Nickel bis(dimethylglyoximate) explained

Nickel bis(dimethylglyoximate) is the coordination complex with the formula Ni[ONC(CH<sub>3</sub>)C(CH<sub>3</sub>)NOH]2. The compound is a bright red solid. It achieved prominence for its use in the qualitative analysis of nickel.

Structure

The geometry of the nickel(II) ion is square planar.[1] It is surrounded by two equivalents of the conjugate base (dmgH) of dimethylglyoxime (dmgH2). The pair of organic ligands are joined through hydrogen bonds to give a macrocyclic ligand. The complex is distinctively colored and insoluble leading to its use as a chelating agent in the gravimetric analysis of nickel.

The use of dimethylglyoxime as a reagent to detect nickel was reported by L. A. Chugaev in 1905.[2]

References

  1. Crystal Structures of Nickel and Palladium Dimethylglyoximes. Donald E. Williams . Gabriele Wohlauer . R. E. Rundle. J. Am. Chem. Soc.. 1959. 81. 3. 755–756. 10.1021/ja01512a066.
  2. Über ein neues, empfindliches Reagens auf Nickel. Lev . Tschugaeff . Berichte der Deutschen Chemischen Gesellschaft . 38 . 3 . 2520–2522 . 1905. de. About a new, sensitive reagent on nickel . 10.1002/cber.19050380317 .