Nickel Chloride, with the chemical formula NiCl2, is a greenish-yellow, crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water. It is a compound of nickel and chlorine and exists in various forms, including the anhydrous form (without water) and the hexahydrate form (with six water molecules per nickel chloride molecule). Nickel chloride is utilized in several industrial processes and applications. One of its primary uses is in electroplating, where it is employed as an electrolyte in nickel plating baths. This process helps deposit a layer of nickel onto the surface of objects, providing corrosion resistance and improved appearance.

In addition to electroplating, nickel chloride is used in the manufacture of catalysts, especially those involved in organic synthesis. It is also a precursor for other nickel compounds and finds applications in the production of pigments, ceramics, and the stabilization of colors in glass. Nickel chloride is an essential chemical in industries ranging from metallurgy to electronics and plays a crucial role in the development of various materials and products.