Cobalt dinitrate

Cobalt dinitrate (CAS 10141-05-6), commercially available as cobalt(II) nitrate, is an inorganic cobalt salt used primarily as a catalyst precursor and micronutrient source across industrial and agricultural applications. Its high solubility makes it a preferred cobalt delivery form where controlled uptake or precise impregnation is required. In heterogeneous catalysis, it serves as the standard precursor for preparing cobalt-based catalysts.

Used in Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and hydroprocessing, the nitrate decomposes cleanly during calcination to yield active cobalt oxide phases. Fertilizer formulators incorporate it into micronutrient blends to correct cobalt deficiency. In soils supporting legume cultivation, it directly improves nitrogen fixation efficiency. Animal feed manufacturers use it as a cobalt supplementation source in ruminant nutrition programs to support vitamin B12 synthesis.

It also functions as an impregnation agent in the production of supported catalysts for petrochemical refining. The material is supplied as a red crystalline solid or in hexahydrate form for various uses. The hexahydrate is the most commercially prevalent grade, while technical and reagent grades are standard across the market. Bulk quantities are available for industrial catalyst production and specialty applications.