Substance profile
Cobalt
Cobalt is a gray metal, hexagonal or cubic and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Cobalt is
Cobalt is a gray metal, hexagonal or cubic and is odorless. It boils at 2927 °C, melts at 1495 °C, is soluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
Other names for Cobalt
- Aco 4
- Aquacat
- C.I. 77320
- Co 0138E
- Cobalt Element
- Cobalt Fulleride (Coc20)
- Cobalt Metal Dust
- Cobalt Metal Fume
- Cobalt-59
- Super Cobalt
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H350 | May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H341 | Suspected of causing genetic defects <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H360F | May damage fertility. |
| H334 | May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled. |
| H317 | May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
| H413 | May cause long lasting harmful effects to aquatic life. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P261, P272, P273, P280, P308, P313, P333, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Cobalt properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 2927 °C (5300.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 3100 °C (5612 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 2870 °C (5198 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | 1495 °C (2723 °F) | HSDB | |
| 1493 °C (2719 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| Density | 8.92 g/cm³ | NIOSH | |
| 8.9 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Soluble in dilute acids | HSDB | |
| Readily soluble in dilute nitric acid | HSDB | ||
| Insoluble | NIOSH | ||
| Vapor pressure | 0 mmHg | approx | NIOSH |
| 0 mmHg | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | Noncombustible Solid in bulk form, but finely divided dust will burn at high temperatures. | NIOSH |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Cobalt
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Air sensitive. Handle and store under inert gas.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Incompatible materials: Oxidizing agents, mineral acids, acetylene, hydrazinium nitrate. Material readily reacts with acids generating flammable and/or explosive hydrogen gas.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Pyrophoric COBALT is a reducing agent. Decomposes acetylene in the cold as the metal becomes incandescent [Mellor 14:513(1946-1947]. Incompatible with oxidizing agents such as ammonium nitrate, bromine pentafluoride, and nitryl fluoride.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Cobalt in the storage compatibility matrix →
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