Cobalt Sulfate, Cobaltous Sulfate, Cobalt Sulfate Anhydrate, Cobalt Sulfate Heptahydrate, 10124-43-3, 10026-24-1

COBALT SULFATE (COBALT(II) SULFATE)

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

        O
        ||
    Co²⁺ — O—S—O⁻
             ||
             O

    Cobalt Sulfate (CoSO₄)
    Ionic Structure

Molecular Formula: CoSO₄
SMILES: S(=O)(=O)(O)O.[Co] (anhydrous)
InChI: InChI=1S/Co.H2O4S.H2O/c;1-5(2,3)4;/h;(H2,1,2,3,4);1H2/q+2;;/p-2
Crystal System: Orthorhombic (anhydrous); Monoclinic (heptahydrate) 

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DEFINITION

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 3: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY

SECTION 4: COMPARISON OF COMMON COBALT COMPOUNDS

SECTION 5: PRODUCTION METHODS

Method 1: Metallic Cobalt with Sulfuric Acid

• Reaction: Co + H₂SO₄ + 7H₂O → CoSO₄·7H₂O + H₂

• Description: Metallic cobalt is dissolved in dilute sulfuric acid; Produces cobalt sulfate heptahydrate; Most common industrial method 

Method 2: Cobalt Oxide with Sulfuric Acid

• Reaction: CoO + H₂SO₄ + 6H₂O → CoSO₄·7H₂O

• Description: Cobalt oxide is reacted with sulfuric acid; Followed by crystallization; Widely used production method 

Method 3: From Cobalt Hydroxide or Carbonate

• Reaction: Co(OH)₂ + H₂SO₄ → CoSO₄ + 2H₂O

• Reaction: CoCO₃ + H₂SO₄ → CoSO₄ + H₂O + CO₂

• Description: Cobalt hydroxide or carbonate is reacted with sulfuric acid; Produces cobalt sulfate solution; Purified by crystallization 

Method 4: Refining from Cobalt Chloride Solution (Advanced Process)

• Process Steps: Copper removal (sulfiding) → Neutralization (cobalt hydroxide precipitation) → Leaching with sulfuric acid → Solvent extraction (removal of Zn, Mn, Ca) → Crystallization

• Description: High-purity cobalt sulfate solution is produced from cobalt chloride solution through sequential impurity removal steps 

SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION

SECTION 7: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

SECTION 8: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL GRADE)

Anhydrous (CoSO₄) Specifications

Heptahydrate (CoSO₄·7H₂O) Specifications

SECTION 9: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

SECTION 10: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

GHS Classification (Compliant with CLP and UN GHS):

Signal Word: DANGER

Hazard Pictograms: GHS08 (Health Hazard), GHS07 (Exclamation Mark), GHS09 (Environment)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:

SECTION 11: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

SECTION 12: FIRST AID MEASURES

SECTION 13: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

SECTION 14: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

SECTION 15: PACKAGING OPTIONS

SECTION 16: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

SECTION 17: REGULATORY STATUS

SECTION 18: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

SECTION 19: SUMMARY TABLE

SECTION 20: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• Suspected carcinogen (H350i/H351). Cobalt salts are possibly carcinogenic to humans. Avoid inhalation exposure.

• May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled (H334). Respiratory sensitizer. Use appropriate respiratory protection.

• May cause allergic skin reaction (H317). Skin sensitizer. Avoid skin contact.

• May damage fertility or the unborn child (H360F/H361). Handle with extreme caution.

• Suspected of causing genetic defects (H341). Avoid exposure.

• Harmful if swallowed (H302). Do not ingest.

• Causes serious eye irritation (H319). Use eye protection.

• Very toxic to aquatic life (H400). Prevent environmental release. Do not discharge into water sources. 

• Not combustible but decomposes at 735°C releasing toxic sulfur oxide fumes.

• Incompatibilities: Keep away from strong oxidizing agents, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and aluminum.

• Anhydrous form is hygroscopic; heptahydrate effloresces in dry air.

• Sensitization Risk: Once sensitized to cobalt, even very low level exposure can trigger severe allergic reactions (asthma, dermatitis). Symptoms of asthma may be delayed for several hours. 

• Hygiene Requirement: Contaminated clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace. 

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Battery Production: Use as precursor for NCM/NCA cathode materials; Maintain strict purity specifications (≥99.5% for battery grade); Control iron, copper, and calcium levels carefully as they interfere with battery performance; Use high-purity starting materials for optimal electrode material quality. 

• Ceramics and Glass Industry: Use as pigment/colorant for porcelain and ceramic glazes; Control particle size for consistent color development; Store in moisture-proof containers to prevent hydration changes.

• Catalyst Preparation: Use as precursor for hydrogenation and oxidation catalysts; Maintain consistent quality and activity through controlled conditions.

• Animal Feed / Agriculture: Use as trace element supplement for cobalt (vitamin B12 precursor) in animal nutrition; Follow local regulations for permitted cobalt levels in feed; Use food-grade quality for feed applications.

• Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas or under fume hoods; Avoid creating dust; Use enclosed, controlled processes where possible; Wear chemical-resistant gloves, protective goggles, face shield, and appropriate respiratory protection. 

• Personal Protective Equipment: Wear impermeable gloves (butyl rubber, neoprene, nitrile), chemical safety goggles, full-face shield, protective clothing, and NIOSH-approved particulate filter respirator. P281 requires use of personal protective equipment as required.

• Hygiene: Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using; Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Do not take contaminated working clothes home; Shower at the end of the work shift. 

• Storage: Store in tightly closed, properly labeled containers in dry conditions; Keep away from heat, direct sunlight, and incompatible substances; Store in area without drain or sewer access. 

• Spill Response: Avoid raising dust; Wear full PPE; Moisten first to prevent dusting; Sweep spilled substance into covered containers; Carefully collect remainder; Do not allow to enter drains or waterways; Place in properly labeled closed containers; Use vacuum system with HEPA filter if possible. 

• Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; Do not discharge into sewers or water sources; Cobalt salts are regulated as hazardous waste; Ensure waste container disposal complies with environmental regulations. 

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, this document does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing suitability for their own applications. For complete safety, storage, handling, transportation, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.