The invention is directed to a pulverulent compound of the formula NiaM1bM2cOx(OH)y where M1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Zn, Cu and mixtures thereof, M2 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Al, Cr, B, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Si and mixtures thereof, 0.3≦a≦0.83, 0.1≦b≦0.5, 0.01≦c≦0.5, 0.01≦x≦0.99 and 1.01≦y≦1.99, wherein the ratio of tapped density measured in accordance with ASTM B 527 to the D50 of the particle size distribution measured in accordance with ASTM B 822 is at least 0.2 g/cm3·μm. The invention is also directed to a method for the production of the pulverulent compound and the use as a precursor material for producing lithium compounds for use in lithium secondary batteries.