CAS Number: 7646-79-9
Linear Formula: CoCl2
Molecular Weight: 129.84
IUPAC Name: Cobalt(II) chloride
Other Names: Cobaltous chloride, Cobaltous chloride, Cobalt dichloride, Muriate of cobalt
Cobalt(II) chloride is an inorganic compound of cobalt and chlorine, with the formula CoCl2. It is usually supplied as the hexahydrate CoCl2·6H2O, which is one of the most commonly used cobalt compounds in the lab.
The hexahydrate is purple, whereas the anhydrous form is sky blue. Because of the ease of the hydration/dehydration reaction, and the resulting color change, cobalt chloride is used as an indicator for water in desiccants. Niche uses of cobalt chloride include its role in organic synthesis and electroplating objects with cobalt metal.
