Cadmium hydroxide
Cadmium hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the formula Cd2. It is a white crystalline ionic compound that is a key component of nickel–cadmium battery.
Structure
Cadmium hydroxide adopts the same structure as Mg2, consisting of slabs of metal centers, each bonded by six hydroxide ligands. The Cd2 structure is a recurring motif in inorganic chemistry. For example it is adopted by vanadium ditelluride.Preparation, and reactions
Cadmium hydroxide is produced by treating an aqueous solution containing Cd2+ with sodium hydroxide:Cd2 and cadmium oxide exhibit similar reactions. Cadmium hydroxide is more basic than zinc hydroxide. It forms the anionic complex 2− when treated with concentrated base. It forms complexes with cyanide, thiocyanate, and ammonia.
Cadmium hydroxide loses water on heating, producing cadmium oxide. Decomposition commences at 130 °C and is complete at 300 °C. Reactions with mineral acids gives the corresponding cadmium salts. With hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, and nitric acid, the products are cadmium chloride, cadmium sulfate, and cadmium nitrate, respectively.