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Science 30 May 1980:
Vol. 208. no. 4447, pp. 1029 - 1031
DOI: 10.1126/science.208.4447.1029
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Articles

Nickel Carbonyl: Decomposition in Air and Related Kinetic Studies

D. H. STEDMAN 1, D. A. HIKADE 1, R. PEARSON JR. 2, and E. D. YALVAC 2

1 Chemistry Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109
2 Space Physics Research Laboratory, University of Michigan

Nickel carbonyl [Ni(CO)4] is a toxic gas used in the manufacture of metallic nickel which has been shown to be carcinogenic and teratogenic in laboratory studies. Its decomposition in air proceeds at a rate that is strongly dependent on the concentration of carbon monoxide (CO). In the absence of CO, the lifetime in air at 296°K and at atmospheric pressure is 60 ± 5 seconds. A mechanism consisting of equilibrium unimolecular decomposition to Ni(CO)3 and CO, followed by reaction of the Ni(CO)3 with molecular oxygen, is consistent with the observations.

Submitted on September 27, 1979
Revised on February 19, 1980

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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)