Lithium Chloride (LiCl) is an ionic compound or salt that is highly polar and soluble in water. It is more soluble in organic solvents such as acetone and methanol than potassium chloride or sodium chloride. Lithium chloride is widely used in several industrial applications.
Physical Properties of Lithium Chloride
- It has a sharp, saline taste
- It has cubic crystals, crystalline powder, or granule appearance
- It has a melting point of 121°F and 2.068 density at 77°F
- Its aqueous solution is neutral and a bit alkaline
- Soluble in ether, nitrobenzene, and water alcohols
Chemical Characteristics of Lithium Chloride
Reaction with Sulfuric Acid
The lithium chloride and sulfuric acid reaction form hydrogen chloride and lithium sulfate. Here is the reaction’s chemical equation:
2LiCl+H2SO4→2HCl+Li2SO4
Reaction with Base
Lithium chloride reacts with an alkali (such as Sodium Hydroxide) to form Sodium Chloride and Lithium Hydroxide.
LiCl+NaOH→LiOH+NaCl
Like other metal chlorides, lithium chloride salt produces crystalline hydrates. You can regenerate its anhydrous salts after heating the hydrates. Besides, it can easily absorb four equivalents of ammonia per mol. However, lithium chloride can mainly serve as a chloride ion source when combined with an ionic chloride.
Industrial Applications of Lithium Chloride
Electrochemistry
Lithium metal is produced by electrolysis of lithium chloride and potassium chloride, which melts at 450°C. High-purity lithium chloride is used as the feedstock in the process and makes about 99.5% pure lithium metal.
Molten lithium is contained in a carbon steel pot, while the chlorine gas is collected in a stainless steel or glass pipe for applications in other processes. The molten lithium flows into a collecting tank and is later cast into ingots. A mesh or stainless-steel screen separates the two compartments to prevent the products from mixing.
Other Applications of Lithium Chloride
- It is used as a flame colorant to form dark crimson flames.
- It is used in the precipitation of RNA in biological applications.
- It is an aluminum blazing flux in automobile parts.
- It is used for several soldering and welding techniques and salt bath heat treatment at low temperatures.
- Lithium chloride is used in massive dehumidification systems in the AC industry. This depends on the low equilibrium pressure of vapor above lithium chloride solutions.
Is lithium Chloride safe?
Lithium salts may have several effects on the nervous system. Lithium chloride was once used to treat bipolar disorder before it was discovered to pose the human body to side effects such as nausea, tremors, and fatigue.
Shop Quality Products From Bisley International
Bisley provides both powdered and liquid lithium chloride and other lithium products. At Bisley International, we are committed to maintaining the number one position as a products supplier of quality and cost-effective lithium solutions. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information on chemistries, applications, grades, and samples. Our sales representatives will be more than ready to assist you once you reach out to us.
