Dilute sulphuric acid is known to dissolve nickel metal.
Nickel is a transition metal that reacts with certain acids. When nickel metal comes into contact with dilute sulphuric acid, a chemical reaction occurs where the solid nickel slowly dissolves. This process results in the formation of solutions containing the aquated nickel(II) ion, specifically present as the complex ion [Ni(OH2)6]2+, along with the release of hydrogen gas (H2).
The overall chemical process can be represented as:
Ni (s) + H2SO4 (aq) → NiSO4 (aq) + H2 (g)
This reaction demonstrates nickel's reactivity, where it displaces hydrogen from the acid.
Behavior with Other Acids
While dilute sulphuric acid effectively dissolves nickel, the behavior with other acids can vary:
- Concentrated Nitric Acid (HNO3): This is a strongly oxidizing acid. Its reaction with metals can be complex. For instance, concentrated nitric acid is known to react on the surface of iron and passivate it, forming a protective oxide layer that prevents further reaction. For metals like nickel, strongly oxidizing acids can similarly lead to passivation rather than dissolution, especially in concentrated forms, where a dense, non-reactive oxide layer forms on the metal's surface, protecting it from further attack.
Understanding how different acids interact with nickel is crucial in various industrial and chemical applications.
