Consider the compound cobalt (II) chloride hexahydrate (CoCl2·6H2O), how many waters of crystallization are present in this compound?
108.12g
To determine the number of waters of crystallization present in cobalt (II) chloride hexahydrate (CoCl2·6H2O), we need to understand the concept of waters of crystallization.
Waters of crystallization are water molecules that are bonded to a compound in a definite stoichiometric ratio within its crystal lattice structure. These water molecules are not chemically incorporated into the compound but are trapped within the crystal structure.
Now, let's break down the chemical formula of cobalt (II) chloride hexahydrate. The formula, CoCl2·6H2O, tells us that there are 2 cobalt ions, denoted as Co, to 1 chloride ion, denoted as Cl2, and 6 water molecules, denoted as 6H2O.
The coefficient "6" in the formula indicates that there are six water molecules associated with each unit of cobalt chloride. Therefore, the compound cobalt (II) chloride hexahydrate contains six waters of crystallization.
In summary, there are six waters of crystallization present in cobalt (II) chloride hexahydrate (CoCl2·6H2O).