Cobaltous Iodide

Name:
Cobaltous Iodide
Detailed information:

Chemistry name:	cobalt iodide
M Formula:	CoI2•6H2O
Properties:
Brownish-red crystals. Loses iodine on exposure to air, d 2.90, loses 6H2O at 27C. Soluble in water and alcohol. Anhydrous cobaltous iodide, CoI2 , in the form of black crystals, d 5.68, or in a yellow β-modification that gives a colorless aqueous solution.
Derivation:
Heating cobalt powder with hydriodic acid; anhydrous cobaltous iodide is prepared by heating cobalt in iodine vapor.
Use:
Hygrometers; determination of water in organic solvents; catalyst.