Cobalt. Number 27. Co. Atomic weight: 58.9332.
Electron Configuration
Melting Point
Boiling Point
Density
Color
Physical State at Room Temperature
Common Ion Charges
Reactions
Common Compounds
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[Ar] 4s2 3d7
1495 °C
2927 °C
8900 kg m^-3
lustrous, grey tinge metallic
Solid
Co2+, Co3+
Water has little effect upon cobalt, cobalt and bromine make CoBr2, Cobalt reacts with dilute sulphuric acids to form the complex ion [Co(OH2)6]^2. Cobalt does not react with air much but when heated, it will form Co3O4
Cobalt diflouride, Cobalt triflouride, Cobalt tetraflouride, Cobalt dichloride, Cobalt trichloride, Cobalt dichloride dihydrate, Cobalt dibromide, Cobalt oxide, Dicobalt trioxide, Trichloride tetraoxide,
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Discovery: Cobalt was discovered by Georg Brandt in Sweden in 1739. He discovered it while demonstrating that the blue color in glass was not from bismuth but instead was from a different element. Cobalt comes from the German word "kobald" which means "goblin" or "evil spirit". Cobalt occurs naturally in ores and is found in crustal rocks or on meteorites. Cobalt is ferromagnetic (has magnetic properties like iron).
Uses: Cobalt is used in alloys with iron and nickel for use as aircraft engine parts or gas turbine generators. Its salts are used for its blue color for glass and ceramics. Cobalt-60 is used in cancer treatment and also as a tracer. It is also used in batteries and and for electroplating because of its hardness and resistance to corrosion. Cobalt is essential to living animals, as it is central to vitamin B12.
Hazards: Most cobalt compounds are slightly toxic by skin contact and also toxic by ingestion,and some may be carcinogenic. Cobalt metal powder is a fire hazard.
Uses: Cobalt is used in alloys with iron and nickel for use as aircraft engine parts or gas turbine generators. Its salts are used for its blue color for glass and ceramics. Cobalt-60 is used in cancer treatment and also as a tracer. It is also used in batteries and and for electroplating because of its hardness and resistance to corrosion. Cobalt is essential to living animals, as it is central to vitamin B12.
Hazards: Most cobalt compounds are slightly toxic by skin contact and also toxic by ingestion,and some may be carcinogenic. Cobalt metal powder is a fire hazard.