Question:

When concentrated HCl is added to an aqueous solution of \(\mathrm{CoCl_2}\), its colour changes from reddish pink to deep blue. Which complex ion gives blue colour in this reaction ?

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The pink species is the hexaaqua ion; replacing water by chloride gives the tetrahedral blue tetrachloro complex.
Updated On: Nov 11, 2026
  • \(\mathrm{[CoCl_6]^{4-}}\)
  • \(\mathrm{[CoCl_6]^{3-}}\)
  • \(\mathrm{[CoCl_4]^{2-}}\)
  • \(\mathrm{[Co(H_2O)_6]^{2+}}\)
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

In water, \(\mathrm{Co^{2+}}\) exists as pink octahedral \(\mathrm{[Co(H_2O)_6]^{2+}}\).
On adding concentrated HCl (high \(\mathrm{Cl^-}\) concentration), water ligands are replaced:
\(\mathrm{[Co(H_2O)_6]^{2+} + 4Cl^- \rightleftharpoons [CoCl_4]^{2-} + 6H_2O}\).
The product is a tetrahedral complex of cobalt(II) which is deep blue. Complexes (1) and (2) are not formed under these conditions.
Answer: (3) \(\mathrm{[CoCl_4]^{2-}}\)
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