Cobalt nitrate

Chemical properties

Red crystals. Deliquescent in moist air. Soluble in most organic solvents.

Physical properties

The hexahydrate is red monoclinic crystal; deliquescent in moist air; density 1.87 g/cm³; decomposes at 55°C, losing three molecules of water; decomposes to green cobalt(II) oxide on further heating at 74°C; very soluble in water (134 g/100mL at 0°C); also soluble in alcohols and acetone. The anhydrous salt is pale red powder; density 2.49 g/cm³; decomposes around 100°C; soluble in water.

The Uses of Cobalt nitrate

Sympathetic inks, cobalt pigments, catalysts, additive to soils and animal feeds, vitamin preparations, hair dyes, porcelain decoration.

The Uses of Cobalt nitrate

Cobalt(II) Dinitrate is mainly reduced to metallic high purity cobalt used for catalysis reactions.

Definition

ChEBI: A cobalt salt in which the cobalt metal is in the +2 oxidation state and the counter-anion is nitrate.

Preparation

Cobalt(II) nitrate is prepared by treating the metal, or its oxide, hydroxide or carbonate with dilute nitric acid. The solution on evaporation yields red crystals of hexahydrate:
Co + 2HNO₃ → Co(NO₃)₂ + H₂
Co(OH)₂+ 2HNO₃ → Co(NO₃)₂ + 2H₂O
CoCO₃+ 2HNO₃→ Co(NO₃)₂ + CO₂ + H₂O.

General Description

Odorless red solid. Sinks and mixes with water.

Air & Water Reactions

Water soluble.

Reactivity Profile

Mixtures of metal/nonmetal nitrates with alkyl esters may explode, owing to the formation of alkyl nitrates; mixtures a nitrate with phosphorus, tin (II) chloride or other reducing agents may react explosively [Bretherick, 1979 p. 108-109].

Hazard

Oxidizing agent, dangerous fire risk in contact with organic materials.

Health Hazard

Inhalation causes shortness of breath and coughing; permanent disability may occur. Ingestion causes pain and vomiting. Contact with eyes or skin causes irritation.

Flammability and Explosibility

Not classified