Dicobalt edetate
Dicobalt edetate is the coordination compound with the approximate formula Co26.
Solutions of this solid have been used in Europe as an antidote to cyanide poisoning.
It is a derivative of the 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 2− entity. In aqueous solution, depolymerization occurs to give 2− and 2+ ions, each of which is kinetically labile and has a high affinity for cyanide.Related compounds
Oxidation of 2− gives −, which is so kinetically inert that it can be resolved optically.
