Cobalt Carbonate

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Cobalt Carbonate is a rose-red to purplish powder with a metal content of approximately 46% cobalt by weight. It is an inorganic compound primarily used as a source of cobalt, either as a raw material in chemical synthesis or as a micronutrient in various formulations. It is slightly soluble in water and decomposes upon heating, releasing carbon dioxide and leaving cobalt oxide (CoO). Cobalt Carbonate is used in ceramics, catalysts, animal nutrition, batteries, and metal surface treatments. Its controlled release of cobalt makes it useful in both industrial and biological applications.

Description

Cobalt Carbonate Uses

Primary Uses 

  1. Animal Nutrition (Feed Grade)
  • Used as a trace mineral supplement in animal feeds, especially for ruminants (cattle, sheep).

  • Provides cobalt, an essential component of vitamin B12 synthesis by rumen microbes.

  • Helps improve digestion and nutrient absorption, especially in livestock grazing on cobalt-deficient soils.

  • Typically added to mineral premixes or feed blocks.

  1. Catalysts & Chemical Synthesis
  • Intermediate for the production of cobalt-based catalysts used in:

    • Fischer–Tropsch synthesis

    • Hydrodesulfurization

    • Oxidation and hydrogenation reactions

  • Converts to cobalt oxide (CoO or Co₃Oâ‚„) upon heating, which is used in various catalytic processes.

  1. Pigments & Ceramics
  • Used in the production of cobalt blue and other ceramic pigments.

  • Provides vivid color and thermal stability in glazes, enamels, and frits.

  • Acts as a colorant in glass manufacturing and pottery.

  1. Battery Materials
  • Acts as a precursor to cobalt salts and oxides used in lithium-ion battery cathodes (e.g., LiCoOâ‚‚).

  • Used in laboratory research and development of rechargeable battery technologies.

 

Secondary Uses

  1. Electroplating & Surface Treatment
  • Source of cobalt ions in electroplating baths for producing hard, wear-resistant, and corrosion-resistant surfaces.

  • Used in passivation and conversion coatings for metal finishing industries.

  1. Fertilizers (Micronutrient Source)
  • Sometimes added to specialty fertilizers for soil enrichment where cobalt deficiency affects plant-microbe interactions.

  • Promotes nitrogen fixation in leguminous crops by supporting Rhizobium bacteria.

  1. Laboratory Reagent
  • Used in analytical chemistry for cobalt ion preparation and related reactions.

  • Reacts with acids to form various cobalt salts (e.g., cobalt chloride, sulfate, nitrate).

  1. Glass Manufacturing
  • Used to color glass blue or pink, depending on the formulation and furnace conditions.

Provides oxidation resistance and heat stability in specialty glass products.

PRODUCT KEY FEATURES

1. Basic Identification Attributes

  • Chemical Name (IUPAC): Cobalt(II) carbonate

  • Common/Trade Name: Cobalt Carbonate 46%

  • CAS Number: 513-79-1

  • HS Code: 2836.99.00

  • Molecular Formula: CoCO₃

  • Molecular Weight: 118.94 g/mol

  • Synonyms:

    • Cobaltous carbonate

    • Co(II) carbonate

    • Carbonic acid, cobalt(2+) salt

 

2. Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Physical State: Powder

  • Color & Odor: Rose-red to purple; odorless

  • Solubility:

    • Slightly soluble in water

    • Soluble in acids (releasing COâ‚‚)

  • Density: ~3.7 g/cm³

  • Melting Point: Decomposes before melting (~300°C)

  • Decomposition: Yields CoO and COâ‚‚ upon heating

  • Cobalt Content: ~46%

  • pH (in water): Slightly alkaline

  • Stability: Stable under normal storage; sensitive to strong acids

 

3. Safety & Hazard Attributes

  • Hazard Class (GHS):

    • Acute toxicity (oral, inhalation)

    • Skin sensitizer

    • Carcinogen (Category 2)

    • Environmental hazard (Aquatic chronic)

  • NFPA Ratings:

    • Health: 2

    • Flammability: 0

    • Reactivity: 0

  • Exposure Limits:

    • OSHA PEL (as cobalt): 0.1 mg/m³ (TWA)

    • ACGIH TLV: 0.02 mg/m³ (TWA, inhalable)

  • Toxicity: Harmful if swallowed or inhaled; may cause allergic skin or respiratory reactions

  • Reactivity: Reacts with acids to release COâ‚‚

 

4. Storage & Handling Attributes

  • Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from acids and moisture

  • Container Type: Fiber drums, HDPE containers with liners

  • Shelf Life: Up to 2 years under proper conditions

  • Special Handling:

    • Avoid dust formation

    • Use proper ventilation

    • Avoid contact with skin and eyes

 

5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

  • FDA Status: Not approved for direct human consumption

  • REACH Status: Registered under EU regulations

  • RoHS/ELV: Subject to restrictions depending on application

  • Transportation: Not classified as a dangerous good for transport (in powder form)

  • Waste Disposal: Dispose as hazardous waste according to local, national, and international regulations

 

6. Environmental & Health Impact

  • Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms with long-lasting effects

  • Persistence: May persist in soils and aquatic sediments

  • Bioaccumulation: Moderate potential for bioaccumulation

  • Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Suspected human carcinogen (IARC Group 2B)

  • Biodegradability: Not applicable (inorganic compound)

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
  • Safety Handling Precautions

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

  • Chemical-resistant gloves

  • Safety goggles or face shield

  • Dust mask or respirator (for airborne powder)

  • Protective clothing

Handling Measures:

  • Avoid generating or breathing dust

  • Use only with adequate ventilation

  • Wash hands thoroughly after handling

Storage Measures:

  • Keep container tightly closed when not in use

  • Store away from acids and moisture sources

Hygiene Practices:

  • Do not eat, drink, or smoke while handling

  • Decontaminate clothing and equipment after use

 

First Aid Measures

  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory irritation occurs

  • Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek help if irritation or allergic reaction develops

  • Eye Contact: Rinse thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical attention

  • Ingestion: Rinse mouth; seek immediate medical attention—do not induce vomiting unless directed by a doctor

 

Firefighting Measures

  • Fire Hazards: Non-combustible

  • Extinguishing Media: Use appropriate media for surrounding fire

  • Special Precautions: Use self-contained breathing apparatus in confined fire situations

  • Decomposition Products: Cobalt oxide fumes, carbon dioxide