Lithium chloride

Lithium chloride is a chemical compound with the formula LiCl. It is a white crystalline solid, highly soluble in water, and is used in various applications in the fields of chemistry, medicine, and industry.

Chemical properties

Lithium chloride is a typical ionic compound, being formed from the metal lithium and the halogen chlorine. It has a high melting point of 605°C and a boiling point of 1360°C. It is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of 74.5 g/100 mL at 20°C.

Production

Lithium chloride is produced industrially by treating lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide with hydrochloric acid, which results in the formation of lithium chloride and water.

Uses

Lithium chloride has a variety of uses in different fields. In chemistry, it is used as a desiccant for drying air streams. In medicine, it is used as a treatment for bipolar disorder. In industry, it is used in the production of lithium metal, and in the manufacture of welding and brazing fluxes.

Health effects

Exposure to lithium chloride can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. Ingestion can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Long-term exposure can lead to kidney damage.

See also

• Lithium
• Chlorine
• Ionic compound
• Bipolar disorder