Education Resources

Mond process

The Mond Process is a technique created by Ludwig Mond in 1899 to extract and purify nickel. It is done by converting nickel oxides (nickel combined with oxygen) into pure nickel.

The Process

1. Nickel oxides are reacted with water vapor at 50 degrees Celsius

   Result: Oxides in the metal are eliminated, leaving unpure nickel

2. Impure nickel is reacted with carbon monoxide

   Result: Nickel tetracarbonyl is formed

3. Nickel tetracarbonyl decomposes

   Result: Pure nickel and carbon dioxide are left

The Equation

Ni + 4CO → Ni(CO)₄ → Ni + 4CO

External links

• “Nickel Chemistry” from the University of the West Indies (Mona)