Answer:
The equation for the precipitation reaction of cobalt (ii) hydroxide is given below:
CoSO₄ (aq) + NaOH (aq) ----> Co(OH)₂ (s) + Na₂SO₄ (aq)
Explanation:
Cobalt (ii) hydroxide is an inorganic compound consisting of cobalt (ii) ions, Co²+ and hydroxide ions, OH-. It is insoluble in water and the pure form known as the beta form is a pink-coloured solid. The impure form which incorporates other anions in its molecular structure is blue in colour and is ustable.
Cobalt (ii) hydroxide is formed as precipitate when an alkaline metallic hydroxide such as sodium hydroxide is mixed with an aqueous cobalt (ii) salt such as cobalt (ii) sulfate. The equation for the precipitation reaction of cobalt (ii) hydroxide is given below:
CoSO₄ (aq) + NaOH (aq) ----> Co(OH)₂ (s) + Na₂SO₄ (aq)
Being a basic hydroxide, cobalt (ii) hydroxide neutralizes acids to form cobalt (ii) salts and water. For example: Co(OH)₂ (s) + H₂SO₄ (aq) ---> CoSO₄ (aq) + H₂O
Thus, cobalt (ii) hydroxide is soluble in acids.
Cobalt(II) hydroxide is used mostly as a drying agent for paints, varnishes, and inks. It is also useful in the preparation of other cobalt compounds.
