COBALT(II) CYANIDE

CAS NO.：20427-11-6
Empirical Formula: C2H2CoN2O
Molecular Weight: 128.98
MDL number: MFCD01076547
EINECS: 626-335-8
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-05-28 05:12:03

What is COBALT(II) CYANIDE?

Chemical properties

pink to reddish brown powder(s) or needles [MER06]

Structure and conformation

A light brown precipitate of Co(CN)2.2 or 2·5H2O can be obtained from cobalt(II) chloride and potassium cyanide solutions. This can be dehydrated at 250°in a stream of nitrogen to the blue anhydrous cyanide. Both the hydrated and the anhydrous compounds have magnetic moments (3.27 and 312 B.M. respectively) which are much lower than is expected for three unpaired electrons. The crystal structures of these compounds have been interpreted as being that of soluble Prussian blue with one cobalt atom being low spin (one unpaired electron) surrounded by six carbon atoms while the other is high spin (three unpaired electrons) being surrounded by six nitrogen atoms as nearest neighbours.

Properties of COBALT(II) CYANIDE

Melting point:	decomposes at 300℃ [CRC10]
Density	anhydrous: 1.872 [KIR79]
solubility	insoluble in H2O, acid solutions
form	pink-brown needles
color	pink-brown needles
Water Solubility	insoluble H2O, acids, methyl acetate; soluble alkali cyanides [MER06]

Safety information for COBALT(II) CYANIDE

Signal word	Danger
Pictogram(s)	Skull and Crossbones Acute Toxicity GHS06 Environment GHS09
GHS Hazard Statements	H300:Acute toxicity,oral H310:Acute toxicity,dermal H330:Acute toxicity,inhalation H410:Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard
Precautionary Statement Codes	P260:Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264:Wash hands thoroughly after handling. P264:Wash skin thouroughly after handling. P273:Avoid release to the environment. P280:Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P284:Wear respiratory protection. P301+P310:IF SWALLOWED: Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician.