Raney nickel, commonly known as spongy nickel, is a solid substance composed of nickel derived from a nickel-aluminum alloy. This solid's principal utility is as a reagent and catalyst in several hydrogenation processes in organic chemistry. The texture of this solid is fine-grained. Raney nickel is an excellent catalyst for hydrogenation processes due to its comparatively high catalytic activity and ability to absorb hydrogen within its pores.
Nickel chloride is used for nickel plating cast zinc, as an agent in electrolytic nickel refining, as a chemical intermediate for nickel catalysts and complex nickel salts, as an ammonia gas absorber in industrial gas masks, as a catalyst in diary amine and silicon tetrachloride production, as an agent in electrode less nickel plating, as an agent in tin-nickel alloy plating, and as a fungicide for rust and rust like disease control.
Nickel sulphate is an inorganic chemical that occurs in many states depending on how it is hydrated. NiSO4 is the chemical formula for nickel sulphate. The colour of the chemical varies depending on its degree of hydration. Nickel dust has a high flammability. Nickel salts are poisonous in nature, and nickel sulphate is a proven carcinogen. It has a yellow colour and is easily soluble in water. Nickel sulphate is primarily used as an electrolyte in the metal-finishing application of nickel electroplating. As a mordant, it is used to colour metals, ceramics, and to make driers for use in protective shields.