Cobalt chloride hexahydrate

Cobalt chloride has several applications. It is used in hygrometers; as a humidity indicator; as a temperature indicator in grinding; as a foam stabilizer in beer; in invisible ink; for painting on glass; in electroplating; and a catalyst in Grignard reactions, promoting coupling with an organic halide. It also is used to prepare several other cobalt salts; and in the manufacture of synthetic vitamin B12.