Cobalt(II) fluoride

Cobalt(II) fluoride, also known as cobaltous fluoride, is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is CoF2. It contains cobalt in its +2 oxidation state. It also contains fluoride ions.

Properties
It is a reddish crystalline solid. It only dissolves a little in water. The hydrate (type with water molecules attached) can dissolve in water. It can dissolve in acid. It can react with hydrogen at  to make cobalt and hydrogen fluoride. 

Preparation
It can be made by reacting anhydrous (without any water molecules attached) cobalt(II) oxide or cobalt(II) chloride with a stream of hydrogen fluoride. This reaction makes the anhydrous form. The hydrated (with water molecules attached) form is made by reacting any cobalt(II) compound with hydrofluoric acid. When fluorine is reacted with cobalt at a high temperature, it makes both cobalt(II) fluoride and cobalt(III) fluoride.

Uses
It is used as a catalyst. It can be used as a source of the fluoride ion in dentist care. It is used in lenses. 

Related pages
Cobalt(II) hydroxide
Cobalt(III) oxide

Category:Cobalt compounds
Category:Fluorine compounds