Lithium bicarbonate (LiHCO3) is a chemical compound used in various applications. It possesses alkaline properties and is utilized in research, pharmaceuticals, and as a potential treatment for certain medical conditions.
| IUPAC Name | Lithium Bicarbonate |
| Molecular Formula | LiHCO3 |
| CAS Number | 5006-97-3 |
| Synonyms | Lithium Hydrogen Carbonate, Li Bicarbonate |
| InChI | InChI=1S/CH2O3.Li/c2-1(3)4;/h(H2,2,3,4);/q;+1 |
Lithium Bicarbonate Properties
Lithium Bicarbonate Formula
Lithium hydrogen carbonate has the chemical formula LiHCO3. It consists of one lithium (Li) cation, one hydrogen carbonate (HCO3) anion, and one hydrogen (H) atom. The formula reflects the presence of lithium and bicarbonate ions in the compound.
Lithium Bicarbonate Molar Mass
The molar mass of lithium hydrogen carbonate (LiHCO3) is approximately 68 grams per mole (g/mol). It is calculated by summing the atomic masses of its constituent elements: lithium, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen.
Lithium Bicarbonate Boiling Point
Lithium hydrogen carbonate does not have a well-defined boiling point as it decomposes at elevated temperatures. Upon heating, it loses carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O), transforming into lithium carbonate (Li2CO3).
Lithium Bicarbonate Melting Point
Lithium hydrogen carbonate has a melting point of around 250 degrees Celsius (482 degrees Fahrenheit). At this temperature, it undergoes a phase transition from a solid to a liquid state.
Lithium Bicarbonate Density g/mL
The density of lithium hydrogen carbonate (LiHCO3) is approximately 2.21 grams per milliliter (g/mL). It is a relatively dense compound due to the presence of lithium and other heavy elements.
Lithium Bicarbonate Molecular Weight
Lithium hydrogen carbonate has a molecular weight of approximately 68 g/mol. The molecular weight represents the sum of the atomic weights of all the atoms in a single molecule of the compound.
Lithium Bicarbonate Structure
Lithium hydrogen carbonate has a crystalline structure. It forms a lattice of lithium, hydrogen carbonate, and hydrogen atoms, arranged in a repeating pattern. The structure is held together by ionic and covalent bonds.
Lithium Bicarbonate Solubility
Lithium hydrogen carbonate is sparingly soluble in water. It dissolves to a limited extent in water, yielding a slightly alkaline solution. However, its solubility is relatively low compared to other lithium compounds.
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Specific Gravity | ~2.21 g/mL |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | ~68 g/mol |
| Density | ~2.21 g/mL |
| Melting Point | ~250°C (482°F) |
| Boiling Point | Decomposes |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Sparingly soluble yielding a slightly alkaline solution |
| Solubility | Limited |
| Vapor Pressure | Not available |
| Vapor Density | Not available |
| pKa | Not available |
| pH | Slightly alkaline |
Lithium Bicarbonate Safety and Hazards
Lithium hydrogen carbonate poses certain safety considerations and hazards. It is essential to handle the compound with care to minimize risks. Direct contact with the skin or eyes may cause irritation. Inhalation of dust or fumes should be avoided, as it could lead to respiratory discomfort. When heated, it decomposes, releasing carbon dioxide and water vapor, which can be potentially hazardous in enclosed spaces. Additionally, it is crucial to store lithium hydrogen carbonate properly, away from incompatible substances. Adequate ventilation and personal protective equipment should be used when working with this compound to ensure a safe environment.
| Hazard Symbols | Not available |
| Safety Description | Handle with care. Avoid inhalation, skin, and eye contact. Store properly. Use in well-ventilated areas. |
| UN IDs | Not available |
| HS Code | Not available |
| Hazard Class | Not available |
| Packing Group | Not available |
| Toxicity | Low toxicity; handle with caution. |
Lithium Bicarbonate Synthesis Methods
Various methods enable the synthesis of lithium hydrogen carbonate.
One common approach involves reacting lithium hydroxide (LiOH) with carbon dioxide (CO2). The reaction takes place in an aqueous solution where the lithium hydroxide dissociates into lithium and hydroxide ions. Simultaneously, carbon dioxide dissolves in water, forming carbonic acid (H2CO3). The lithium ions then react with carbonic acid to produce lithium hydrogen carbonate (LiHCO3) and water (H2O). The chemical equation for this reaction is:
LiOH + CO2 → LiHCO3 + H2O
Another method involves treating lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) with carbon dioxide gas in a closed system, yielding lithium hydrogen carbonate. The chemical equation for this reaction is:
Li2CO3 + CO2 → 2LiHCO3
These synthetic methods are important for producing lithium hydrogen carbonate in laboratory settings and for industrial applications. It is crucial to follow safety protocols and ensure proper equipment and conditions during the synthesis process.
Lithium Bicarbonate Uses
Lithium hydrogen carbonate finds numerous applications due to its unique properties. Here are some of its key uses:
- Research and Laboratory: It serves as a valuable reagent in various chemical and research experiments, enabling scientists to study chemical reactions and properties.
- Potential Medical Treatment: There are ongoing investigations into its potential role as a treatment for conditions like lithium deficiency, and certain kidney disorders, and as an alkalizing agent.
- Environmental Applications: It can aid in the removal of carbon dioxide from industrial processes and has potential applications in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.
- Alkalizing Agent: In specific industrial processes, it acts as an alkalizing agent to control acidity and regulate pH levels.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: The pharmaceutical formulations use lithium hydrogen carbonate primarily in medications for mood disorders like bipolar disorder.
- Lithium Battery Production: Researchers and experimental settings explore the use of lithium hydrogen carbonate in advanced lithium-based batteries to enhance battery performance.
- Water Treatment: Water treatment processes employ lithium hydrogen carbonate to adjust the pH of water sources.
- Agriculture: Lithium hydrogen carbonate finds limited use in agricultural practices, where farmers utilize it to address specific soil conditions and improve plant growth.
Despite these applications, it is crucial to handle lithium hydrogen carbonate with care and follow safety guidelines, given its potential hazards and reactivity. As research and technological advancements continue, new uses for lithium hydrogen carbonate may emerge, further enhancing its significance in various fields.
Questions:
Q: What is the chemical formula for lithium bicarbonate?
A: The chemical formula for lithium hydrogen carbonate is LiHCO3.
Q: Can lithium bicarbonate cause low vitamin D?
A: There is no evidence to suggest that lithium hydrogen carbonate causes low vitamin D levels.
Q: Which works better, lithium carbonate or lithium bicarbonate?
A: The effectiveness of lithium carbonate or lithium hydrogen carbonate depends on their specific applications and intended use.
Q: Does lithium bicarbonate interact with valerian extract?
A: There are no known interactions between lithium hydrogen carbonate and valerian extract, but it is essential to consult a healthcare professional.
Q: What is lithium bicarbonate?
A: Lithium hydrogen carbonate is a chemical compound with alkaline properties, used in various applications, including research and pharmaceuticals.
Q: Can lithium bicarbonate and lithium carbonate be heated in water?
A: Lithium hydrogen carbonate and lithium carbonate can be heated in water, but they will decompose to form other compounds.
Q: What is the weight loss when 3.45g of LiHCO3 is decomposed?
A: The weight loss when 3.45g of LiHCO3 is decomposed will depend on the specific reaction and products formed.
Q: Is LiHCO3 a strong electrolyte?
A: No, lithium hydrogen carbonate (LiHCO3) is a weak electrolyte.
Q: What salt would be produced by the reaction of H2SO4 with LiHCO3?
A: The reaction between H2SO4 and LiHCO3 will produce lithium sulfate (Li2SO4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and water (H2O).
Q: Is LiHCO3 an acid or base?
A: Lithium hydrogen carbonate (LiHCO3) acts as a base due to its alkaline properties.
Q: Does N-methylethanamine react with LiHCO3?
A: The reactivity of N-methylethanamine with LiHCO3 will depend on the specific reaction conditions and products desired.