Cobaltous chloride

Synonyms

Cobalt chloride (CoCl2); Cobalt muriate; Cobalt(II) chloride; Cobaltous dichloride; Dichlorocobalt; Kobalt chlorid (German); Cobalt dichloride; [ChemIDplus] UN3288

Category

Metals, Inorganic Compounds

Description

Pale-blue hygroscopic solid; Turns pink in moist air; [Merck Index] Blue granules with a chlorine-like smell and soluble in water; [MSDSonline]

Sources/Uses

Used in invisible inks, humidity indicators, temperature indicators, catalysts, electroplating, glass and porcelain pigments, fertilizers, feed additives, poison gas absorbents, and veterinary medication; [Merck Index] Used as a flux (magnesium refining), lubricant, and dye mordant; Also used in barometers and as a laboratory reagent; [Hawley]

Comments

An eye irritant; May cause skin sensitization and asthma after prolonged contact; [ICSC] The anhydrous form is very hygroscopic and converts into the hexahydrate form in moist air, changing color from blue to red. [Ullmann] Cobalt chloride is a potent allergen; [Kanerva, p. 506] See "Cobalt."

Biomedical References

Cobalt in urine = 15 ug/L; sample at end of shift at end of workweek;

0.02 mg/m3, as Co

Explanatory Notes

mp = 724 deg C;[MSDSonline]

Yes

Yes

Probable (2a)

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Asthma, occupational
• Contact dermatitis, allergic

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Electroplating
• Farming (Feed Additives)
• Glass Manufacturing
• Metal Preparation and Pouring
• Textiles (Printing, Dyeing, or Finishing)