It was first synthesized by Barton K. Bower and Howard G. Tennent in 1972[1] and is one of few compounds in which cobalt has a formal oxidation state of +4.

Tetrakis(1-norbornyl)cobalt(IV) is formed the reaction of CoCl2•THF with 1-norbornyllithium (norLi) in n-pentane under an inert atmosphere.

[2][3][4] The exceptional stability of the complex is in large part due to its inability to undergo either α- or β-hydride elimination.

The resulting configuration is e4t21, with magnetic measurements showing paramagnetism consistent with only one unpaired electron.

[4][6] The compound is air-sensitive, has a green color and is paramagnetic, with two unpaired electrons, again indicating a low-spin tetrahedral configuration (d6, e4t22).