Substance profile
Nickel
Nickel is a silvery metal and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Nickel is
Nickel is a silvery metal and is odorless. Its molecular formula is Ni and its molecular weight is 58.693 g/mol. It boils at 2730 °C, melts at 1455 °C, is practically insoluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
Other names for Nickel
- Alcan 123
- Alcan 756
- C.I. 77775
- Celmet
- Dni 20
- E 12
- E 12 (Metal)
- Fibrex
- Fibrex (Metal Fiber)
- Fibrex P
- Fukuda 287
- Hca 1
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H351 | Suspected of causing cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H372 | Causes damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H317 | May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P260, P261, P270, P272, P280, P308, P313, P314, P333
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Nickel properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 2730 °C (4946 °F) | HSDB | |
| 2837 °C (5139 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 2837 °C (5139 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | 1455 °C (2651 °F) | HSDB | |
| 1555 °C (2831 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 8.908 g/cm³ | HSDB | |
| 8.9 g/cm³ | Metal | NIOSH | |
| Solubility | INSOL IN WATER, AMMONIA; SOL IN DIL NITRIC ACID; SLIGHTLY SOL IN HYDROCHLORIC ACID, SULFURIC ACID | HSDB | |
| Insoluble | NIOSH | ||
| Insoluble (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO | ||
| Vapor pressure | 0 mmHg | approx | NIOSH |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Flammable ... as dust or fume. | HSDB | |
| Metal: Combustible Solid; nickel sponge catalyst may ignite SPONTANEOUSLY in air. | NIOSH | ||
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 2831 °F | OSHA | |
| Corrosivity | Excellent resistance to corrosion | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Nickel
Storage conditions
PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Storage site should be as close as practicable to lab in which carcinogens are to be used, so that only small quantities required for ... expt need to be carried. Carcinogens should be kept in only one section of cupboard, an explosion proof refrigerator or freezer (depending on chemicophysical properties ...) that bears appropriate label. An inventory ... should be kept, showing quantity of carcinogen & date it was acquired ... Facilities for dispensing ... should be contiguous to storage area. /Chemical Carcinogens/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
MIXTURES CONTAINING POTASSIUM PERCHLORATE WITH NICKEL & TITANIUM POWDERS & INFUSORIAL EARTH GAVE SEVERE EXPLOSIONS DURING A FRICTION TEST.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
NICKEL is not highly reactive in bulk. A reducing agent. Reacts with (is corroded by) acids to generate flammable hydrogen. Burns when heated in oxygen. Incompatible with oxidizing agents such as oxidizing acids, ammonium nitrate, chlorine, potassium perchlorate, nitryl fluoride. Powdered nickel is much more reactive; can ignite in air [Bretherick 1979 p. 170-171].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Nickel in the storage compatibility matrix →
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