Cobalt Nitrate Hexahydrate, Cobaltous Nitrate, Cobalt Nitrate, 10026‑22‑9

COBALT NITRATE HEXAHYDRATE (COBALT(II) NITRATE) 

Chemical Name: Cobalt(II) Nitrate Hexahydrate
CAS Number: 10026-22-9
EC Number: 233-402-1
UN Number: 1477 (Oxidizing substance)
Customs Tariff Code: 2834.29
HS Code: 283429

1. PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION AND CHEMICAL IDENTITY

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE AND DESCRIPTION:

Cobalt Nitrate Hexahydrate (Co(NO₃)₂·6H₂O) is the nitrate salt of cobalt in the +2 oxidation state, containing six molecules of water of crystallization. It is a red to pink-brown, hygroscopic crystalline solid with very high solubility in water. Cobalt nitrate is a strong oxidizer and is classified as toxic and suspected carcinogen. It is widely used in catalyst preparation, pigment production, ceramics and glass industry, and as a laboratory reagent.

Structural Features:

• Hexahydrate form (6 water molecules)

• Very high water solubility (134 g/100 mL, 20°C)

• Red to pink-brown appearance

• Hygroscopic

• Strong oxidizing properties

• Toxic and suspected carcinogen

2. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Cobalt Nitrate Hexahydrate is a red to pink-brown, hygroscopic crystalline solid with a molecular weight of 291.03 g/mol and density of approximately 1.88 g/cm³. It has very high solubility in water (134 g/100 mL, 20°C) and is soluble in ethanol. Aqueous solutions are acidic (pH ~4.0, 100 g/L). The compound is a strong oxidizer and must be stored away from combustible materials.

3. SOLUBILITY PROFILE

Cobalt Nitrate has very high solubility in water (134 g/100 mL, 20°C) and is soluble in ethanol and methanol. This property makes it an ideal precursor for aqueous processing, catalyst preparation, and various synthesis applications.

4. CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIONS

Cobalt Nitrate is a strong oxidizer that can support combustion when in contact with combustible materials. Upon heating, it decomposes to cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄) with the release of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and oxygen. In aqueous solution, it hydrolyzes to give an acidic solution. With ammonia, it forms the characteristic blue cobalt ammine complex.

Key Chemical Reactions:

Synthesis (Acid Dissolution):
CoO + 2HNO₃ → Co(NO₃)₂ + H₂O
Co + 4HNO₃ → Co(NO₃)₂ + 2NO₂↑ + 2H₂O

Thermal Decomposition:
3Co(NO₃)₂ → Co₃O₄ + 6NO₂↑ + O₂↑

Hydroxide Precipitation:
Co(NO₃)₂ + 2NaOH → Co(OH)₂ ↓ + 2NaNO₃

Ammonia Complex Formation:
Co(NO₃)₂ + 6NH₃ → Co(NH₃)₆₂ (blue color)

5. SPECIFICATIONS (REAGENT GRADE)

Cobalt Nitrate Hexahydrate is available in reagent grade (≥ 98%) and higher purity grades.

6. APPLICATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL USES

6.1. Catalyst Production (Most Important Application)

Cobalt Nitrate is a critical precursor for cobalt-based catalysts used in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, hydrogenation, and petroleum refining processes.

6.2. Pigment and Ceramic Production

Cobalt Nitrate is used in the production of cobalt pigments including cobalt blue and cobalt green. It is widely used as a colorant in the glass and ceramic industry.

6.3. Electroplating and Surface Treatment

6.4. Laboratory and Research Applications

7. SECTOR SUITABILITY TABLE

8. COMMON NAMES

• Cobalt nitrate

• Cobaltous nitrate

• Nitric acid cobalt(II) salt

• Cobalt(II) nitrate

• Red cobalt crystal

9. PRODUCTION PROCESS

Reaction Equation:
Co + 4HNO₃ → Co(NO₃)₂ + 2NO₂↑ + 2H₂O
or
CoO + 2HNO₃ → Co(NO₃)₂ + H₂O

Production Types: Reagent grade, high purity grade

Major Producing Countries: China, USA, Germany, Japan

Commercial Purity: Ranges from 98% to 99.99%

10. SAFETY AND TOXICOLOGY

SPECIAL WARNINGS: Cobalt Nitrate is a strong oxidizer, toxic, and suspected carcinogen . It may intensify fire when in contact with combustible materials. Harmful if swallowed (H302) . May cause cancer (H350) . May damage fertility or unborn child (H360) . Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H410) . Strict handling precautions are required.

11. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

Cobalt Nitrate is classified as an oxidizing substance (UN 1477) and is toxic and environmentally hazardous .

12. REGULATORY INFORMATION

Cobalt Nitrate is subject to regulatory controls due to its toxic and carcinogenic properties.

13. STORAGE AND HANDLING

Handling Notes:

• CRITICAL: This compound is a strong oxidizer, toxic, and suspected carcinogen. Strict safety protocols are required.

• Use only in well-ventilated areas with local exhaust ventilation (fume hood)

• Wear appropriate PPE: gloves, safety goggles, protective clothing, dust mask

• Avoid dust formation and inhalation

• Avoid skin and eye contact

• Wash hands thoroughly after handling

• Keep away from combustible materials, reducing agents, and organic substances

• Store in airtight containers away from moisture

14. FIRE-FIGHTING MEASURES

Cobalt Nitrate is not flammable but is a strong oxidizer that may intensify fire when in contact with combustible materials. Thermal decomposition may release toxic nitrogen oxides and cobalt oxide fumes.

15. ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES

In case of spillage, appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn. Due to its oxidizing and toxic nature, special precautions are required.

16. FIRST AID MEASURES

Special Notes:

• Cobalt compounds are toxic and may cause allergic reactions

• Medical personnel should be informed about cobalt compound exposure

• In case of ingestion, do not induce vomiting due to possible aspiration risk

17. SUMMARY AND CRITICAL WARNINGS

SUMMARY:

Cobalt Nitrate Hexahydrate (Co(NO₃)₂·6H₂O, CAS 10026-22-9) is a red to pink-brown, hygroscopic crystalline solid with a molecular weight of 291.03 g/mol and density of approximately 1.88 g/cm³. It has very high solubility in water (134 g/100 mL, 20°C) and is soluble in ethanol. Thermal decomposition yields cobalt oxide (Co₃O₄). Aqueous solutions are acidic (pH ~4.0).

Its most important applications include catalyst production, cobalt pigments (cobalt blue, cobalt green), ceramics and glass industry, and laboratory reagent.

The compound is classified as a strong oxidizer (UN 1477), toxic, and suspected carcinogen . It may intensify fire when in contact with combustible materials. Harmful if swallowed (H302) . May cause cancer (H350) . May damage fertility or unborn child (H360) . Very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H410) . Due to its hygroscopic nature, it must be stored in airtight containers away from combustible materials. Shelf life is approximately 2 years under proper storage conditions.

Key Properties:

Key Safety Points:

• OXIDIZER: UN 1477, Class 5.1, Packing Group II

• TOXIC: Harmful if swallowed (H302)

• CARCINOGEN: Category 1B, H350

• REPRODUCTIVE TOXIN: H360

• ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARD: H410

• HYGROSCOPIC: Must be stored in airtight containers

• PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Full PPE

Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. The information provided is based on available data and is believed to be accurate. However, the user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all applicable regulations and safety requirements. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with Cobalt Nitrate. This material is strictly for industrial and research use only.