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Co42%
W&Q
1. Molecular Formula: CoCl2
2. Property: Anhydrous cobalt(II) chloride is a cobalt salt with the chemical formula CoCl₂, existing as a fine, hygroscopic blue powder or crystalline solid. It is the water-free form of cobalt chloride, widely valued in industrial and laboratory applications for its high reactivity, catalytic properties, and role as a moisture-sensitive indicator.
3. Sepcification(%):
Co | 42min |
Fe | 0.002max |
Ni | 0.002max |
As | 0.002max |
Pb | 0.002max |
Cu | 0.002max |
Mn | 0.002max |
W.I.M | 0.02max |

W&Q's Anhydrous cobalt(II) chloride is a cobalt salt with the chemical formula CoCl₂, existing as a fine, hygroscopic blue powder or crystalline solid. It is the water-free form of cobalt chloride, widely valued in industrial and laboratory applications for its high reactivity, catalytic properties, and role as a moisture-sensitive indicator.
Color: Vivid sky-blue to deep blue in its anhydrous state.
Hygroscopicity: Highly hygroscopic — readily absorbs moisture from air, gradually converting to the pink hexahydrate form (CoCl₂·6H₂O).
Solubility: Soluble in water, alcohols, acetone, and other polar solvents. Dissolution in water is exothermic and results in a pink solution due to hydration.
W&Q's Anhydrous cobalt(II) chloride is a specialized and high-value form of cobalt chloride, offering distinct advantages in applications where water content must be minimized and reactivity maximized.
1. Maximum Cobalt Concentration & Cost Efficiency in Synthesis
With a cobalt content of approximately 42% by weight — nearly double that of the hexahydrate form (~24.7% Co) — it delivers the highest concentration of cobalt per unit mass. This makes it the most material- and cost-efficient cobalt source for synthesis where final product stoichiometry and purity are critical, reducing transportation and handling costs for the active component.
2. Essential for Water-Sensitive Chemical Reactions
Its complete absence of water of crystallization makes it indispensable as a precursor or catalyst in anhydrous or moisture-sensitive chemical processes. This is crucial in:
Organometallic synthesis and Grignard-type reactions, where even trace water can quench the reaction.
Preparation of other anhydrous cobalt compounds and coordination complexes.
Acting as a mild Lewis acid catalyst in organic transformations (e.g., Friedel-Crafts reactions) where water would deactivate the catalyst or cause side reactions.
3. Superior Performance as a Desiccant and Dryer
Due to its high hygroscopicity and dramatic color change (blue to pink), it serves as an excellent visual desiccant for gases and organic solvents. Its ability to irreversibly bind water molecules (forming the hydrate) makes it effective for drying processes where the indicator property provides a clear endpoint for saturation.
4. Critical for Specialized Electroplating and Materials Science
In electroplating and the deposition of functional cobalt films (e.g., for magnetic or wear-resistant coatings), the anhydrous form allows for precise control of bath chemistry. It eliminates the variable of hydration water, enabling more consistent and reproducible results in advanced manufacturing and materials research.
5. Definitive Indicator for Rigorous Humidity Detection
While the hexahydrate is used in common humidity cards, anhydrous CoCl₂ is the starting material of choice for preparing high-sensitivity, laboratory-grade humidity indicators. Its pristine, water-free state ensures the most accurate and responsive calibration for detecting very low levels of moisture.
6. High Purity Starting Point
As the foundational material from which hydrates are often produced, high-purity grades of anhydrous CoCl₂ guarantee a low-impurity starting point for manufacturing other cobalt chemicals, ensuring final product quality in pharmaceuticals, electronics, and catalysis.
Catalysis & Chemical Synthesis
Used as a Lewis acid catalyst in organic reactions (e.g., Friedel–Crafts alkylation, oxidation processes) and as a precursor to other cobalt complexes and coordination compounds.
Moisture Indicator
Incorporated into self-indicating desiccants (e.g., silica gel) and humidity test cards. The blue-to-pink transition provides a visual warning of moisture exposure.
Electroplating & Surface Treatment
Serves as a cobalt ion source in electroplating baths for depositing hard, wear-resistant, or magnetic cobalt coatings, especially where low water content is critical.
Laboratory Reagent
A common desiccant and drying agent for organic solvents, and a source of anhydrous Co⊃2;⁺ ions in synthetic and analytical chemistry.
Gas Purification & Absorption
Sometimes used in gas masks and air purification systems to absorb specific gases (e.g., ammonia) due to its selective reactivity.
What is W&Q's anhydrous cobalt(II) chloride?
A: Anhydrous cobalt(II) chloride is the water-free form of cobalt chloride, appearing as a fine, hygroscopic blue powder or crystals. Its chemical formula is CoCl₂.
What is the key difference between anhydrous and hydrated (e.g., hexahydrate) forms?
A: The core difference is the absence of water molecules in the crystal structure. This results in:
Color: Anhydrous is blue; hexahydrate (CoCl₂·6H₂O) is pink/red.
Cobalt Content: Anhydrous has ~42% Co (higher concentration); hexahydrate has ~24.0% Co.
Primary Use: Anhydrous is critical for water-sensitive chemistry and synthesis; the hydrate is used for indicators and general-purpose applications.
Why does it change color when exposed to air?
A: It is highly hygroscopic. Upon absorbing moisture from air, it undergoes a hydration reaction:
CoCl₂ (blue) + 6H₂O → CoCl₂·6H₂O (pink). This reversible reaction makes it a sensitive humidity indicator.
What are the main uses of anhydrous CoCl₂?
A: Its applications leverage its dryness and high cobalt content:
Catalysis: As a Lewis acid catalyst in organic synthesis (e.g., Friedel-Crafts reactions).
Chemical Precursor: For synthesizing other anhydrous cobalt compounds and organometallic complexes.
Desiccant: As a drying agent for gases and organic solvents, with visual indication.
Specialized Electroplating: Where precise, water-free bath composition is required.
High-sensitivity Humidity Indicators: As the active component in laboratory-grade sensors.
W&Q stand out as a leading supplier of Cobalt chloride, backed by our expertise in fine chemicals and customer focus:
• We offer a full product line of cobalt, nickel, copper, fluoride, tungsten, and rare earth compounds—so you can source all your industrial chemicals from a single, reliable supplier.
• Our team includes professional technical personnel who provide tailored support, from helping you optimize rubber formulations to troubleshooting application issues.
• We adhere to the business philosophy of “breaking old rules and embracing innovation,” constantly improving our production processes to enhance product quality and reduce costs.
• We provide excellent after-sales service, ensuring you are satisfied with your order—if you have questions or concerns, our team responds promptly.
• With over 40 key products covering industry, agriculture, pharmacy, and feed sectors, we understand the unique needs of rubber manufacturers and can adapt to your specific requirements.