Used as a Raney Ni hydrogenation catalyst in the synthesis of N-isopropyl-2,2-methylethyl-2-aminoethylamine at 70°C and a pressure of 2-3 MPa. Raney nickel catalyst (skeletal nickel) is widely used in many chemical and technological processes. Its main use is associated with reduction of compounds in the presence of hydrogen or a hydrogen source (e.g., hydrazine hydrate). Sometimes Raney alloy is used as a catalyst to accelerate the oxidation of organic compounds by atmospheric oxygen.
Among the compounds that can be reduced with skeletal nickel are alkenes, arenes, nitroso compounds, and others.