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Cobalt

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Identification
Molecular formula
Co
CAS number
7440-48-4
IUPAC name
cobalt
State
State

At room temperature, cobalt is in a solid state. It is stable under standard conditions but can oxidize on exposure to air, forming a pinkish surface layer of cobalt oxide. It remains inert to diluted acids but can react with strong acids like sulfuric acid and nitric acid.

Melting point (Celsius)
1 495.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
1 768.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
2 927.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
3 200.00
General information
Molecular weight
58.93g/mol
Molar mass
58.9330g/mol
Density
8.8600g/cm3
Appearence

Cobalt is a hard, lustrous, silver-gray metal. It's a transition metal that is magnetic and resembles iron and nickel in appearance. When polished, cobalt has a reflective surface similar to that of chromium. The metal can appear bluish or silvery depending on the specific composition and treatment.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Cobalt Compounds

Cobalt itself, as an elemental metal, is not soluble in water. However, it's essential to consider the various compounds of cobalt, which can have diverse solubility properties. Some key points regarding the solubility of cobalt compounds include:

  • Cobalt(II) chloride (CoCl2): This is highly soluble in water, making it a common source of cobalt ions.
  • Cobalt(II) sulfate (CoSO4): Also exhibits good solubility in water, facilitating its use in various chemical processes.
  • Cobalt(II) carbonate (CoCO3): This compound is only sparingly soluble in water, limiting its use in aqueous solutions.
  • Cobalt(II) oxide (CoO): A solid that is generally insoluble in water, reflecting its stability in certain environments.

In general, the solubility of cobalt compounds is influenced by factors such as:

  • **Ionic nature:** Ionic compounds tend to dissolve more readily than covalent ones.
  • **Temperature:** Increased temperature often enhances solubility in many salts.
  • **pH of the solution:** The acidity or basicity of the solution can affect the solubility of certain cobalt salts.

In summary, while cobalt as an element is not soluble, many of its compounds are, showcasing the fascinating chemistry of cobalt and its interactions in various environments. To empirically understand these behaviors, consider that the statement "the solubility of a compound is not an absolute property but rather a range influenced by numerous factors" holds true, especially in the case of transition metals like cobalt.

Interesting facts

Cobalt: An Essential Element

Cobalt is a fascinating transition metal that plays a critical role in various applications and biological processes. Here are some interesting facts about this dynamic element:

  • Biological Importance: Cobalt is a key component of vitamin B12, which is essential for the production of red blood cells and DNA synthesis in humans.
  • Industrial Applications: This metal is widely used in the production of high-strength alloys, batteries (notably lithium-ion batteries), and catalysts in chemical reactions.
  • Color Properties: Cobalt compounds often exhibit vibrant blue colors, leading to their historical use in pigments for ceramics and glass. The deep blue pigment known as cobalt blue is a favorite among artists!
  • Mining and Extraction: Cobalt is primarily mined as a byproduct of nickel and copper extraction, predominantly in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo, which supplies a significant portion of the world's cobalt.
  • Radioisotope Applications: The isotope cobalt-60 is used in radiation therapy for cancer treatment and as a sterilizing agent for medical equipment due to its radioactive properties.

In addition to its industrial relevance, cobalt's presence in biological systems showcases its essential nature, making it a unique element that bridges both the natural world and advanced technology. As noted by chemists, "Cobalt embodies the intersection of beauty and function, reflecting both nature's artistry and human ingenuity."