In CoCu-based Fischer-Tropsch catalysis, the as-prepared nanoparticles, if allowed to self-assemble, exhibit a Co@Cu core-shell morphology that would render the catalyst inactive for CO hydrogenation. Therefore, a chemical reconstruction has to occur to create the catalytically active phase. While some of the thermodynamically-imposed driving forces for reconstruction have been identified and kinetic mechanisms experimentally probed, a thorough theoretical understanding on the molecular events has yet to be developed. Here, we employ a first-principles statistical mechanics approach to show that the reconstruction of CoCu in CO atmospheres is likely accomplished via subcarbonyl (multiple bonded CO) formation at the step and kink sites of CoCu catalysts. We find that the CO-induced antisegregation of subsurface Co atoms to step sites and the subsequent rupturing of Co subcarbonyls from these sites is thermodynamically feasible under experimentally-relevant CO pressures and temperatures. The results suggest that Co tricarbonyl formation along with its rupturing and diffusion onto the terraces is responsible for reconstruction. These Co tricarbonyls are shown to favorably dimerize, suggesting a potential route for nanoisland formation and morphological changes. Our results illustrate a strong correlation to surface carbonyl and inorganic complex chemistry of Co metal. (C) 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.