Formula C10H12Co2N2O8·6H2O | Molar mass 406.08 g/mol | |
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Dicobalt edetate is the coordination compound with the approximate formula Co2(EDTA)(H2O)6.
Solutions of this solid have been used in Europe as an antidote to cyanide poisoning.
It is a derivative of the (non-natural) amino acid ethylenediaminetetraacetate.
Structure
The compound is polymeric in the crystalline form. Half of the Co2+ ions are bound to the EDTA2− and the other Co2+ ions are bound to four water ligands as well as carboxylate ligands on the [Co(EDTA)]2− entity. In aqueous solution, depolymerization occurs to give [Co(EDTA)]2− and [Co(H2O)6]2+ ions, each of which is kinetically labile and has a high affinity for cyanide. Oxidants would convert the [Co(EDTA)]2− into [Co(EDTA)]−, which would be unreactive toward cyanide because this complex would be "inert."