Cobalt chloride refers most commonly to the inorganic compound with the formula CoCl2·6H2O, which when hydrated is deep rose. Because of this dramatic color change and the ease of the hydration/dehydration reaction, "cobalt chloride" is used as an indicator for water in desiccants. Cobalt chloride is mainly used for electroplating of cobalt and for the preparation of reagents used in organic synthesis.