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.

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Categories: Colorants (Pigments, Dyes), Animal Feed Additives Tags: Catalyst precursor, Ceramic and glass pigments, Cobalt carbonate, CoCO₃, Reddish-pink powder

Description

Table of Contents

Cobalt Carbonate

Primary Uses

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.

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 Co₃O₄) upon heating, which is used in various catalytic processes.

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.

Battery Materials

Acts as a precursor to cobalt salts and oxides used in lithium-ion battery cathodes (e.g., LiCoO₂).
Used in laboratory research and development of rechargeable battery technologies.

Secondary Uses

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.

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.

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).

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.

KEY PRODUCT 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 CO₂)
Density: ~3.7 g/cm³
Melting Point: Decomposes before melting (~300°C)
Decomposition: Yields CoO and CO₂ 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 CO₂

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