Effects of Concentration on Hexaaquacobalt(II)/Tetrachlorocobalt(II) Equilibrium. A Discovery-Oriented Experiment for Chemistry Students

A solution of cobalt(II) chloride in HCI is commonly used to examine various effects, such as changes in temperature and concentration, on the Co(H₂O)₆²⁺/CoCl₄^2– equilibrium (Lc Chaâtcliers principle). In aqucous solution the cobalt(II) ion exists as a mixture of two complex ions at equilibrium, blue CoCl₄^2– and pink Co(H2O)₆²⁺. As the ions have different colors, it is easy to determine the position of the equilibrium. A series of experiments was designed to allow students to examine the concentration of chloride ion, the dehydration effect, and how dissociation effects the equilibrium. Different compounds were added to the aqueous solution of cobalt(II) ion, and the position of the equilibrium was determined either visually or, more quantitatively, by means of UV–vis spectroscopy. This exercise is suitable for general chemistry students and is designed to introduce them to the complexity of the actual chemical reaction rather than presenting them with a simplistic model.