C

Cobalt(II) chloride

IUPAC: cobalt(2+) dichloride

CoCl2 Salts CAS 7646-79-9
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Quick Reference
Formula / NotationCoCl2
CAS Number7646-79-9
Molecular Weight129.84
Melting Point187 °F (USCG, 1999)
Boiling Point1049 °C
Density1.924 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
SolubilitySoluble in water
AppearanceCobalt chloride is a pink to red solid with a slight sharp odor. Sinks and mixes with water. Pale blue leaflets, turns pink upon exposure to moist air.
Also Known Ascobalt(2+) dichloride; Dichlorocobalt; Cobalt dichloride; COBALTOUS CHLORIDE; Cobalt muriate; Cobaltous dichloride; Cobaltous chloride anhydrous; Cobalt(2+) chloride; Kobalt chlorid; Cobaltum muriaticum
CategorySalts

What is Cobalt(II) chloride?

Cobalt dichloride is a cobalt salt in which the cobalt metal is in the +2 oxidation state and the counter-anion is chloride. It is used as an indicator for water in desiccants. It has a role as a sensitiser, a calcium channel blocker, a two-colour indicator and an allergen. It is a cobalt salt and an inorganic chloride. It contains a cobalt(2+).

Formula & Notation

CoCl2

IUPAC Name: cobalt(2+) dichloride

Other Names / Synonyms: cobalt(2+) dichloride; Dichlorocobalt; Cobalt dichloride; COBALTOUS CHLORIDE; Cobalt muriate; Cobaltous dichloride; Cobaltous chloride anhydrous; Cobalt(2+) chloride; Kobalt chlorid; Cobaltum muriaticum

Properties & Characteristics

Appearance: Cobalt chloride is a pink to red solid with a slight sharp odor. Sinks and mixes with water. Pale blue leaflets, turns pink upon exposure to moist air.. Molecular formula: Cl2Co. Molecular weight: 129.84 g/mol. Boiling point: 1049 °C. Melting point: 187 °F (USCG, 1999). Density: 1.924 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink. Solubility: Soluble in water. Vapor pressure: VP: 10 kPa (75 mm Hg) at 818 °C; 100 kPa (750 mm Hg) at 1048 °C.

Physical Data

PropertyValue
Melting Point187 °F (USCG, 1999)
Boiling Point1049 °C
Density1.924 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink
Molecular Weight129.84
SolubilitySoluble in water
AppearanceCobalt chloride is a pink to red solid with a slight sharp odor. Sinks and mixes with water. Pale blue leaflets, turns pink upon exposure to moist air.

Uses & Applications

Used in food preservation, water treatment, chemical synthesis, fertilizers, and pharmaceutical applications.

Safety Information

Irritant or toxic depending on specific salt. Some salts are oxidising agents or toxic to aquatic environments. Consult SDS before use.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Cobalt(II) chloride
Formula CoCl2
CAS Number 7646-79-9
Molecular Weight 129.84
Category Salts
Synonyms cobalt(2+) dichloride; Dichlorocobalt; Cobalt dichloride; COBALTOUS CHLORIDE; Cobalt muriate; Cobaltous dichloride; Cobaltous chloride anhydrous; Cobalt(2+) chloride; Kobalt chlorid; Cobaltum muriaticum

Frequently Asked Questions

Cobalt dichloride is a cobalt salt in which the cobalt metal is in the +2 oxidation state and the counter-anion is chloride. It is used as an indicator for water in desiccants. It has a role as a sensitiser, a calcium channel blocker, a two-colour indicator and an allergen. It is a cobalt salt and an inorganic chloride. It contains a cobalt(2+).

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.