Nickel dicyanide explained

Nickel dicyanide is the inorganic compound with a chemical formula Ni(CN)₂. It is a gray-green solid that is insoluble in most solvents.

Production

Addition of two equivalents of sodium or potassium cyanide to a solution of nickel(II) ions in aqueous solution leads to the precipitation of nickel(II) cyanide tetrahydrate.^[1] On heating the tetrahydrate to 140 °C, this hydrate converts to anhydrous nickel(II) cyanide.

Chemical properties

Nickel(II) cyanide dissolves in potassium cyanide solution to produce a yellowish solution containing potassium tetracyanonickelate:^[1]

Ni(CN)₂ + 2 KCN → K₂[Ni(CN)₄]Nickel(II) cyanide will react with dimethylglyoxime (dmgH₂) and produce hydrogen cyanide:^[2]

Ni(CN)₂ + 2dmgH₂ → Ni(dmgH)₂ + 2HCN

See also

• Palladium dicyanide

Notes and References

1. Book: 10.1002/9780470132333.ch73. Potassium Tetracyanonickelate(II). 1946. Fernelius. W. C.. Burbage. Joseph J.. Inorganic Syntheses. 227–228. 2. 9780470132333.
2. 《无机化学反应方程式手册》.曹忠良 王珍云 编.湖南科学技术出版社.第十三章 铁系元素. – "Handbook of Inorganic Chemical Reaction Equations". Cao Zhongliang, Wang Zhenyun, ed. Hunan Science and Technology Press. Chapter 13: Iron Series Elements. P₃₇₉. 【其他含镍的化合物】– 【Other nickel-containing compounds】.