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Lithium hydroxide is white monoclinic crystalline solid; refractive index 1.460; density 1.51 g/cm3; soluble in water, more soluble than the anhydrous salt (22.3g and 26.8g/100g at 10 and 100°C, respectively); slightly soluble in alcohol; insoluble in ether.
Lithium hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the formula LiOH.
Lithium hydroxide can exist as anhydrous or hydrated, and both forms are white hygroscopic solids.
CAS Number: 1310-65-2
Molecular Formula: LiOH
Molecular Weight: 23.95
EINECS Number: 215-183-4
Synonyms: Lithium hydroxide, 1310-65-2, Lithium hydrate, Lithium hydroxide anhydrous, Lithium hydroxide (Li(OH)), LiOH, Lithiumhydroxid, lithium;hydroxide, EINECS 215-183-4, Lithium hydroxide, anhydrous, UNII-903YL31JAS, 903YL31JAS, Lithium hydroxide flakes, MFCD00011095, CHEBI:33979, DTXSID70893845, EC 215-183-4, lithiumhydroxide, Lithium Hydroxide; Lithium Hydrate, Lithium hydoxide, 215-183-4, UN2679, UN2680, lithium hydroxid, lithium hyroxide, litium hydroxide, lithium hydorxide, Lithium monoxide anion, Lithium Hydroxide, calcinated, LITHIUM HYDROXIDE [MI], DTXCID801323885, DTXSID901337186, STL185539, AKOS015904130, AKOS025264482, AKOS037479138, DB14506, FL49109, Lithium hydroxide powder, reagent grade, Lithium hydroxide, reagent grade, 98%, Lithium hydroxide, monohydrate or lithium hydroxide, solid [UN2680] [Corrosive], 54251-08-0, L0225, NS00074475, Lithium hydroxide, powder, reagent grade, >=98%, Q407613, Lithium hydroxide, monohydrate or lithium hydroxide, solid, Lithium hydroxide, monohydrate, Trace metals grade 99.8%, 64538-53-0, "Lithium hydroxide, anhydrous/ 99%", Lithium hydroxide ,99% [anhydrous], Lithium Hydroxide Anhydrous [for General Organic Chemistry], LithiuM hydroxide, anhydrous, pure, 98% 500GR, LITHIUM HYDROXIDE 98+ 100 G, LITHIUM HYDROXIDE 98+ 1 KG, Lithium hydroxide powder, reagent grade, >=98%, Lithium hydroxide reagent grade, 98%
Lithium hydroxide is known as the monohydrate (monoclinic; r.d. 1.51) and in the anhydrous form (tetragonal, r.d. 1.46; m.p. 450°C; decomposes at 924°C).
Lithium hydroxide is made by reacting lime with lithium salts or lithium ores.
Lithium hydroxide is basic but has a closer resemblance to group 2 hydroxides than to the other group 1 hydroxides (an example of the first member of a periodic group having atypical properties).
They are soluble in water and slightly soluble in ethanol.
Both are available commercially while classified as a strong base, lithium hydroxide is the weakest known alkali metal hydroxide.
A white crystalline solid, Lithium hydroxide, is soluble in water, slightly soluble in ethanol, and insoluble in ether.
Lithium hydroxide neutralizes acids exothermically to form salts plus water.
Reacts with certain metals (such as aluminum and zinc) to form oxides or hydroxides of the metal and generate gaseous hydrogen.
May initiate polymerization reactions in polymerizable organic compounds, especially epoxides.
May generate flammable and/or toxic gases with ammonium salts, nitrides, halogenated organics, various metals, peroxides, and hydroperoxides.
May serve as a catalyst. Reacts when heated above about 84°C with aqueous solutions of reducing sugars other than sucrose, to evolve toxic levels of carbon monoxide.
Lithium hydroxide is often produced industrially from lithium carbonate in a metathesis reaction with calcium hydroxide:Li2CO3 + Ca(OH)2 → 2 LiOH + CaCO3
The initially produced hydrate is dehydrated by heating under vacuum up to 180 °C.
An alternative route involves the intermediacy of lithium sulfate: α-spodumene → β-spodumene
β-spodumene + CaO → Li2O + ... Li2O + H2SO4 → Li2SO4 + H2O, Li2SO4 + 2 NaOH → Na2SO4 + 2 LiOH
The main by-products are gypsum and sodium sulphate, which have some market value.
Lithium hydroxide is mainly consumed in the production of cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) and lithium iron phosphate.
It is preferred over lithium carbonate as a precursor for lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides.
Lithium hydroxide and Albemarle were the largest producers in 2020 with around 25kt/y, followed by Livent Corporation (FMC) and SQM.
Significant new capacity is planned, to keep pace with demand driven by vehicle electrification.
Ganfeng are to expand lithium chemical capacity to 85,000 tons, adding the capacity leased from Jiangte, Ganfeng will become the largest lithium hydroxide producer globally in 2021.
Albemarle's Kemerton, Western Australia plant, originally planned to deliver 100kt/y has been scaled back to 50kt/y.
In 2020 Tianqi Lithium's, plant in Kwinana, Western Australia was the largest producer, with a capacity of 48kt/y.
Lithium hydroxide is a highly water insoluble crystalline Lithium source for uses compatible with higher (basic) pH environments.
Hydroxide, the OH- anion composed of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, is commonly present in nature and is one of the most widely studied molecules in physical chemistry.
Hydroxide compounds have diverse properties and uses, from base catalysis to detection of carbon dioxide.
In a watershed 2013 experiment, scientists at JILA (the Joint Institute for Laboratory Astrophysics) achieved evaporative cooling of compounds for the first time using hydroxide molecules, a discovery that may lead to new methods of controlling chemical reactions and could impact a range of disciplines, including atmospheric science and energy production technologies.
Lithium hydroxide is generally immediately available in most volumes.
High purity, submicron and nanopowder forms may be considered.
American Elements produces to many standard grades when applicable, including Mil Spec (military grade); ACS, Reagent and Technical Grade; Food, Agricultural and Pharmaceutical Grade; Optical Grade, USP and EP/BP (European Pharmacopoeia/British Pharmacopoeia) and follows applicable ASTM testing standards.
Typical and custom packaging is available. Additional technical, research and safety (MSDS) information is available as is a Reference Calculator for converting relevant units of measurement.
Lithium hydroxide is an alkali metal hydroxide.
Lithium hydroxide solution in water on electrolysis forms LiOH.
In respiratory apparatus and submarines, it is utilized to uptake carbon dioxide.
A study on the redox mechanism of titanium dioxide (TiO2) using cyclic voltammetry, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) in the aqueous LiOH electrolyte has been reported.
Lithium Hydroxide is a primary product in the Lithium manufacturing supply chain and is used to make many downstream Lithium chemicals.
Its main application is in the manufacture of cathodes for high-powered Lithium-ion batteries.
Lithium hydroxide is also used as a thickener in industrial lubricants where it enables greases to operate at high temperatures without losing viscosity.
Albemarle's technical grade lithium hydroxide is used as a thickener in high-performance greases, a reagent in dyes, pH balancer in power production, and as a carbon dioxide scrubbing agent in rebreather apparatuses; it also finds use as an intermediate in some pharmaceutical applications, especially in the production of vitamin A.
Lithium hydroxide is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula LiOH, and it appears as a white, crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and slightly soluble in alcohol.
Lithium hydroxide is most commonly encountered in two forms: anhydrous lithium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide monohydrate, both of which are used in a variety of industrial and chemical applications.
One of the most important uses of lithium hydroxide is in the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries, particularly in the production of cathode materials like lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO₂), lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄), and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC), which are essential components in rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles, smartphones, and laptops.
Melting point: 470 °C (dec.) (lit.)
Boiling point: 925°C
Density: 1.43
bulk density: 550kg/m3
storage temp.: Store below +30°C.
solubility: water: soluble71g/L at 20°C
pka: 14[at 20 ℃]
form: Solid
Specific Gravity: 2.54
color: White to light yellow
Odor: odorless
PH: 12 (50g/l, H2O, 50℃)
Water Solubility: 113 g/L (20 ºC)
Sensitive: Air Sensitive & Hygroscopic
Merck: 14,5534
Stability: Stable. Incompatible with moisture. strong acids, carbon dioxide.
InChIKey: WMFOQBRAJBCJND-UHFFFAOYSA-M
Lithium hydroxide is a white solid made industrially as the monohydrate (LiOH.H2O) by reacting lime with a lithium ore or with a salt made from the ore.
Lithium hydroxide has a closer resemblance to the group 2 hydroxides than to the group 1 hydroxides.
A popular lithium grease thickener is lithium 12-hydroxystearate, which produces a general-purpose lubricating grease due to its high resistance to water and usefulness at a range of temperatures.
Lithium hydroxide, together with lithium carbonate, is a key intermediates used for the production of other lithium compounds, illustrated by its use in the production of lithium fluoride: LiOH + HF → LiF + H2O
It is also used in ceramics and some Portland cement formulations, where it is also used to suppress ASR (concrete cancer).
Lithium hydroxide (isotopically enriched in lithium-7) is used to alkalize the reactor coolant in pressurized water reactors for corrosion control.
It is good radiation protection against free neutrons.
Lithium hydroxide is an alkali metal hydroxide.
Lithium hydroxide appears as a clear to water-white liquid whose solution may have a pungent odour.
Contact may cause severe irritation to skin, eyes and mucous membranes.
May be toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption.
Lithium hydroxide is used to make other chemicals.
In addition to battery production, lithium hydroxide is used as an alkaline reagent in laboratories and as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of greases, ceramics, and specialty glasses.
In fact, it is widely valued in the production of high-temperature lubricating greases, where it reacts with fatty acids to produce lithium soaps, which are used as thickening agents.
Because lithium hydroxide is corrosive and has strong alkaline properties, it can be used in carbon dioxide scrubbers, especially in submarines and spacecraft, where it chemically reacts with CO₂ to form lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃), helping to purify the air in closed environments.
Lithium hydroxide also has niche uses in water treatment, polymer production, and nuclear reactors, where its ability to control pH and react with various compounds is valuable.
Due to its chemical reactivity, especially with acids and carbon dioxide, lithium hydroxide must be handled with care, as it can cause skin irritation or burns upon contact and is harmful if inhaled or ingested.
Lithium hydroxide is classified as a strong base, and it reacts readily with acids, carbon dioxide, and moisture in the air, making it highly reactive in both laboratory and industrial settings, where it is often used to neutralize acidic environments or act as a pH regulator.
In the aerospace and defense industries, lithium hydroxide plays a vital role in life-support systems, especially in enclosed environments such as submarines, spacecraft, or cleanrooms, where it is used in CO₂ scrubbing systems to maintain breathable air by converting exhaled carbon dioxide into solid lithium carbonate.
As a precursor material for the synthesis of various lithium compounds, lithium hydroxide serves as a foundation for the development of specialty chemicals and advanced materials, making it essential in chemical synthesis and material science research.
In the nuclear energy sector, lithium hydroxide is sometimes added to the coolant water in pressurized water reactors to control corrosion and maintain the water’s alkalinity, helping to reduce the buildup of boric acid and stabilize pH, thus ensuring the longevity of reactor components.
The production of lithium hydroxide is typically done through the reaction of lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), or through extraction from lithium brine deposits or spodumene ore, processes which are of increasing strategic importance given the global demand for lithium-based energy storage.
In ceramics and glass manufacturing, lithium hydroxide is used to improve the thermal shock resistance and strength of specialty glasses, including ovenproof cookware and glass for electronic devices, by modifying the silica structure of the glass during melting.
From a safety perspective, lithium hydroxide is classified as a corrosive substance, and it can cause serious damage to skin, eyes, and respiratory systems if proper precautions are not followed during handling, including the use of gloves, goggles, and appropriate ventilation.
Uses Of Lithium hydroxide:
Lithium hydroxide is used as an electrolyte in certain alkaline storage batteries; and in the production of lithium soaps.
Other uses of this compound include its catalytic applications in esterification reactions in the production of alkyd resins; in photographic developer solutions; and as a starting material to prepare other lithium salts.
The compound is soluble in water.
Lithium hydroxide is used in the formulation of lithium soaps used in multipurpose greases; also in the manufacture of various lithium salts; and as an additive to the electrolyte of alkaline storage batteries.
Lithium hydroxide also is an efficient, light-weight absorbent for carbon dioxide.
Lithium hydroxide is used as a heat transfer medium, as a storage-battery electrolyte and also used for the production of lithium greases.
It is also used in ceramics, in some portland cement formulations, in the absoption of carbondioxide from sealed enviornments such as submarines, spacecrafts and breathing apparatus.
Lithium hydroxide is used in esterification reactions, as stabilizer in photographic developments and as a coolant in pressurized water reactors for corrosion control.
Lithium hydroxide is an alkali metal hydroxide that is used in storage batteries and soaps and as CO2 absorber in spacecrafts.
Lithium hydroxide is used in breathing gas purification systems for spacecraft, submarines, and rebreathers to remove carbon dioxide from exhaled gas by producing lithium carbonate and water: 2 LiOH·H2O + CO2 → Li2CO3 + 3 H2O or 2 LiOH + CO2 → Li2CO3 + H2O
The latter, anhydrous hydroxide, is preferred for its lower mass and lesser water production for respirator systems in spacecraft.
One gram of anhydrous lithium hydroxide can remove 450 cm3 of carbon dioxide gas.
The monohydrate loses its water at 100–110 °C.
Lithium hydroxide is used in the following products: adhesives and sealants, lubricants and greases, hydraulic fluids, metal working fluids, fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay and biocides (e.g. disinfectants, pest control products).
Other release to the environment of Lithium hydroxide is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners), outdoor use, outdoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. metal, wooden and plastic construction and building materials) and indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment).
Release to the environment of Lithium hydroxide can occur from industrial use: industrial abrasion processing with low release rate (e.g. cutting of textile, cutting, machining or grinding of metal).
Other release to the environment of Lithium hydroxide is likely to occur from: outdoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. metal, wooden and plastic construction and building materials) and indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment).
Lithium hydroxide can be found in complex articles, with no release intended: electrical batteries and accumulators and machinery, mechanical appliances and electrical/electronic products (e.g. computers, cameras, lamps, refrigerators, washing machines).
Lithium hydroxide can be found in products with material based on: stone, plaster, cement, glass or ceramic (e.g. dishes, pots/pans, food storage containers, construction and isolation material), fabrics, textiles and apparel (e.g. clothing, mattress, curtains or carpets, textile toys) and metal (e.g. cutlery, pots, toys, jewellery).
Lithium hydroxide is used in the following products: hydraulic fluids, lubricants and greases, metal working fluids, adhesives and sealants and fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay.
Lithium hydroxide is used in the following areas: building & construction work, health services and formulation of mixtures and/or re-packaging.
Lithium hydroxide is used for the manufacture of: chemicals and.
Other release to the environment of Lithium hydroxide is likely to occur from: indoor use (e.g. machine wash liquids/detergents, automotive care products, paints and coating or adhesives, fragrances and air fresheners), outdoor use, outdoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. metal, wooden and plastic construction and building materials) and indoor use in long-life materials with low release rate (e.g. flooring, furniture, toys, construction materials, curtains, foot-wear, leather products, paper and cardboard products, electronic equipment).
Lithium hydroxide is used in the following products: lubricants and greases, adhesives and sealants, fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay, metal working fluids and hydraulic fluids.
Release to the environment of Lithium hydroxide can occur from industrial use: formulation of mixtures and formulation in materials.
Lithium hydroxide is used in the following products: lubricants and greases, metal working fluids, hydraulic fluids, inks and toners, polymers, adhesives and sealants and fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay.
Lithium hydroxide is used for the manufacture of: chemicals, mineral products (e.g. plasters, cement), textile, leather or fur, electrical, electronic and optical equipment and machinery and vehicles.
Release to the environment of Lithium hydroxide can occur from industrial use: in the production of articles, in processing aids at industrial sites, as an intermediate step in further manufacturing of another substance (use of intermediates), of substances in closed systems with minimal release, as processing aid and as processing aid.
Lithium hydroxide is primarily used in the production of lithium-ion batteries, where it serves as a key raw material for synthesizing cathode materials, such as lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) and lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), which are widely used in electric vehicles (EVs), smartphones, laptops, and other portable electronics.
Another major application is in the production of high-performance lubricating greases, where lithium hydroxide reacts with fatty acids to form lithium-based soaps that serve as thickening agents; these greases are valued for their thermal stability, water resistance, and mechanical performance, making them ideal for automotive, aviation, and heavy machinery use.
In environments where air quality must be tightly controlled—such as submarines, spacecraft, and sealed laboratories—lithium hydroxide is used in carbon dioxide scrubbers, where it reacts with CO₂ to produce lithium carbonate, effectively removing carbon dioxide from the air and ensuring a breathable atmosphere.
In some nuclear power plants, particularly pressurized water reactors (PWRs), lithium hydroxide is added to the coolant system to control the pH of the water, which helps reduce corrosion in metal components and prolongs the life of the reactor infrastructure.
Lithium hydroxide is used in the glass and ceramics industries to improve the strength, clarity, and thermal shock resistance of specialty glass products, including cookware, smartphone screens, and glass used in solar panels, by modifying the silica structure during melting.
Because of its strong basic nature, lithium hydroxide is often used as a reagent in organic and inorganic chemical synthesis, where it helps to neutralize acids, initiate chemical reactions, or adjust the pH of solutions in laboratories and industrial processes.
In some industrial settings, lithium hydroxide may be used in catalyst formulations or polymer processing, where its alkalinity contributes to polymerization reactions or surface treatments for materials.
Lithium hydroxide can be used in water purification systems to neutralize acidic waste streams or adjust the pH of water supplies, especially in industrial settings where precise pH control is needed.
Lithium hydroxide is also a precursor in the synthesis of other lithium compounds, including lithium bromide, lithium chloride, and lithium carbonate, which have further applications in pharmaceuticals, air conditioning, metallurgy, and more.
Safety Profile Of Lithium hydroxide:
TOXIC; inhalation, ingestion or skin contact with material may cause severe injury or death.
Contact with molten substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes.
Avoid any skin contact effects of contact or inhalation may be delayed.
Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
Runoff from fire control or dilution water may be corrosive and/or toxic and cause pollution.
Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.
Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.).
Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas containers may explode when heated.
Lithium hydroxide is classified as a strong alkali and a corrosive substance, which means it can cause severe burns or irritation when it comes into contact with the skin or eyes.
If not handled properly, it may lead to redness, pain, blistering, or even permanent damage, particularly to the eyes, where exposure can result in vision loss.
Inhalation of lithium hydroxide dust or aerosols can irritate the respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, and shortness of breath.
Prolonged or repeated exposure to airborne particles can lead to chronic respiratory issues, particularly in poorly ventilated areas.
Although not typically fatal in small doses, ingestion of lithium hydroxide is considered toxic and can cause severe internal burns, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and possibly damage to the esophagus or stomach lining.
Ingesting large amounts may disrupt electrolyte balance and affect kidney or neurological function.
