Question

In the proper use of cobalt treated-anhydrous CaCl₂, the desiccant should be

Answer 1

Anhydrous cobalt (II) chloride, CoCl₂, is a desiccant used to remove water from a system or monitor humidity levels. When exposed to moisture, it forms cobalt (II) chloride hexahydrate, CoCl₂ · 6H₂O, which changes color and can be used as a humidity indicator. The process is reversible.

Step-by-step explanation:

Anhydrous cobalt (II) chloride, CoCl₂, is often used as a desiccant to remove water from a system or to monitor humidity levels in certain devices. When exposed to moisture, CoCl₂ will react with water to form cobalt (II) chloride hexahydrate, CoCl₂ · 6H₂O. This hydrated form is typically pink or violet in color, which makes it useful as a humidity indicator. The process of absorbing water molecules and changing color is reversible, allowing CoCl₂ to be reused as a desiccant.