Cobalt (III) oxide

From Sciencemadness Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
Cobalt(III) oxide
Names
IUPAC name
Cobalt(III) oxide
Properties
Co2O3
Molar mass 165.8646 g/mol
Appearance Black solid
Density 5.18 g/cm3
Melting point 895 °C (1,643 °F; 1,168 K)
Boiling point Decomposes
Almost insoluble
Thermochemistry
-577 kJ/mol
Hazards
Safety data sheet Sigma-Aldrich
Flash point Non-flammable
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Cobalt (III) oxide is a compound of cobalt (III) with a formula of Co2O3. It greatly resembles manganese dioxide in its properties, and an inexperienced chemist couldn't even tell them apart without knowing which is which beforehand.

Properties

Physical

Cobalt (III) oxide is a black powder which is insoluble in water.

Chemical

It is a somewhat effective oxidizer, it reacts with reducing agents. It does not react with acids or alkalis in aqueous solutions. Again, its properties are almost the same as manganese dioxide. It even has the exact same reaction with hydrogen peroxide.

Avalability

Cobalt(III) oxide is a component in some types of hopcalites (used in gas masks to protect against carbon monoxide).

Cobalt(III) oxide is classified as "Substance of very high concern" in the European Union and the sale of this compound is regulated, making it difficult to obtain. This regulation applies to all cobalt compounds.

Preparation

It can be made by oxidizing cobalt (II) compounds. Aurora Nikolaeva (Sciencemadness user ave369) prepared it by oxidizing cobalt (II) hydroxide (freshly precipitated) by sodium hypochlorite alkalinized by potassium hydroxide. It precipitates as a fine black powder.

Projects

  • Make percobaltates

Handling

Safety

You should treat this compound with the same level of respect as any other heavy metal oxide.

Storage

It should be stored in glass containers.

Disposal

Not much is known about this oxide's danger to the environment, but such danger is likely to exist.

References

Relevant Sciencemadness threads