Raney nickel is a type for Nickel Catalyst that was developed in 1926 by American engineer, Murray Raney, for the hydrogenation of vegetable oils.
Industrial Uses of Raney Nickel
- Benzene reduced to cyclohexane
o Used in the synthesis of Adipic Acid, a raw material used in the production of polyamides
- Dextrose to Sorbitol
o Used in making jet/rocket fuels
- Nitro Compounds to Amines
o Used in the synthesis of ammonia, which is used in the production of fertilizers
- Alkene to Alkane
o Used in the hydrogenation of vegetable oils to produce margarine
Properties of Raney Nickel
- It is a pyrophoric material (ignites spontaneously in air)
o Should be handled in inert atmosphere
o Never to be exposed to air
- Produces hazardous fumes while burning
- Exposure to Raney Nickel can cause
o Irritation of respiratory tract
o Causes pulmonary fibrosis if inhaled
o Eye and skin irritation
o Skin rashes (sensitization to nickel)
Industrial Uses of Raney Nickel
- Benzene reduced to cyclohexane
o Used in the synthesis of Adipic Acid, a raw material used in the production of polyamides
- Dextrose to Sorbitol
o Used in making jet/rocket fuels
- Nitro Compounds to Amines
o Used in the synthesis of ammonia, which is used in the production of fertilizers
- Alkene to Alkane
o Used in the hydrogenation of vegetable oils to produce margarine
Properties of Raney Nickel
- It is a pyrophoric material (ignites spontaneously in air)
o Should be handled in inert atmosphere
o Never to be exposed to air
- Produces hazardous fumes while burning
- Exposure to Raney Nickel can cause
o Irritation of respiratory tract
o Causes pulmonary fibrosis if inhaled
o Eye and skin irritation
o Skin rashes (sensitization to nickel)
Dry Raney Nickel