The key difference between cobalt oxide and cobalt carbonate is that cobalt oxide appears as a black powder, whereas cobalt carbonate appears as a pink-violet powder.
Cobalt oxide and cobalt carbonate are inorganic chemical compounds. These two compounds have different chemical and physical properties. At first sight, they appear in different colors, so we can name the appearance as the key difference between them.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Cobalt Oxide
3. What is Cobalt Carbonate
4. Side by Side Comparison – Cobalt Oxide vs Cobalt Carbonate in Tabular Form
5. Summary
What is Cobalt Oxide
Cobalt (II) oxide or cobalt monoxide is an inorganic compound having the chemical formula CoO. It appears as a black powder. However, we can sometimes observe it as olive green crystals or red crystals as well. This compound is extensively used in the ceramics industry as an additive for enamels. It is also important in the chemical industry for the production of cobalt (II) salts.
When considering the structure and properties of cobalt (II) oxide, it often gets the periclase structure, which resembles the structure of rock salt. At very low temperatures, this compound is antiferromagnetic. Furthermore, this compound is insoluble in water. It can react with mineral acids to form a corresponding salt compound.
Besides, there are different ways of producing cobalt (II) oxide. For example, cobalt (II,III) oxide undergo decomposition at very high temperatures and forms cobalt (II) oxide. For the production of commercially available cobalt (II) oxide, we can perform an electrolysis process using a solution of cobalt (II) chloride. In addition to that, we can produce cobalt (II) oxide via the precipitation of hydroxide followed by thermal dehydration.
Figure 01: Cobalt (II) Oxide Structure
Moreover, there are different applications of cobalt (II) oxide. It is important as a coloring agent in kiln-fired pottery production. This additive provides the product with a deep blue color named cobalt blue. Therefore, it is also used in the production of cobalt blue glass.
What is Cobalt Carbonate?
Cobalt carbonate or cobalt (II) carbonate is an inorganic compound having the chemical formula CoCO3. It is a pink-violet powder that resembles the color of permanganate. We can prepare this compound by combining solutions of cobalt (II) sulfate and sodium bicarbonate. Cobalt carbonate has the structure of calcite where the cobalt atoms are in an octahedral coordination geometry.
Figure 02: Appearance of Cobalt Carbonate
Moreover, this compound takes part in different chemical reactions due to the presence of carbonate anion. Heating this carbonate gives partial oxide products along with carbon dioxide. The resultant partially oxidized compound then reversibly converts into cobalt (II) oxide at high temperatures. This compound is also insoluble in water. But it is readily attacked by mineral acids.
There are several applications of cobalt carbonate. It is the precursor for the production of cobalt carbonyl and many other cobalt salts. It is also an ingredient in dietary supplements because cobalt is an essential element. Moreover, it is a precursor for blue pottery glaze.
What is the Difference Between Cobalt Oxide and Cobalt Carbonate?
Cobalt (II) oxide or cobalt monoxide is an inorganic compound having the chemical formula CoO while Cobalt carbonate or cobalt (II) carbonate is an inorganic compound having the chemical formula CoCO3. The key difference between cobalt oxide and cobalt carbonate is that cobalt oxide appears as a black powder, whereas cobalt carbonate appears as a pink-violet powder.
Below infographic lists more differences between cobalt oxide and cobalt carbonate.
Summary – Cobalt Oxide vs Cobalt Carbonate
Cobalt oxide or cobalt (II) oxide and cobalt (II) carbonate contain cobalt metal ion having +2 oxidation state. The key difference between cobalt oxide and cobalt carbonate is that cobalt oxide appears as a black powder, whereas cobalt carbonate appears as a pink-violet powder.
Reference:
1. Cobalt(II) carbonate. (2020, June 08). Retrieved August 26, 2020, from Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “NaCl polyhedra” By Solid State – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Cobalt(2) carbonate” By Roterham – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
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