Properties of Cobalt (II) Sulfate
Chemical formula | CoSO4·(H2O)n (n=0,1,6,7) |
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IUPAC Name | Cobalt(II) sulfate |
Molar mass | 154.996 g/mol (anhydrous) 173.01 g/mol (monohydrate) 263.08 g/mol (hexahydrate) 281.103 g/mol (heptahydrate) |
Density | 3.71 g/cm3 (anhydrous) 3.075 g/cm3 (monohydrate) 2.019 g/cm3 (hexahydrate) 1.948 g/cm3 (heptahydrate) |
Appearance | Reddish crystalline (anhydrous, monohydrate) pink salt (hexahydrate) |
Odour | Odourless |
Melting point | 735 °C |
Cobalt (II) Sulfate Formula
Cobalt(II) sulfate also termed cobaltous sulfate or cobalt sulfate is a toxic and metallic salt. It is an inorganic compound whose chemical formula is CoSO4 or CoO4S. It is a sulfate compound that consists of cobalt (+2 oxidation state) and sulfate in the ratio of 1:1. It is an odourless, and rose-pink solid. It sinks and mixes with water while it slowly dissolves in boiling water. Its hydrates are heptahydrate, hexahydrate, and monohydrate. Heptahydrate of cobalt (II) sulfate is the most commonly available cobalt salt. This is insoluble in ammonia and soluble in methanol. On heating to 735 °C, it decomposes and produces toxic fumes of sulfur oxides. It is used in the manufacture of pigments, as a catalyst, as a paint and ink drier, and as a soil additive. It is also used as a supplement for Vitamin B12 deficiency and in storage batteries. Exposure to cobalt(II) sulfate may irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract, and also it may affect the lungs, heart, and kidneys.