chemical (autocatalytic) Ni–P plating of steel, aluminum and plastics;
● Electroforming and PCB: supplies nickel for precision electroforming, connector plating and circuit-board finishing;
● Nickel-alloy plating: component of Ni–Co, Ni–Fe and Ni–Zn alloy systems.
5.2 Catalysts
● Organic-synthesis catalysts: nickel source for chemoselective reactions such as thioacetalization of aldehydes;
● Hydrogenation and reduction: precursor for nickel-based hydrogenation and reduction catalysts;
● Nickel complexes: starting material for Ni(acac)₂ and other organonickel compounds used in coupling chemistry.
5.3 Gas Absorption & Environmental Applications
● Ammonia absorption: efficient NH₃ absorbent in industrial gas-mask canisters and respirator cartridges;
● Off-gas treatment: removes ammonia from industrial exhaust streams in chemical plants;
● Analytical and monitoring: reagent for ammonia determination in water and air testing.
5.4 Specialty Chemicals & Precursors
● Ceramic and glass colorants: nickel source for green and brown ceramic pigments and glass tinting;
● Invisible (sympathetic) inks: classic nickel salt for security and novelty printing inks;
● Battery and electronics: nickel source for battery electrode materials and solar-cell electron-transport layers;
● Nickel compound manufacture: key intermediate for nickel hydroxide, nickel carbonate, nickel oxide and other salts.
6. Packaging, Storage
Packaging (customizable):
● 25 kg woven bag with PE liner, 25 kg fiber drum, or 500 kg – 1,000 kg FIBC for bulk;
● 1 kg and 5 kg laboratory packs on request; moisture-barrier lining available.
Storage:
● Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat;
● Keep containers tightly closed to prevent moisture pick-up and caking;
● Avoid contact with strong oxidizers and incompatible materials; store away from food and feedstuffs;
● Recommended storage temperature 5 °C – 35 °C.
● Factory-direct supply: own production capacity, transparent pricing, no middleman markup;
● Stable quality: strict internal control, every batch tested, COA with every shipment;
● Export experience: familiar with sea/air shipping documentation for chemical commodities, complete paperwork support;
● Fast response: quotations and technical support (COA, bath formulation advice) within 24 hours; small trial orders accepted.
Its main use is in nickel electroplating, where the chloride ion activates anode dissolution and prevents passivation in Watts and electroless nickel baths. It is also used to manufacture nickel catalysts for organic synthesis and hydrogenation, as an ammonia absorbent in gas masks, and as a precursor for nickel pigments, inks, battery materials and other nickel compounds.
The hexahydrate (NiCl₂·6H₂O, CAS 7791-20-0) is the standard commercial form: stable green crystals, freely soluble in water, with 24% theoretical Ni. For electroplating and most precursor applications the hexahydrate is the economical standard.
Pure nickel anodes passivate in sulfate-only electrolytes, reducing dissolution and starving the bath of Ni²⁺. Chloride ions break this passivation, keeping anodes active and current efficiency high. Nickel chloride is therefore dosed alongside nickel sulfate in standard Watts-type baths to maintain stable, long-running operation.
Like other nickel compounds, nickel chloride is classified as carcinogenic by inhalation and as a skin sensitizer. Avoid generating and inhaling dust, use gloves, goggles and respiratory protection as needed, and prevent skin contact. It is an industrial chemical and must never be used in food products; nickel-containing wastewater must be treated before discharge.
