In this laboratory exercise, we will synthesize a Coordination Compound of Cobalt, trans-Dichlorobis(ethylenediamine)cobalt
(III) Chloride, [Co(en)2Cl2]Cl, from Cobalt(II) Chloride Hexahydrate , CoCl2•6H2O.
This synthesis involves oxidation of the Cobalt from Co+2 to Co+3 by Oxygen dissolved in the reaction solution
The initial product contains HCl, which is removed by heating. Alternatively, (carbonato)bis(ethylenediamine)cobalt (III) chloride reacts with hydrochloric acid at 10 °C to give the same species