This is a reaction I've wanted to set up for a while now, and I just want to check if there are any steps I missed or things I should change in this method that might make it not work.
Target reaction: [Co(H2O)6]2+(aq)+ 4Cl-(aq) ⇌ [CoCl4]2-(aq) + 6H2O(l)
Proposed Method:
1. Add CoO to HCl until there is solid CoO at the bottom. CoO + 2HCl → CoCl2 + H2O
2. Filter out the excess CoO, then leave the solution for the water to evaporate, leaving crystals of CoCl2.
3. Add concentrated HCl to the crystals, leaving CoCl4 in solution. CoCl2 + 2HCl → CoCl4 + H2.
4. This should leave [CoCl4]2- and water which should react giving the target reaction. A mixture that will change colour when heated or cooled due to the different colours of the cobalt species.
Will this method work? If not, why? Please let me know any steps I need to do that I didn't mention.