[CoCl6]3−
[CoCl4]2−
[CoCl6]4−
[Co(H2O)6]2+
When concentrated HCl is added to an aqueous solution of CoCl2, its color changes from reddish pink to deep blue. Co(II) is oxidized to Co(III). This indicates the formation of [CoCl4]2−. CoCl2 + HCl → [CoCl4]2−.