Cobalt Chloride, Cobaltous Chloride, Cobalt Dichloride, Cobaltous Dichloride, Cobalt Muriate, Cobalt Chloride Anhydrous, Cobalt Chloride Hexahydrate, 7646-79-9, 7791-13-1

COBALT CHLORIDE (COBALT(II) CHLORIDE)

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

        Cl⁻
         |
    Co²⁺ — Cl⁻
    
    Cobalt Chloride (CoCl₂)
    Ionic Structure

Molecular Formula: CoCl₂
SMILES: Cl[Co]Cl
InChI: InChI=1S/2ClH.Co/h2*1H;/q;;+2/p-2
Crystal System: Hexagonal (anhydrous); Monoclinic (hexahydrate)

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: From Cobalt Hydroxide with Hydrochloric Acid (Industrial Method)

• Step 1 - Cobalt Hydroxide Production: Co + NaOH → Co(OH)₂ (from cobalt metal or cobalt salts)

• Step 2 - Acid-Base Reaction: Co(OH)₂ + 2HCl → CoCl₂ + 2H₂O

• Description: Cobalt hydroxide is produced from cobalt metal or cobalt salts; Reacted with hydrochloric acid to produce cobalt chloride; Most common industrial production method

Method 2: From Cobalt Oxide with Hydrochloric Acid

• Reaction: CoO + 2HCl → CoCl₂ + H₂O

• Description: Cobalt oxide is reacted with hydrochloric acid; Produces cobalt chloride solution; Evaporation yields cobalt chloride crystals

Method 3: From Cobalt Carbonate with Hydrochloric Acid

• Reaction: CoCO₃ + 2HCl → CoCl₂ + H₂O + CO₂

• Description: Cobalt carbonate is reacted with hydrochloric acid; Produces cobalt chloride solution; Evaporation and crystallization yields product

Method 4: Dehydration (Anhydrous Production)

• Process: CoCl₂·6H₂O → CoCl₂ (by heating at 120-130°C under vacuum)

• Description: Hexahydrate is heated at 120-130°C under vacuum to remove water; Produces anhydrous cobalt chloride; Dehydration temperature must be controlled to prevent decomposition

• Color Change: Pink (hexahydrate) → Blue (anhydrous)

SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION

SECTION 7: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

SECTION 8: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL GRADE)

Anhydrous (CoCl₂) Specifications

Hexahydrate (CoCl₂·6H₂O) 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), GHS06 (Skull and Crossbones), 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:

• Toxic if swallowed (H301). Harmful if inhaled (H332). Avoid ingestion and inhalation.

• Suspected carcinogen (H350i). 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.

• 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 high temperatures releasing toxic chlorine gas, hydrogen chloride, and cobalt oxide fumes.

• Incompatibilities: Keep away from strong oxidizing agents, alkali metals, powdered metals (aluminum, magnesium, zinc), and hydrazine.

• Anhydrous form is highly hygroscopic; hexahydrate effloresces in dry air. Store in moisture-proof containers.

• 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.

• Thermochromism: Color changes from blue (anhydrous) to pink (hydrated) - useful as humidity indicator.

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

• Storage temperature should be below 30°C. Keep locked up.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Humidity Indicator Applications: Use as moisture indicator in desiccants and humidity papers; Exploit reversible blue-to-pink color change; Ensure proper packaging to prevent premature hydration; Use in visible areas for easy color monitoring.

• Catalyst Preparation: Use as precursor for cobalt catalysts; Use in organic reactions with halides; Ensure consistent quality for reproducible catalytic activity; Store in dry conditions to maintain anhydrous form.

• Battery Production: Use as precursor for lithium-ion battery cathode materials; Combine with nickel and lithium compounds for advanced battery technologies; Maintain strict purity specifications (battery grade).

• Electroplating: Use in electroplating baths for corrosion-resistant coatings; Control bath concentrations for consistent plating quality; Ensure proper waste treatment and recycling.

• Textile Industry: Use as mordant in fabric dyeing; Prevents color bleeding and fixes dyes; Enhances color fastness; Follow appropriate concentration guidelines.

• 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.

• 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; Anhydrous form should be stored under inert gas or with desiccant.

• 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.

SPECIAL NOTE ON THERMOCHROMIC PROPERTY:

Cobalt chloride exhibits a reversible color change that makes it valuable for moisture indication:

• Anhydrous Form (CoCl₂): Blue color (indicates dry environment)

• Hexahydrate Form (CoCl₂·6H₂O): Pink color (indicates moist environment)

• Intermediate Hydrates: Various shades of violet/blue-pink

Color Change Mechanism:

• Hydration: Blue → Pink (absorbs water)

• Dehydration: Pink → Blue (releases water)

This property is used in:

• Humidity indicator cards

• Desiccant beads (e.g., silica gel color indicator)

• Weather instruments (barometers, hygrometers)

• Moisture detection in packaging

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.