Substance profile
Cobalt diacetate
Cobalt diacetate is light pink crystals with a vinegar-like odor.
01 · Identification
What Cobalt diacetate is
Cobalt diacetate is light pink crystals with a vinegar-like odor. Its molecular formula is C4H6CoO4 and its molecular weight is 177.02 g/mol. It melts at 140 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger.
Other names for Cobalt diacetate
- cobalt di(acetate)
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 |
|---|---|
| H350i | May cause cancer by inhalation. |
| 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. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P201, P261, P272, P273, P280, P308, P313, P333, P391, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Cobalt diacetate 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | 140 °C (284 °F) | CAMEO | |
| 298 °C (568.4 °F) | decomposes, decomposes | HSDB | |
| Density | 1.71 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO |
| Solubility | Readily soluble in water | HSDB | |
| Soluble in alcohol and dilute acids | HSDB | ||
| 2.1 parts by wt (of the formula wt)/100 parts methanol by wt at 15 °C | at 15 °C | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Fire and explosion
Fire and explosion behaviour of Cobalt diacetate
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Fire and explosion
Reacts with strong oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard. /Tetrahydrate ("The recommendations on this Card also apply to Cobalt (II) acetate anhydrous (CAS 71-48-7).")/
Source: HSDB
Physical behaviour
Intense red monoclinic, prismatic crystals; density 1.705; on heating becomes anhydrous by 140 °C; soluble in water, alcohols, dilute acids, and pentyl acetate; pH of 0.2 molar aqueous solution: 6.8 /Cobalt(2+) acetate tetrahydrate/
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Cobalt diacetate
Storage conditions
Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Hygroscopic. Storage class (TRGS 510): Non-combustible, acute toxic Cat.3 / toxic hazardous materials or hazardous materials causing chronic effects
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Reacts with strong oxidants causing fire and explosion hazard. /Tetrahydrate ("The recommendations on this Card also apply to Cobalt (II) acetate anhydrous (CAS 71-48-7).")/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Salts, basic, such as COBALT ACETATE, are generally soluble in water. The resulting solutions contain moderate concentrations of hydroxide ions and have pH's greater than 7.0. They react as bases to neutralize acids. These neutralizations generate heat, but less or far less than is generated by neutralization of the bases in reactivity group 10 (Bases) and the neutralization of amines. They usually do not react as either oxidizing agents or reducing agents but such behavior is not impossible.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Cobalt diacetate in the storage compatibility matrix →