The Effects of Added Chlorides on the Absorption Spectra of Cobaltous Chloride in Water and in Formamide

摘要

It has been shown that alkali and alkaline earth chlorides widen, intensify, and shift the absorption bands in the spectrum of cobalt chloride in water and in formamide. These effects appear to be directly related to the solvating power of the added cation. An interpretation of the observed phenomena has been presented on the basis of desolvation of the cobalt ion followed by interaction with chloride ions within the solution. In addition, probable mechanisms for the formation of the chloride complex and the resultant changes in the color characteristics of the solution have been suggested. Reversals of the expected order of the effects of sodium and potassium salts in water and of calcium and strontium salts in formamide have been shown.