Cobalt(II) oxide facts for kids

Cobalt(II) oxide, also known as cobaltous oxide, is a special kind of chemical compound. Its chemical formula is CoO. This means it's made of one cobalt atom and one oxygen atom. Cobalt(II) oxide can look different! It might be green or red crystals, or even a grey or brown powder.

How We Make Cobalt(II) Oxide

Scientists can make cobalt(II) oxide in a lab. They start with a substance called Cobalt(II) chloride. They mix it with a base, which is a chemical that can neutralize acids. This reaction creates cobalt(II) hydroxide.

After getting cobalt(II) hydroxide, they heat it up. When heated, the cobalt(II) hydroxide changes. It loses water and turns into cobalt(II) oxide.

Here are the chemical steps:

• CoCl₂ + 2 NaOH → 2 NaCl + Co(OH)₂
• Co(OH)₂ → CoO + H₂O

What is Cobalt(II) Oxide Used For?

Cobalt(II) oxide is a useful compound.

• It can react with acids to form different salts that contain cobalt.
• One of its most interesting uses is in making blue glass. When cobalt(II) oxide is added to glass, it gives the glass a beautiful, deep blue color.

Related Pages

• Cobalt(II) sulfate
• Cobalt(III) oxide

See also

In Spanish: Óxido de cobalto(II) para niños