Cobalt oxide and cobalt carbonate are used in a variety of industries. Both of these compounds are considered to be inorganic chemicals. As well as this, they are also used in the manufacture of electronic equipment.
If you are wondering what the difference is between cobalt oxide vs cobalt carbonate, then you are not alone. These compounds are often used in similar applications and are easy to confuse. However, there are several key differences that differentiate them from one another.
What Do Cobalt Oxide and Cobalt Carbonate Mean?
Cobalt oxide is a compound of cobalt and oxygen. The substance is a black solid, which is insoluble in water. It is a chemical compound that contains cobalt metal. This substance can be found in nature as the mineral smaltite. In addition, it can also be produced synthetically.
Cobalt carbonate, on the other hand, is a compound made from coal and carbon dioxide. It is a salt that is derived from carbonic acid. It contains both cobalt and carbonate ions. In its natural form, this compound can be found in the mineral called cobaltite.
Differences and Similarities between Cobalt Oxide and Cobalt Carbonate
There are several key differences and similarities between cobalt oxide and cobalt carbonate that need to be considered. Some of these include:
What Is Cobalt Oxide Used For?
Cobalt oxide is used in the production of glassware, ceramics, paints, dyes, and rubber products. In addition, it is used in the manufacture of batteries, magnets, and other electronic equipment.
What Is Cobalt Carbonate Used For?
Cobalt carbonate is used in the production of glassware, ceramics, paints, dyes, and rubber products. In addition, it is used in the manufacture of batteries, magnets, and other electronic equipment.
Produces Cobalt Oxide and Cobalt Carbonate
The raw material for the production of cobalt oxide is typically cobalt ore or cobalt hydroxide. The formula of cobalt oxide is CoCO3. It has a molar mass of 74.9326 g/mol.
Cobalt oxide is typically produced via the salt metathesis reaction between cobalt chloride and sodium carbonate. This reaction gives off carbon dioxide gas and produces cobalt oxide.
However, cobalt ore is typically used as the primary raw material for the manufacture of cobalt carbonate. The formula of cobalt carbonate is CCoO3. It has a molar mass of 118.942 g/mol.
Cobalt carbonate is produced via the chemical reaction between cobalt oxide and sodium bicarbonate. This reaction gives off carbon dioxide gas and produces cobalt carbonate.
The Types of Each Compound
1. There are three types of cobalt oxide:
- Cobalt(II) oxide (cobaltous oxide), CoO: This is the most common type of cobalt oxide. It is a black powder that is insoluble in water.
- Cobalt(III) oxide (cobaltic oxide), Co2O3: This type of cobalt oxide is less common than cobalt(II) oxide. It is a brown powder that is insoluble in water.
- Cobalt(IV) oxide (cobaltic oxide), Co3O4: This is the least common type of cobalt oxide. It is a black powder that is insoluble in water.
2. There are two types of cobalt carbonate
- Cobalt(II) carbonate (cobaltous carbonate), CoCO3: This is the most common type of cobalt carbonate. It is a white powder that is insoluble in water.
- Cobalt(III) carbonate (cobaltic carbonate), CoC2O3: This is the less common type of cobalt carbonate. It is a yellow powder that is insoluble in water.
The Applications of Each Compound
The use of cobalt oxide and cobalt carbonate can be found in many aspects of the manufacturing, electronic, chemical, and healthcare industries. Some of these applications include:
- Glass production: Their use in the glass industry can be referred to as a colorant. It gives the glass a green or blue color.
- Ceramics production: They are used as a pigment in the production of ceramics. It gives the ceramics a blue or green color.
- Paint production: The pigment they used to produce paints was titanium dioxide. It gives the paint a blue or green color.
- Dye production: In dye production, cobalt oxide is commonly used as a pigment. It gives the dye a blue or green color.
- Rubber production: They are used as a vulcanizing agent in rubber production. It increases the hardness and strength of rubber.
- Battery production: These were used in the cathode of lithium-ion batteries. It increases the capacity and durability of batteries.
- Magnet production: Magnets are made with the help of these metals. It increases the magnetic properties of magnets.
- Catalyst production: In the production of chemicals, they are used as a catalyst. As a result, chemical reactions become more efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Use Cobalt Carbonate in Pottery?
Cobalt carbonate is used as a pigment in the production of pottery. It gives the pottery a blue or green color. It increases the hardness and strength of the pottery.
What Does Cobalt Carbonate Do in a Glaze?
Cobalt carbonate is used as a pigment in glazes. It gives the glaze a blue or green color. It also makes the glaze harder and stronger.
How Do You Use Cobalt Oxide in Ceramics?
Cobalt oxide is used as a pigment in the production of ceramics. It gives the ceramics a blue or green color. Additionally, it increases the hardness and strength of ceramics.
How Does Cobalt Oxide Help In the Production of Rubber?
Cobalt oxide is used as a vulcanizing agent in rubber production. It increases the hardness and strength of rubber. What’s more, it makes the rubber more resistant to heat and wears.
Can Cobalt Carbonate and Cobalt Oxide Be Toxic?
Cobalt carbonate and cobalt oxide can be toxic if inhaled or ingested. They can also cause skin irritation. Therefore, it is important to wear protective gear when handling these materials.
Final Thought
It is important to choose the right compound for the job at hand. Depending on the application, either cobalt oxide or cobalt carbonate can be the better choice. As we have seen, both of these compounds have their own unique properties and benefits that make them ideal for different applications. So, make sure to do your research and choose the right one for your needs.
