Cobalt(II) acetate is the cobaltsalt of acetic acid. It is commonly found as the tetrahydrate Co(CH3CO2)2·4 H2O, abbreviated Co(OAc)2·4 H2O. It is used as a catalyst.
Synthesis and structure
Like many other transition metal acetates, cobalt(II) acetate forms by the reaction of cobalt oxide or hydroxide and acetic acid:
CoO + 2CH3CO2H + 3H2O → Co(CH3CO2)2·4 H2O
The tetrahydrate has been shown by X-ray crystallography to adopt an octahedral structure, the central cobalt centre being coordinated by four water molecules and two acetate ligands.[1] The analogous nickel acetate is isostructural.[2]
Various hydrates are known including Co(CH3CO2)2·H2O and [Co(CH3CO2)2]5·0.5 H2O.[3]
Reactions and uses
Cobalt acetate is a precursor to various oil drying agents, catalysts that allow paints and varnishes to harden.[4]
Anhydrous cobalt acetate is a widely used source of cobalt in the synthesis of materials,[5] catalyst,[6] and complexes.[7]
Oxidation of acetic acid solutions of cobalt(II) acetate, e.g. with ozone, gives cobalt(III) acetates, which are strong oxidants.[8]
^Van Niekerk, J. N.; Schoening, F. R. L. (1953). "The crystal structures of nickel acetate, Ni(CH3COO)2·4H2O, and cobalt acetate, Co(CH3COO)2·4H2O". Acta Crystallogr.6 (7): 609–612. doi:10.1107/S0365110X5300171X.
^Zhang, Gao; Lin, Jian; Guo, Dong-Wei; Yao, Shi-Yan; Tian, Yun-Qi (2010). "Infinite Coordination Polymers of One- and Two-dimensional Cobalt Acetates". Zeitschrift für Anorganische und Allgemeine Chemie. 636 (7): 1401–1404. doi:10.1002/zaac.200900457.
^John Dallas Donaldson, Detmar Beyersmann, "Cobalt and Cobalt Compounds" in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 2005. doi:10.1002/14356007.a07_281.pub2