Cobaltate

Cobaltate is a general term referring to inorganic compounds containing the cobaltate anion. The most common and well-defined cobaltate anion is the cobaltate(IV) ion, [CoO3]2-. However, the term can also encompass other anionic species of cobalt in various oxidation states. For example, cobaltate(III) species, such as [Co(OH)6]3-, also exist. The exact structure and stability of cobaltate anions depend on factors like the oxidation state of cobalt, the surrounding ligands, and the counter-ions present.

Cobaltates are often encountered as complex oxides or hydroxides. For instance, lithium cobalt oxide, LiCoO2, is a critical material in lithium-ion batteries. While not strictly a cobaltate anion in the [CoO3]2- sense, it involves cobalt in a high oxidation state within an oxide lattice, and the term "cobaltate" is sometimes used broadly in this context. Other examples include various perovskite-type oxides containing cobalt, where cobalt ions occupy specific positions within the crystal structure.

The study of cobaltates is important in areas such as electrochemistry, catalysis, and materials science. Their properties are influenced by the electronic configuration of cobalt, which can exhibit multiple stable oxidation states. This versatility makes cobaltates interesting for applications requiring redox activity.