Cobalt(II) acetate

Cobalt(II) acetate, also known as cobalt diacetate or cobaltous acetate (CAS 71-48-7, EC 200-755-8), is an inorganic cobalt salt supplied as a violet crystalline powder. It carries no assigned E-code and is commercially identified under the formula C2H4O2·1/2Co.

In polyester and PET production, cobalt acetate functions as a polymerisation catalyst and optical brightener, neutralising the yellow tint inherent to the resin. In textile and leather processing, it acts as a dye mordant, coordinating metal-to-fibre bonds that improve colourfastness. It also serves as a pH buffer and antimicrobial agent in select personal care and pharmaceutical formulations.

Cobalt acetate is available in technical and reagent grades, with supply subject to REACH regulation (EC 1907/2006) given cobalt's classification as an SVHC candidate. Procurement teams should confirm SDS documentation and substance authorisation status prior to ordering. Standard packaging formats include fibre drums and multi-layer bags.