COBALT CHLORIDE

Pink to red solid with a slight sharp odor. Sinks and mixes with water. Pale blue leaflets, turns pink upon exposure to moist air.

none

Hygroscopic. Soluble in water.

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Toxic cobalt oxide fumes may form in fire. (USCG, 1999)

Inhalation causes respiratory disease, shortness of breath, and coughing; permanent disability may occur. Ingestion causes pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Contact causes irritation of eyes and may cause skin rash. (USCG, 1999)

A 0.2 molar aqueous solution has a pH of 4.6. COBALT CHLORIDE acts as a weakly acidic inorganic salt, which is soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydrogen ions and have pH's of less than 7.0. They react as acids to neutralize bases. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of inorganic acids, inorganic oxoacids, and carboxylic acid. They usually do not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible. Many of these compounds catalyze organic reactions. Potassium or sodium metals act to reduce metal halides, producing exothermic reactions, even explosions [Bretherick, 5th Ed., 1995].

• Salts, Acidic Inorganic/Organic

No information available.

No information available.

Rubber gloves; side-shield goggles; Bu. of Mines respirator; protective clothing (USCG, 1999)

INHALATION: move victim to fresh air; if breathing has stopped, begin artificial respiration and call a doctor.

INGESTION: give large amount of water; induce vomiting.

EYES: flush with water at least 15 min.; consult physician if irritation persists.

SKIN: flush with water. (USCG, 1999)

• COBALT (II) CHLORIDE
• COBALTOUS CHLORIDE
• COBALTOUS CHLORIDE DIHYDRATE
• COBALTOUS CHLORIDE HEXAHYDRATE