Cobalt(II) chloride complexes in molten acetamide

The absorption spectra of Co(II) chloride species were studied in molten acetamide containing variable concentration of chloride ligand, in the wavelength range 400–800 nm, at 90°C. The stepwise formation of CoClj(2-j) complexes (J = 1–4) was observed. Addition of chloride ligand (up to 4 molar) dramatically changed Co(II) absorption spectra due to change in co-ordination from octahedral through a severely distorted octahedral to tetrahedral co-ordination. Overall equilibrium constants βj and consecutive stability constants Kj(j = 1–4) were calculated using SPELMA program for simultaneous computation of equilibrium constants and molar absorption coefficients for each complex species. Distribution of the Co(II) species was also calculated in the studied ligand concentration range.