Lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) is a vital compound used in mood-stabilizing medication. It treats bipolar disorder and aids in managing depression effectively, promoting overall mental well-being.
| IUPAC Name | Lithium Carbonate |
| Molecular Formula | Li2CO3 |
| CAS Number | 554-13-2 |
| Synonyms | Dilithium Carbonate; Carbonic Acid, Dilithium Salt; Lithium(1+) Carbonate; Carbonic Acid, Lithium Salt (1:1) |
| InChI | InChI=1S/CH2O3.2Li/c2-1(3)4;;/h(H2,2,3,4);;/q;2*+1/p-2 |
Lithium Carbonate Properties
Lithium Carbonate Formula
The formula of dilithium carbonate is Li2CO3. It signifies that each molecule contains two lithium (Li) atoms, one carbon (C) atom, and three oxygen (O) atoms. This chemical composition plays a crucial role in its properties and applications.
Lithium Carbonate Molar Mass
Dilithium carbonate’s molar mass is approximately 73.89 g/mol. It is calculated by adding the atomic masses of its constituent elements, considering their respective proportions in the formula. This value is essential for various chemical calculations and reactions involving dilithium carbonate.
Lithium Carbonate Boiling Point
Dilithium carbonate has a high boiling point, typically around 1,310 degrees Celsius (2,390 degrees Fahrenheit). At this temperature, the compound transforms from a liquid to a gas, making it suitable for specific industrial processes and applications.
Lithium Carbonate Melting Point
Dilithium carbonate has a relatively low melting point, usually around 720 degrees Celsius (1,328 degrees Fahrenheit). At this temperature, the compound changes from a solid to a liquid, facilitating its use in manufacturing ceramics, glass, and other materials.
Lithium Carbonate Density g/mL
The density of dilithium carbonate is approximately 2.11 g/mL. This value represents its mass per unit volume, indicating how tightly the particles are packed together. Dilithium carbonate’s density is crucial for understanding its physical properties and behavior.
Lithium Carbonate Molecular Weight
Dilithium carbonate has a molecular weight of about 73.89 g/mol. This value is the mass of one mole of the compound and is essential in various chemical computations, such as determining the number of moles in a given amount of substance.
Lithium Carbonate Structure
Dilithium carbonate has a crystalline structure, forming a white, odorless powder. Its arrangement consists of Li+ cations and carbonate anions (CO3^2-) held together by ionic bonds. This specific arrangement contributes to the compound’s stability and reactivity.
Lithium Carbonate Solubility
Dilithium carbonate exhibits limited solubility in water. It dissolves to a certain extent, forming a mildly alkaline solution. The solubility of dilithium carbonate is an essential consideration in pharmaceutical formulations and other applications where controlled dissolution is required.
| Appearance | White, odorless powder |
| Specific Gravity | 2.11 g/mL |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 73.89 g/mol |
| Density | 2.11 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 720°C (1,328°F) |
| Boiling Point | 1,310°C (2,390°F) |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Limited solubility |
| Solubility | Soluble in water, forming a mildly alkaline solution |
| Vapor Pressure | Not available |
| Vapor Density | Not available |
| pKa | Not available |
| pH | Mildly alkaline |
Lithium Carbonate Safety and Hazards
Dilithium carbonate poses potential safety hazards that require careful handling. Direct skin contact may cause irritation, while ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. In cases of excessive exposure, it may trigger adverse effects on the nervous system. Proper safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear, must be followed during its handling to avoid potential risks. It is crucial to store and transport dilithium carbonate away from incompatible substances and sources of heat or flames. In emergency situations, seek immediate medical attention. Safety data sheets and guidelines must be carefully reviewed and adhered to when working with dilithium carbonate.
| Hazard Symbols | Corrosive, Irritant |
| Safety Description | May cause irritation. Avoid ingestion. Use with proper ventilation. Wear protective equipment. |
| UN IDs | Not applicable |
| HS Code | 2836.40.00 |
| Hazard Class | Not classified as hazardous |
| Packing Group | Not classified |
| Toxicity | Low toxicity |
Lithium Carbonate Synthesis Methods
Different methods exist for synthesizing dilithium carbonate.
One common approach involves subjecting lithium compounds, like lithium hydroxide or lithium oxide, to carbon dioxide gas under controlled conditions. The reaction produces lithium carbonate and water as a byproduct. Another method involves mixing soluble lithium salts, such as lithium chloride, with a soluble carbonate compound. The reaction forms a solid precipitate of lithium carbonate, which researchers can separate and collect.
Furthermore, it is possible to produce dilithium carbonate through the thermal decomposition of lithium bicarbonate. When heating lithium bicarbonate, it decomposes into lithium carbonate, releasing carbon dioxide and water. Some industrial settings use this process to obtain high-purity lithium carbonate.
Achieving desired yields and purity levels in whichever method they employ requires them to ensure proper control of reaction parameters, such as temperature, pressure, and stoichiometry. dilithium carbonate synthesis plays a vital role in producing this compound for various applications, including pharmaceuticals, ceramics, and batteries.
Lithium Carbonate Uses
dilithium carbonate finds diverse applications due to its unique properties. Here are its main uses:
- Pharmaceuticals: It is a vital component in mood-stabilizing medications, effectively treating bipolar disorder and depression, and promoting mental well-being.
- Batteries: In rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, dilithium carbonate serves as a precursor to lithium compounds, playing a crucial role in energy storage technologies.
- Pyrotechnics: dilithium carbonate’s exothermic reaction with certain chemicals makes it valuable in fireworks and flares.
- Chemical Synthesis: As a source of lithium ions, it is essential in various chemical reactions and organic synthesis.
- Alkali Metal Source: It acts as a source of lithium in laboratories and research, used in studying alkali metal properties.
- Environmental Applications: dilithium carbonate aids in pH regulation in water treatment processes, controlling acidity and alkalinity.
- Ceramics and Glass: dilithium carbonate enhances the stability of ceramics and glass products by serving as a flux agent, reducing melting temperatures.
- Metallurgy: In metallurgy, dilithium carbonate refines metals such as aluminum and copper, effectively removing impurities and improving their mechanical properties.
- Air Conditioning: Desiccants in air conditioning systems utilize dilithium carbonate to efficiently absorb moisture, ensuring optimal air conditioning performance.
Overall, dilithium carbonate’s broad range of applications highlights its significance across industries, making it a valuable compound in modern technology, medicine, and material sciences.
Questions:
Q: Which of the following elements has the fewest valence electrons?
A: Beryllium has the fewest valence electrons, with only two.
Q: What is lithium carbonate used for?
A: Dilithium carbonate is used in mood-stabilizing medications to treat bipolar disorder and depression.
Q: Is dilithium carbonate soluble?
A: Yes, dilithium carbonate is soluble in water to a limited extent.
Q: How does lithium carbonate work?
A: Dilithium carbonate works by stabilizing mood and balancing neurotransmitters in the brain.
Q: What is lithium carbonate used to treat?
A: Dilithium carbonate is used to treat bipolar disorder and depression in psychiatric medicine.
Q: Is LiNO3 ionic or covalent?
A: LiNO3 is ionic.
Q: Which of the following is insoluble in water? Li2CO3, NaOH, PbCl2, Ba(OH)2, (NH4)2S.
A: PbCl2 and Ba(OH)2 are insoluble in water.
Q: Is Li2CO3 soluble in water?
A: Li2CO3 is slightly soluble in water.
Q: How many ions are in Li2CO3?
A: Li2CO3 contains three ions: two Li+ ions and one CO3^2- ion.
Q: How many formula units are found in 0.0067 g of Li2CO3?
A: There are approximately 1.24 x 10^20 formula units in 0.0067 g of Li2CO3.
Q: How many lithium ions are present in 30.0 ml of 0.600 M Li2CO3 solution?
A: There are 0.036 moles of Li+ ions in 30.0 ml of 0.600 M Li2CO3 solution.
Q: What is the percent composition by mass of carbon in lithium carbonate, Li2CO3?
A: The percent composition by mass of carbon in Li2CO3 is approximately 11.3%.
Q: Which of the following pairs of aqueous solutions will form a precipitate when mixed NH4NO3 + Li2CO3?
A: NH4NO3 + Li2CO3 will not form a precipitate since both compounds are soluble in water.