Technical articles

Cobalt Catalysts—From Fundamentals to Practice: Mechanistic Insights, Selection Logic, and a One-Stop Aladdin Selection List

Cobalt (Co) is a highly “versatile” catalytic metal: it offers rich redox chemistry, can operate via both two-electron mechanisms and single-electron/radical pathways, and spans multiple application scenarios including homogeneous organic synthesis, energy electrocatalysis, and heterogeneous industrial catalysis. Meanwhile, cobalt’s supply chain and demand structure are evolving rapidly: the DRC contributes ~70%+ of global mined cobalt; China dominates refining, and batteries remain one of the primary demand drivers for cobalt—over recent years, lithium-battery-related demand has accounted for a major share (commonly reported up to ~70% in many market reports).

What Is a “Cobalt Catalyst”?

Broadly, a “cobalt catalyst” refers to a catalytic system in which cobalt serves as the active center (e.g., Co/Co/Co/Co, etc.), typically including:

  • Homogeneous cobalt catalysts: present in solution as molecules/complexes (e.g., in situ generation of active species from cobalt salts + ligands; cobalt carbonyl complexes, etc.).
  • Heterogeneous cobalt catalysts: catalysis at solid surfaces/interfaces (e.g., supported Co/AlO, CoO, Co–Mo/AlO, coreshell Co@support structures, etc.).
  • Electrocatalytic cobalt materials: drive hydrogen evolution/oxygen evolution on electrodes (e.g., cobalt oxides, hydroxides, phosphides, etc.).

How Do Cobalt Catalysts Work?

1. Variable oxidation states: two-electron vs single-electron

  • Two-electron pathways: resemble organometallic catalytic cycles typical of Pd/Ni and other transition metals (addition, migratory insertion, elimination, etc.). Common in certain coupling/insertion/carbonylation systems and often require suitable ligands to stabilize specific oxidation states.
  • Single-electron pathways (SET/radicals): cobalt is particularly effective at “pulling” reactions into radical channels—for example, by pairing with peroxides/oxidants or engaging in electron transfer under electrochemical/photochemical conditions.
  • Many cobalt-catalyzed reactions appear to follow two-electron cycles, but key steps may still exhibit radical character.

2. Tunable coordination environment: anions, solvents, and ligands all “turn the knobs”

  • Anion effects: Cl/Br/I, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, OAc, OTf, ClO₄⁻, etc. can affect solubility, coordination strength, and the openness of active sites.
  • Hydrated vs anhydrous salts: for example, CoCl₂·6HO and anhydrous CoCl may behave completely differently in strictly anhydrous systems (crystal water can change coordination and side reactions).
  • Ligand selection: from acac to porphyrins and phthalocyanines to more complex ligands, which define the electronic structure and selectivity of the metal center.

3. Where is the “active center”: homogeneous molecular sites vs heterogeneous surface sites

  • Homogeneous: uniform sites, clearer mechanisms, faster screening; but separation and recycling are relatively inconvenient.
  • Heterogeneous: diverse sites strongly influenced by morphology/crystal phase/defects; but easy separation, better suited to scale-up and continuous processing, and naturally connected to materials and electrocatalysis.

An Application Map of Cobalt Catalysts

Scenario

Typical reactions/targets

Common cobalt system form

Starting point for selection

Selection tips

Safety/compliance reminders

A Organic synthesis: cross-coupling, reductive coupling, C–H functionalization

C–C/C–N/C–X construction; radical/SET pathways are common

Mainly homogeneous cobalt salts/complexes

CoCl₂·6HO; anhydrous CoCl; CoBr; Co(OAc); Co(acac)

In many systems, “changing cobalt matters less than changing the ligand/reductant/solvent/additives”; start with a general-purpose cobalt salt for quick scouting, then move to drier/higher-purity grades for optimization

Cobalt halides/salts are hygroscopic—mind moisture effects; radical systems require attention to peroxide/reductant hazards

B Classic organometallic: hydroformylation & Pauson–Khand

Alkene → aldehyde (CO/H); alkyne + alkene + CO  cyclopentenone

Cobalt carbonyl systems (precatalysts/reagents)

Dicobalt octacarbonyl Co(CO)

Strongly dependent on substrate/solvent/temperature window; most issues are not “wrong cobalt,” but CO/H ratio, pressure/sealed setup, and activation steps

CO-related risks (ventilation, gas monitoring, SDS); carbonyl metals are heat/air sensitive—operate under strict controls

C Clean energy: water electrolysis HER/OER (materials)

HER (cathode), OER (anode), and bifunctional catalysis

Heterogeneous materials: oxides/hydroxides/sulfides/phosphides/selenides + conductive supports

CoO; Co(OH); CoP; CoS; CoSe; conductive carbon (nano carbon powder)

First define: HER or OER, and acidic/alkaline/neutral electrolyte; material systems strongly couple with electrolyte; requires matched supports/electrode fabrication and characterization; cobalt-based materials show more pronounced dissolution/reconstruction under acidic HER—durability and leaching should be evaluated

Nanopowder and metal powder safety; for electrochemical corrosion/leaching, use ICP or colorimetry with standard-solution calibration

D Hydrogen carrier: catalytic ammonia cracking for H

NH  N + H; target lower temperature and higher space velocity

Exploratory systems: supported Co/CoOx + support engineering; commercial heterogeneous catalysts can serve as benchmarks

Ammonia source; Raney cobalt; alumina support spheres (catalyst carrier); mesoporous alumina

Establish a reproducible baseline first (e.g., Raney Co/conventional impregnation on standard supports), then discuss interface/strain engineering; support acidity/basicity, pore structure, and shaping strength matter greatly

High temperature, flammable gas (H), ammonia corrosion and leak risks; fixed-bed pressure drop and durability require lifetime testing

E Resource valorization/fine synthesis: amination–carbonylation of ethers (case)

Activation of inert ether substrates + CO insertion + amination; radicals/peroxides are common

Cobalt salt + peroxide initiation/oxidative conditions

Cobalt source: Co(OAc) or CoCl; initiator: DTBP

Key lies in radical generation/capture and control of side reactions; solvent, concentration, peroxide dosing mode, and temperature profile determine success

Store peroxides (DTBP) per SDS, keep cool and protected from light; CO conditions (if used) managed as in Scenario B

Cobalt Catalyst Selection Guide

Selection approach: work backward from “what reaction do I want to run” to “which cobalt source/support/additives should I choose”:

1. Is it homogeneous or heterogeneous?

(1) Homogeneous-first (solution catalysis/mechanistic studies)

  • Prioritize: solubility, anion coordination strength, hydration state, and purity grade.

(2) Heterogeneous-first (heterogeneous catalysis/materials/electrocatalysis)

  • Prioritize: precursor processability (impregnation/precipitation/calcination), support pore structure, particle size, phase structure, and reduction/sulfidation/phosphidation routes.

2. Is the system “strictly anhydrous/water-sensitive”?

  • If yes: avoid cobalt salts containing crystal water (e.g., cobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate, cobalt(II) nitrate hexahydrate); use anhydrous or ultra-dry cobalt salts (e.g., ultra-dry CoI), and pay attention to solvent drying and glovebox/inert-atmosphere operation.
  • If no: hydrated salts are often easier to weigh and dissolve, but treat “water” as an explicit variable and record it in your condition table.

3. Do you need “open sites” or “strongly coordinated stability”?

  • To favor more open metal centers: consider weakly coordinating anions (e.g., OTf, ClO₄⁻) to reduce anion occupancy (but strictly evaluate safety and compatibility).
  • For more stable/controllable systems: use acetates, acac complexes, or model complexes such as porphyrins/phthalocyanines.

4. Are you running a radical/SET pathway?

  • If yes: a common combination is “cobalt salt/cobalt complex + peroxide/oxidant (e.g., DTBP),” and ligands/anions/solvents are used to tune radical generation and capture efficiency.
  • Additional concerns: reaction exotherm, peroxide safety, oxygen participation, and inhibitor effects.

5. Heterogeneous catalysis & materials: how to choose supports?

  • Alumina supports: suitable for dispersion and high-temperature benchmark comparisons; acidity/basicity/neutrality, mesoporous/nanoscale, and γ/α phases can all serve as structural variables.
  • Carbon supports (activated carbon/nano carbon powder, etc.): high conductivity; suitable for electrocatalysis and some heterogeneous systems; also useful for post-reaction adsorption/purification.
  • Modified supports (acid-modified, etc.): used to study how acid sites/surface functional groups affect activity and selectivity.
  • For characterization, it is recommended to use a BET standard reference material to make surface-area data “comparable” (instrument/method verification with a standard + unified degassing procedure).

Safety and Compliance

1. Occupational health risks exist for cobalt metal dust/fumes and some soluble cobalt salts. IARC has provided carcinogenicity classifications for “cobalt metal and soluble cobalt(II) salts,” etc. Laboratory and process development should follow ventilation, PPE, and exposure control practices.

  • Cobalt metal & soluble cobalt(II) salts: Group 2A (probably carcinogenic)
  • Cobalt(II) oxide: Group 2B (possibly carcinogenic)
  • Cobalt(II,III) oxide (CoO): Group 3 (not classifiable)

2. ECHA RAC has issued scientific opinions on OELs for cobalt and inorganic cobalt compounds, and the European Commission is advancing related limit proposals/impact assessments in CMRD revisions.


Cobalt-catalysis-related systems often involve combinations of toxicity/flammability/strong oxidizers/pyrophoricity. Risk controls should be implemented upfront:

  • Raney cobalt: typical risk is pyrophoricity after drying; store and transfer according to the supplied form (usually wet/water-dispersed), avoiding exposure, friction, and heating.
  • Co(CO) (cobalt carbonyl): air/heat sensitive and toxic; may release CO or pose inhalation risks; operate with ventilation and appropriate protection.
  • Perchlorates (e.g., Co(ClO)₂·6HO): perchlorate introduces strong oxidizer-related hazards; avoid improper contact with flammable/reducing substances and comply with chemical safety procedures.
  • Organic peroxides (DTBP, etc.): significant oxidizing and thermal hazards; control temperature, avoid contamination, store and dispose of waste per regulations.
  • Cobalt salts/cobalt powders: consider heavy-metal toxicity and dust inhalation hazards; metal powders may present combustible dust risks—avoid dusting and static buildup.
  • Ammonia solutions: volatile and corrosive; ensure sealing and ventilation; solvent systems (ethanol/methanol/THF, etc.) also introduce flammability variables.

Cobalt Catalyst Selection Reference: Aladdin Product Category List

This list covers the most common needs in cobalt-catalysis research, including commonly used cobalt sources and complexes for homogeneous catalysis; heterogeneous/electrocatalysis materials; supports and adsorption/purification materials; and standards/CRMs plus characterization consumables that support reproducibility and QC. The table below lists only representative catalog numbers for each category. More catalog numbers can be searched on the Aladdin website by CAS, or see the product list at the end of the article.

This list is organized into: homogeneous cobalt sources; organometallic/complexes; heterogeneous active-phase materials (oxides/hydroxides/sulfides/phosphides/selenides); cobalt metal and powders; formulated catalysts; supports/adsorbents (alumina and carbon materials); ammonia sources and reaction additives; and standards/characterization support.

Category

CAS No.

Aladdin Cat. No.

Product name

Specification / purity

Product features / role (relevant to cobalt catalysis)

Cocatalyst / pro-oxidation additive

136-52-7

C282475

Cobalt(II) 2-ethylhexanoate solution

65 wt.% in mineral spirits

Cobalt carboxylate pro-oxidant/drier; can serve as a cobalt promoter in radical oxidation systems

Cocatalyst / pro-oxidation additive

61789-51-3

C104345

Cobalt naphthenate

Co 7.8–8.2%, solvent: 40%–80% mineral oil

Same as above, with different cobalt content/solvent system

Homogeneous cobalt source (cobalt salt)

10026-17-2

C165346

Cobalt(II) fluoride

Cobalt source for specific systems / surface chemistry tuning

Homogeneous cobalt source (cobalt salt)

10026-22-9

C431135

Cobalt(II) nitrate hexahydrate

PrimorTrace™, ≥99.999% metals basis

Ultra-high-purity cobalt nitrate precursor

Homogeneous cobalt source (cobalt salt)

10026-22-9

C112732

Cobalt nitrate hexahydrate

ACS

ACS-grade cobalt nitrate

Homogeneous cobalt source (cobalt salt)

10026-24-1

C116455

Cobalt(II) sulfate heptahydrate

AR, ≥99%

General-purpose cobalt sulfate

Homogeneous cobalt source (cobalt salt)

10026-24-1

C118623

Cobalt(II) sulfate heptahydrate

PrimorTrace™, ≥99.999% metals basis

Ultra-high-purity cobalt sulfate

Homogeneous cobalt source (cobalt salt)

13478-33-6

C189002

Cobalt(II) perchlorate hexahydrate

≥98%

Weakly coordinating anion salts can help in some cases, but activity/selectivity gains must be verified experimentally; prioritize safer salts or controlled conditions

Homogeneous cobalt source (cobalt salt)

15238-00-3

C283971

Cobalt(II) iodide

PrimorTrace™, ultra-dry grade, ≥99.99% metals basis

CoI: anhydrous/ultra-dry for water-sensitive systems and radical/coupling screening

Homogeneous cobalt source (cobalt salt)

513-79-1

C193679

Cobalt(II) carbonate

≥98%

Precursor for CoOx via precipitation/calcination

Homogeneous cobalt source (cobalt salt)

58164-61-7

C282484

Cobalt(II) trifluoromethanesulfonate

≥98%

Weakly coordinating anion cobalt salt; can enhance homogeneous activity and favor open coordination sites

Homogeneous cobalt source (cobalt salt)

6147-53-1

C110807

Cobalt(II) acetate tetrahydrate

ACS

ACS-grade hydrated cobalt acetate

Homogeneous cobalt source (cobalt salt)

71-48-7

C118637

Cobalt(II) acetate (anhydrous)

PrimorTrace™, anhydrous, ≥99.99% metals basis

General cobalt source; high-purity anhydrous grade better for water-sensitive systems

Homogeneous cobalt source (cobalt salt)

71-48-7

C131576

Cobalt acetate solution

Co ≥4.0% aqueous solution

Liquid cobalt source for convenient dosing; often used for impregnation/solution prep as a cobalt precursor

Homogeneous cobalt source (cobalt salt)

7646-79-9

C106772

Cobalt(II) chloride (anhydrous)

≥99.7% metals basis

Anhydrous CoCl cobalt source

Homogeneous cobalt source (cobalt salt)

7646-79-9

C299372

Cobalt(II) chloride (anhydrous)

≥97%

General-purpose anhydrous CoCl

Homogeneous cobalt source (cobalt salt)

7789-43-7

C486143

Cobalt(II) bromide

PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis, beads, >10 mesh

CoBr cobalt source; halide effects/solubility can influence activity; bead form is easy to weigh

Homogeneous cobalt source (cobalt salt)

7791-13-1

C116459

Cobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate

ACS, ≥98%

Common CoCl₂·6HO for coordination/catalysis screening; crystal water impacts strictly anhydrous systems

Homogeneous cobalt source (cobalt salt)

7791-13-1

C118625

Cobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate

PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis

Common CoCl₂·6HO for coordination/catalysis screening; crystal water impacts strictly anhydrous systems

Initiator / oxidant

110-05-4

B100924

Di-tert-butyl peroxide (DTBP)

≥97%

Radical initiator/oxidant; commonly used in cobalt-catalyzed radical/carbonylation strategies

Formulated heterogeneous catalyst

7440-48-4

R111436

Raney cobalt catalyst

50 μm, dispersed in water

Typical heterogeneous hydrogenation/reduction catalyst (pyrophoricity risk)

Formulated heterogeneous catalyst

7440-48-4

R299203

Raney cobalt catalyst

Co: 66%–70%, ≤85 μm, dispersed in water

Benchmark with higher Co content/particle size specification

Standards & CRMs

7440-44-0

C397141

Carbon black surface area CRM

Surface area: 107.3 m²/g

BET verification: consistency of surface area for carbon supports/catalysts

Standards & CRMs

7440-48-4

C140767

Cobalt standard solution (water quality)

Analytical standard, 85.0 μg/L, in 1% HNO

Calibration for cobalt leaching/content analysis

Standards & CRMs

7664-41-7

A140492

Ammonia standard solution (water-based)

Analytical standard, 500 mg/L

Analytical calibration; for ammonia-related system testing

Ammonia source / ammonia reagents

7664-41-7

A140745

Ammonia solution

2.0 M in ethanol

Ammonia source for cracking/amination/N chemistry mechanistic studies; solvent/concentration affect the operating window

Ammonia source / ammonia reagents

7664-41-7

A140757

Ammonia solution

4 M in methanol

Same as above

Ammonia source / ammonia reagents

7664-41-7

A140758

Ammonia solution

7 M in methanol

Same as above

Ammonia source / ammonia reagents

7664-41-7

A433783

Ammonia solution

0.4 M in THF

Same as above

Characterization / separation consumables

1344-28-1

A124532

Alumina wool

For elemental analysis, wool

Elemental analysis / sample handling

Characterization / separation consumables

1344-28-1

A124531

Alumina balls

For elemental analysis, 2–4 mm airball

Elemental analysis / sample handling

Supports/adsorbents (alumina)

1344-28-1

A165127

Neutral alumina

neutral, 60–100 mesh

General neutral alumina; for separations and support benchmarking

Supports/adsorbents (alumina)

1344-28-1

A431927

Mesoporous alumina

MSU-X (wormhole), avg. pore size 3.8 nm

Mesoporous support to improve dispersion and mass transfer

Supports/adsorbents (alumina)

1344-28-1

A396536

Alumina

Phosphotungstic acid modified alumina

Modified support: introduces acidic/coordination sites to study support effects

Supports/adsorbents (alumina)

1344-28-1

A1492668

Activated alumina balls

For catalyst support

Directly positioned as catalyst carrier

Supports/adsorbents (alumina)

1344-28-1

A359354

Basic alumina

100–200 mesh, ≥75%

Activated/high-pass-rate version (subject to product list)

Supports/adsorbents (alumina)

1344-28-1

A102091

Nano alumina

PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis, nanopowder, γ-phase, 20 nm

Ultra-high-purity, small-particle γ-phase support

Supports/adsorbents (alumina)

1344-28-1

A299286

Nano alumina

≥99.9% metals basis, powder, α-phase, 150 nm

α-phase nano support, more stable at high temperature

Supports/adsorbents (alumina)

1344-28-1

A119404

Nano alumina aqueous dispersion

5–10 nm particle size, 20 wt.% aqueous solution

Smaller-particle dispersion

Supports/adsorbents (alumina)

1344-28-1

A119403

Nano alumina alcohol dispersion

30 nm particle size, 20 wt.% in isopropanol

Alcohol dispersion suitable for water-sensitive formulations

Supports/adsorbents (alumina)

1344-28-1

A359368

Acidic alumina

100–200 mesh, ≥75%

General acidic alumina

Supports/adsorbents (carbon/activated carbon)

7440-44-0

N433458

NORIT® RX1.5 EXTRA

High-performance activated carbon; carbon support for supported Co catalysts or adsorption/purification

Supports/adsorbents (carbon/activated carbon)

7440-44-0

N433459

NORIT® RX3 EXTRA

High-performance activated carbon; carbon support for supported Co catalysts or adsorption/purification

Supports/adsorbents (carbon/activated carbon)

7440-44-0

C112239

Activated carbon

For water purification & gas purification, 10–24 mesh

Purification/support; can be used as support for supported Co catalysts or for post-reaction workup

Supports/adsorbents (carbon/activated carbon)

7440-44-0

C112240

Activated carbon

For water purification & gas purification, rod, φ4.0 mm

Shaped carbon for purification; support or post-treatment

Supports/adsorbents (carbon/activated carbon)

7440-44-0

C112241

Activated carbon

For pharmaceutical decolorization, ≥200 mesh

Fine powder for decolorization; support or post-treatment

Supports/adsorbents (carbon/activated carbon)

7440-44-0

C139569

Activated carbon

For general gas adsorption, 10–20 mesh

Gas adsorption/support; support or post-treatment

Supports/adsorbents (carbon/activated carbon)

7440-44-0

C139586

Activated carbon

For water purification, 10–32 mesh

Water treatment/purification; support or post-treatment

Supports/adsorbents (carbon/activated carbon)

7440-44-0

C396531

Activated carbon

Phosphotungstic acid modified activated carbon

Modified support/acidic sites; support or post-treatment

Supports/adsorbents (carbon/activated carbon)

7440-44-0

C139601

Powdered activated carbon

For general decolorization refining, ≥100 mesh

Decolorization/refining; post-reaction workup

Supports/adsorbents (carbon/activated carbon)

7440-44-0

C299185

Granular activated carbon

For solvent recovery, 6–12 mesh

Support/purification/recovery; “catalyst carrier grade” supports loading catalysis

Supports/adsorbents (carbon/activated carbon)

7440-44-0

C299291

Granular activated carbon

Catalyst carrier grade, >4 mesh

Support/purification/recovery; directly positioned as catalyst carrier

Supports/adsorbents (carbon materials)

7440-44-0

C109965

Nano carbon powder

≥99.5% metals basis, powder, 30 nm

Carbon support / conductive framework benchmark

Cobalt metal and powders

7440-48-4

E1455817

Electrodeposited cobalt

Co ≥99.95%

High-purity cobalt source for supported catalysts/alloys/electrodes

Cobalt metal and powders

7440-48-4

C299285

Nano cobalt powder

≥99.9% metals basis, ≤500 nm

Nano cobalt metal: high activity/high surface area benchmark

Cobalt metal and powders

7440-48-4

C434742

Cobalt

≥99.8% metals basis, powder, 2 μm

Fine powder facilitates dispersion and impregnation

Cobalt metal and powders

7440-48-4

C434743

Cobalt

PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis, granular

High-purity cobalt metal for supported catalysts/alloys/electrodes

Cobalt metal and powders

7440-48-4

C294692

Cobalt lump

≥99.5%

Bulk metal source / electrode / alloy exploration

Cobalt metal and powders

7440-48-4

C118868

Cobalt foil

≥99.5%

Electrode / alloy / property testing

Cobalt metal and powders

7440-48-4

C104957

Cobalt powder

≥99.9% metals basis

Higher-purity benchmark

Cobalt oxides/hydroxides (heterogeneous materials)

1307-96-6

C104343

Cobalt(II) oxide

Reagent grade

General CoO source for materials prep and heterogeneous benchmarks

Cobalt oxides/hydroxides (heterogeneous materials)

1307-96-6

C105672

Cobalt(II) oxide

PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis

CoO precursor/active phase; for heterogeneous/electrocatalysis and sulfidation/phosphidation routes

Cobalt oxides/hydroxides (heterogeneous materials)

1308-06-1

C111614

Cobalt(II,III) oxide (CoO)

PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis

Ultra-high-purity CoO for electrochemistry/mechanistic benchmarks

Cobalt oxides/hydroxides (heterogeneous materials)

1308-06-1

C431733

Cobalt(II,III) oxide

powder, <10 μm

Fine CoO powder for heterogeneous/electrocatalysis benchmarks

Cobalt oxides/hydroxides (heterogeneous materials)

1308-06-1

C111615

Nano cobalt oxide

≥99.5% metals basis, 50 nm

Small-particle benchmark

Cobalt oxides/hydroxides (heterogeneous materials)

1308-06-1

C131625

Nano cobalt oxide

≥99.5% metals basis, 100 nm

Particle-size benchmark: size/surface-area effects

Cobalt oxides/hydroxides (heterogeneous materials)

13762-14-6

C348938

Cobalt molybdate(II)

≥99.9% metals basis

Co–Mo-related precursor/material benchmark

Cobalt oxides/hydroxides (heterogeneous materials)

21041-93-0

C109726

Cobalt hydroxide

≥99.9% metals basis

High-purity precursor for sensitive benchmarks

Cobalt oxides/hydroxides (heterogeneous materials)

21041-93-0

C109727

Cobalt hydroxide

≥98%

Electrocatalysis/material precursor

Cobalt phosphides/sulfides/selenides (heterogeneous materials)

12134-02-0

C336121

Cobalt phosphide

≥99.9% metals basis

CoP/CoP-type materials: commonly used for electrocatalysis such as HER

Cobalt phosphides/sulfides/selenides (heterogeneous materials)

1307-99-9

C358130

Cobalt(II) selenide

≥99% metals basis

CoSe materials: common in electrocatalysis/energy storage research

Cobalt phosphides/sulfides/selenides (heterogeneous materials)

1317-42-6

C283352

Cobalt sulfide

≥99.5% metals basis

CoS materials: common in electrocatalysis/heterogeneous systems (phase structure should be monitored)

Cobalt complexes/organometallic catalysts

10210-68-1

C189362

Dicobalt octacarbonyl

≥98%, stabilized with 1–5% hexane

High-purity Co(CO)

Cobalt complexes/organometallic catalysts

10210-68-1

O188977

Dicobalt octacarbonyl

≥95%, stabilized with 1–5% hexane

Classic cobalt carbonyl; key to Pauson–Khand/carbonylation chemistry

Cobalt complexes/organometallic catalysts

1277-43-6

B138133

Bis(cyclopentadienyl)cobalt

Cobaltocene for single-electron transfer/mechanistic studies

Cobalt complexes/organometallic catalysts

14024-48-7

C106181

Cobalt(II) acetylacetonate

≥97%

Co(acac) common cobalt source: homogeneous catalysis and materials precursor

Cobalt complexes/organometallic catalysts

14172-90-8

C190873

Cobalt(II) tetraphenylporphyrin

≥95%

Common model cobalt complex for biomimetic/electrocatalysis research

Cobalt complexes/organometallic catalysts

21679-46-9

C432321

Cobalt acetylacetonate

PrimorTrace™, ≥99.99% metals basis

High-purity Co(acac) / related cobalt complex source (subject to the list), suitable for sensitive mechanistic/electrochemical systems

Cobalt complexes/organometallic catalysts

21679-46-9

C109339

Cobalt(III) acetylacetonate

≥98%

Co(acac) common precursor; tunes accessible oxidation-state window

Cobalt complexes/organometallic catalysts

3317-67-7

C121597

Cobalt(II) phthalocyanine

≥95%

Common cobalt complex model for electrocatalysis/small-molecule activation

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Categories: Technical articles
Explore topics: Cobalt Co Cobalt Catalysts

Da — when not otherwise indicated, molecular weight units are daltons.   Mw — weight-average molecular weight.   Mn — number-average molecular weight.

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Cite this article

Aladdin Scientific. "Cobalt Catalysts—From Fundamentals to Practice: Mechanistic Insights, Selection Logic, and a One-Stop Aladdin Selection List" Aladdin Knowledge Base, updated Dec 18, 2025. https://www.aladdinsci.com/us_en/faqs/cobalt-catalysts-from-fundamentals-to-practice-en.html
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