Mond carbonyl process

refining

Also known as: carbonyl nickel process

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

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The Mond carbonyl process is a method for refining nickel. It involves reacting finely divided nickel with carbon monoxide (CO) gas to produce nickel carbonyl, Ni(CO)₄. This compound is volatile and poisonous.12

The process is a type of metal carbonyl application, where carbon monoxide molecules attach to a metal atom. Metal carbonyls are significant in industry, serving as catalysts in chemical synthesis and in refining metals. Nickel carbonyl is specifically used in the Mond process for purifying nickel through thermal decomposition. After purification, the nickel carbonyl is decomposed to yield pure nickel shot.234

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nickel processing
From sulfide ores
In carbonyl refining, carbon monoxide is passed through the matte, yielding nickel and iron carbonyls [Ni(CO)₄ and Fe(CO)₅]. Nickel carbonyl is a very toxic and volatile vapour that, after purification, is decomposed on pure nickel pellets to produce nickel shot. Copper, sulfur, and precious metals remain…
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In carbonyl refining, carbon monoxide is passed through the matte, yielding nickel and iron carbonyls [Ni(CO)₄ and Fe(CO)₅]. Nickel carbonyl is a very toxic and volatile vapour that, after purification, is decomposed on pure nickel pellets to produce nickel shot. Copper, sulfur, and precious metals remain…
Read More