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Dicobalt edetate

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Overview

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.[1]

It is a derivative of the (non-natural) amino acid ethylenediaminetetraacetate.

Structure

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.[2] 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.”[3]

References

References

  1. Pickering WG (December 1985). “Cyanide toxicity and the hazards of dicobalt edetate”. Br Med J (Clin Res Ed). 291 (6509): 1644. doi:10.1136/bmj.291.6509.1644-a. PMC 1418389. PMID 2866807.
  2. E. F. K. Mccandlish, T. K. Michael; Rose, N. J.; Neal, J. A.; Lingafelter, E. C.; Rose, N. J. (1978). “Comparison of the Structures and Aqueous Solutions of [(O-Phenylenediaminetetraacetato(2-)]Cobalt(II) and [Ethylenediaminetetraacetato(2-)]Cobalt(II)”. Inorg. Chem. 17 (6): 1383–94. doi:10.1021/ic50184a001.
  3. Dwyer, F. P.; Garvan, F. L.; Kirschner, Stanley (1960). “Resolution of the Ethylenediaminetetracetatocobaltate(III) Ion”. Inorg. Synth. Inorganic Syntheses. 4: 192–4. doi:10.1002/9780470132371.ch61. ISBN 978-0-470-13237-1.

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