99%Lithium chloride powder 40%Lithium chloride solution Lithium chloride 7447-41-8

What is lithium chloride? What are its uses?

I. What is Lithium chloride?

Lithium chloride (also known as lithium chloride) is a chloride of lithium, and belongs to the family of alkali metal halides. Its chemical formula is commonly written as:

LiCl (CAS No.: 7447-41-8, molecular weight about 42.39)

It is a white cubic crystal or powder at room temperature. Its density is about 2.07 g/cm3, melting point about 610℃ (605~614℃ according to the source) and boiling point about 1360℃. Lithium chloride is very soluble in water (about 83 grams will dissolve in 100 ml of water at 20℃) and in organic solvents like ethanol, acetone and pyridine. It is but slightly soluble in diethyl ether, and its solubility is much greater than that of the other chlorides of the same group.

Lithium Chloride Composition Lithium chloride is composed of a lithium ion (Li+) and a chloride ion (Cl-). The small radius and high hydration energy of lithium ions make lithium chloride extremely hygroscopic and have very high concentration in aqueous solutions, which is the physical basis for its use as a desiccant, dehumidifier and biochemical reagent, and the biological activity of lithium ions gives it unique value in life science research.

From the chemical point of view, lithium chloride is a low toxic substance, but it is highly irritating and corrosive to eyes and mucous membranes, and its aqueous solution is corrosive for metals. High temperatures and molten state electrolysis can decompose it into metallic lithium and chlorine gas. It is very hygroscopic and should be kept in a sealed moisture-proof container.

Non-industrial grade lithium chloride refers to non-bulk industrial products used in scientific research and consumer applications, mainly including reagent grades. Non-industrial-grade lithium chloride stresses the following indicators more than industrial-grade lithium chloride:

Purity and Impurity Control

Reagent-grade reagents generally require a main content of 99% or higher (high-purity specifications require even higher purity), and strictly control impurities such as metals and sulfates to ensure experimental results and product quality.

Moisture

Lithium chloride is highly hygroscopic, requiring sealed packaging and controlled moisture content to prevent deliquescence and clumping, which could affect measurement and use.

Solubility and Clarity

Rapid dissolution and clear, transparent solutions are required to ensure the stability of biochemical experiments and formulation applications.

II. What are the uses of Lithium chloride?

1. Laboratory Applications (Reagent Grade)

Lithium chloride is a classic reagent in molecular biology experiments and can be used in analytical chemistry and as a raw material for preparing electrolyte solutions.

2. Household dehumidifier and dryer (consumer grade)

Lithium chloride is very hygroscopic and thus can be an effective component of household dehumidifiers, desiccants and moisture proof boxes. It can be used in daily moisture proof scenarios, like wardrobes, shoe cabinets, camera protection etc., help to keep the environment dry.

3. Energy storage and new energy research (Research level)

( 1 ) Lithium chloride and its molten salt system are important materials for thermal storage, molten salt energy storage and battery recycling studies. LiCl-KCl molten salt is a basic raw material for the innovation of new energy technology, which is used in lithium metal recycling and electrochemical research in research institutions.

( 2) Lithium chloride is the chief raw material for electrolytic production of metallic lithium. Electrolysis of a mixed molten salt of lithium chloride and potassium chloride at about 600°C produces metallic lithium. This is the dominant method for producing primary metallic lithium globally. The new energy industry chain source is metallic lithium and its lithium salts and lithium battery materials in the downstream.

( 3 ) Lithium chloride can be used to prepare electrolytes for dry batteries, and can also be used as a basic raw material for lithium salt products, supporting the preparation of high-end materials such as lithium battery electrolytes.

4. Flux for brazing aluminum and aluminum alloys

An important component of aluminum brazing flux (aluminum welding powder) is lithium chloride. It is often mixed with potassium chloride, sodium chloride, etc. to form a eutectic salt system for flame brazing and furnace brazing of aluminum and aluminum alloys. It is widely used for production of automotive aluminum parts, home appliances and heat exchangers.

5. Air conditioning dehumidifiers and dehumidifying agents

Industrial grade lithium chloride is used as a moisture absorbent and dehumidifier for rotary dehumidifiers and non-refrigeration air conditioners and takes advantage of the very powerful hygroscopic properties of lithium chloride. It can also be an excellent desiccant for drying and dehydrating gasses and solvents.

6. Entertainment Products & Fireworks

Lithium chloride is used in fireworks as a red flame colorant, producing a bright deep red flame for festive fireworks. It is a common ingredient of lithium salt in entertainment and celebration products..

7. Other Applications

With the development of new energy research, the application scope of non-industrial grade lithium chloride continues to expand, including teaching experiments, standard reagent supply, and analytical chemistry applications.

Summarize

Lithium chloride is a white, highly hygroscopic, and water-soluble alkali metal halide. It is both an important chemical reagent and a highly efficient moisture-absorbing and desiccant material. In daily life, we indirectly encounter it through air conditioner dehumidifiers, aluminum product welding, lithium batteries, fireworks, and dry cell batteries. In non-industrial applications, lithium chloride is widely used in household dehumidification and drying, energy storage and new energy research, and fireworks entertainment, making it a crucial lithium chemical connecting "daily use" with "scientific research, health, and new energy."