Lithium Chloride


lithium chloride

[′lith·ē·əm ′klȯr‚īd] (inorganic chemistry) LiCl·2H2O A colorless, water-soluble compound, forming octahedral crystals and melting at 614°C; used to form concentrated brine in commercial air-conditioning systems and as a pyrotechnic in welding and brazing fluxes.

Lithium Chloride

 

LiCl, a salt; colorless crystals. Density, 2.07 g/cm3; melting point, 614°C; boiling point, 1382°C. It is extremely hygroscopic and deliquesces in air; its solubility in water is 78.5 g per 100 g at 20°C. It is soluble in many organic solvents.

Lithium chloride is prepared mainly by the dissolution of lithium carbonate, Li2CO3 or lithium hydroxide, LiOH, in hydrochloric acid. In industry, LiCl is used in the preparation of metallic lithium from a melt by electrolysis. Because of its ability to absorb ammonia, amines, water vapor, and other gaseous substances, lithium chloride is used (usually in the form of a 40 percent solution) in airconditioning, as well as in the manufacture of flux for smelting metals and for welding aluminum, magnesium, and light alloys.