Sodium hexanitritocobaltate(III)

Template:Chembox Sodium hexanitritocobaltate(III) is an inorganic compound with the formula Template:Chem2. The anion of this yellow-coloured salt consists of the transition metal nitrite complex Template:Chem2. It was a reagent for the qualitative test for potassium and ammonium ions.

Synthesis and reactions

The compound is prepared by oxidation of cobalt(II) salts in the presence of sodium nitrite:

Template:Chem2

Application for analysis of potassium

Although the sodium cobaltinitrite is soluble in water, it forms the basis of a quantitative determination of potassium, thallium, and ammonium ions. Under the recommended reaction conditions the insoluble double salt, Template:Chem2 is precipitated and weighed.Template:Pn In geochemical analysis, sodium cobaltinitrite is used to distinguish alkali feldspars from plagioclase feldspars in thin section.

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Fragment of the Template:Chem2 lattice, highlighting the Template:Chem2 and Template:Chem2 coordination spheres.

See also

• Potassium hexanitritocobaltate(III)