Lithium hydroxide . Its chemical formula is (LiOH) , also known as Lithine is an odorless crystalline white solid that absorbs moisture from the air (hygroscopic). Lithium hydroxide is highly corrosive, it is soluble in water, and slightly soluble in ethanol. It is found commercially in the anhydrous form, or as a monohydrate.
Summary
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- 1 Physical properties
- 2 Chemical properties
- 3 Obtaining
- 1 Industry
- 4 Use
- 5 Reactivity
- 6 First aid measures
- 7 Sources
Physical properties
Molar mass lithium hydroxide 24 g / mol, at room temperature, lithium hydroxide is an odorless, white crystalline solid that absorbs moisture from the air (hygroscopic), it is very corrosive. It is a substance soluble in Water (11 g per 100 ml of Water at 20ºC), slightly soluble in Ethyl Alcohol and insoluble in Ether.
Chemical properties
Lithium hydroxide is used in breathing gas purification systems for spacecraft (The lithium hydroxide flasks in the LEM- Lunar Excursion Module – were lifelines for Apollo 13 astronauts), submarines, and respirators for remove carbon dioxide from the exhaled gas producing lithium carbonate and water:
The reaction is as follows:
2LiOH + CO 2 = Li 2 CO 3 + H 2 O
OR,
2LiOH · H 2 O + CO 2 = Li 2 CO 3 + 3H 2 O
Anhydrous hydroxide is preferred because it has its lowest mass and produces little water for spacecraft respirator systems. 1 gram of anhydrous lithium hydroxide can remove 450 centimeters3 of carbon dioxide gas. The monohydrate loses its water at 100-110 ° C.
Obtaining
Lithium hydroxide is obtained by dissolving lithium or lithium oxide in water. The reaction is as follows:
2Li + 2H 2 O = 2LiOH + H 2
Li 2 O + 2H 2 O = 2LiOH
Because lithium reacts quickly (but not violently) with water, lithium batteries should be stored away from water.
Industry
It is produced by a double exchange reaction between lithium carbonate and calcium hydroxide:
Lí 2 CO 3 + Ca (OH) 2 = LiOH + CaCO3 (prec.)
Utilization
Lithium hydroxide is used by carbon dioxide absorbers for the purification of gases and air, mainly in spacecraft and submarines. It is used as a heat transfer medium, as an electrolyte in batteries, and as a catalyst for polymerization. It is used in ceramics, in the production of other lithium compounds, and in esterification, especially for lithium stearate (which is used in greases for various lubrication purposes due to its high resistance to water and is useful in high and low temperatures, such as fats for steel and metallurgy, furnaces and severe refrigeration equipment).
Reactivity
Conditions that contribute to chemical stability: Moderate Incompatibilities: In contact with strong acids, carbon dioxide, aluminum, zinc and water. Hazardous decomposition products: Lithium oxide Conditions to Avoid: High temperatures (decomposes).
Health Hazard Information Route of Exposure Lithium hydroxide can affect the body if it is inhaled or comes into contact with the skin or eyes. It can also affect the body if ingested. Effects of Overexposure Lithium hydroxide is a strong alkali and is corrosive if contacted with any tissue. The effects due to inhalation vary from severe irritations in the digestive tract, it causes cough, shortness of breath and laryngitis, in addition to affecting the central nervous system. Effects similar to those of ingestion, edema of the larynx and bronchi can occur. , chemical pneumonitis and pulmonary edema. LC50 (inhalation – rat): 960 mg / m3 for 4 hours. Contact with skin or eyes can cause severe irritation or burns, redness and pain causing visual disturbances – dermatitis. Ingestion of lithium hydroxide can cause a corrosive effect with severe burns, affect the central nervous system, cause nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea, apathy, drowsiness, lethargy and incoordination, muscle tremors and seizures, affect the thyroid, and, if exposure is higher, it can cause visual disturbances – Blurred vision, liver damage, coma, pulmonary edema and kidney failure. There is currently no evidence that it has carcinogenic and mutagenic effects, the teratogenic effect is under study. Indicative symptoms: A doctor should be consulted if signs or symptoms are observed or observed and if they are suspected to be caused by exposure to lithium hydroxide. Ingestion of lithium hydroxide can cause a corrosive effect with severe burns, affect the central nervous system, cause nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea, apathy, drowsiness, lethargy and incoordination, muscle tremors and seizures, affect the thyroid, and, if exposure is higher, it can cause visual disturbances – Blurred vision, liver damage, coma, pulmonary edema and kidney failure. There is currently no evidence that it has carcinogenic and mutagenic effects, the teratogenic effect is under study. Indicative symptoms: A doctor should be consulted if signs or symptoms are observed or observed and if they are suspected to be caused by exposure to lithium hydroxide. Ingestion of lithium hydroxide can cause a corrosive effect with severe burns, affect the central nervous system, cause nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea, apathy, drowsiness, lethargy and incoordination, muscle tremors and seizures, affect the thyroid, and, if exposure is higher, it can cause visual disturbances – Blurred vision, liver damage, coma, pulmonary edema and kidney failure. There is currently no evidence that it has carcinogenic and mutagenic effects, the teratogenic effect is under study. Indicative symptoms: A doctor should be consulted if signs or symptoms are observed or observed and if they are suspected to be caused by exposure to lithium hydroxide. lethargy and incoordination, muscle tremors and seizures, affects the thyroid, and, if exposure is higher, can cause visual disturbances – Blurred vision, liver damage, coma, pulmonary edema and kidney failure. There is currently no evidence that it has carcinogenic and mutagenic effects, the teratogenic effect is under study. Indicative symptoms: A doctor should be consulted if signs or symptoms are observed or observed and if they are suspected to be caused by exposure to lithium hydroxide. lethargy and incoordination, muscle tremors and seizures, affects the thyroid, and, if exposure is higher, can cause visual disturbances – Blurred vision, liver damage, coma, pulmonary edema and kidney failure. There is currently no evidence that it has carcinogenic and mutagenic effects, the teratogenic effect is under study. Indicative symptoms: A doctor should be consulted if signs or symptoms are observed or observed and if they are suspected to be caused by exposure to lithium hydroxide.
First aid measures
In case of:
Inhalation: Move the person where there is fresh air, in case of respiratory arrest, use cardiopulmonary resuscitation method. If breathing is difficult, oxygen should be supplied, get medical help immediately.
Skin contact: Wash with abundant and rapid water, for at least 15 minutes, use an emergency shower, remove contaminated clothing, and then wash or discard it. If the injury continues, seek medical assistance immediately.
Eye Contact: Wash with abundant and fast water in an eye wash, between 15 and 10 minutes at least, separating the eyelids. If damage persists, refer to a medical facility promptly.
Ingestion:Wash your mouth with water, give plenty of water to drink. Do not induce vomiting. Send to a medical service immediately.