Lithium nitrate (LiNO₃) is a chemical compound used in various applications. It exhibits unique properties, such as its solubility in water and its role in ceramics and glass production.
| IUPAC Name | Lithium Nitrate |
| Molecular Formula | LiNO₃ |
| CAS Number | 7790-69-4 |
| Synonyms | Lithium Nitrate, Nitric Acid Lithium Salt, Lithium (I) Nitrate |
| InChi | InChI=1S/Li.NO3/c;2-1(3)4/q+1;-1 |
Lithium Nitrate Properties
Lithium Nitrate Formula
The formula of nitric acid lithium salt is LiNO₃. It consists of one lithium (Li) atom, one nitrogen (N) atom, and three oxygen (O) atoms. This chemical formula represents the composition of each element in the compound.
Lithium Nitrate Molar Mass
Nitric acid lithium salt has a molar mass of approximately 68.95 g/mol. Molar mass refers to the mass of one mole of a substance and is calculated by summing the atomic masses of all atoms in the formula.
Lithium Nitrate Boiling Point
Nitric acid lithium salt has a boiling point of around 600°C (1112°F). Boiling point is the temperature at which a substance changes from a liquid to a gas under standard atmospheric pressure.
Lithium Nitrate Melting Point
Nitric acid lithium salt has a melting point of approximately 255°C (491°F). Melting point is the temperature at which a substance changes from a solid to a liquid under standard atmospheric pressure.
Lithium Nitrate Density g/mL
The density of nitric acid lithium salt is about 2.38 g/mL. Density represents the mass of a substance per unit volume and is an important property in understanding its physical behavior.
Lithium Nitrate Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of Nitric acid lithium salt is 68.95 g/mol. Molecular weight is the sum of the atomic weights of all atoms in a molecule and is expressed in grams per mole.
Lithium Nitrate Structure
Nitric acid lithium salt has an ionic crystal structure, where lithium cations (Li⁺) and nitrate anions (NO₃⁻) form a regular repeating pattern. This structure contributes to its stability and characteristic properties.
Lithium Nitrate Solubility
Nitric acid lithium salt is highly soluble in water. This high solubility is one of its essential characteristics and makes it useful in various applications, such as in the production of ceramics and glass.
| Appearance | White solid |
| Specific Gravity | N/A |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 68.95 g/mol |
| Density | 2.38 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 255°C (491°F) |
| Boiling Point | 600°C (1112°F) |
| Flash Point | N/A |
| Water Solubility | Highly soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in water and organic solvents such as ethanol |
| Vapor Pressure | N/A |
| Vapor Density | N/A |
| pKa | N/A |
| pH | N/A |
Please note that some properties may not be applicable (N/A) or have limited data available for Lithium Nitrate.
Lithium Nitrate Safety and Hazards
Nitric acid lithium salt poses certain safety and hazard considerations. It can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract upon contact or inhalation. When handling, it’s crucial to use appropriate protective gear like gloves and safety goggles. Avoid ingestion, as it may cause gastrointestinal discomfort. Store it away from incompatible substances to prevent hazardous reactions. In case of spills or leaks, contain and clean them up promptly. Moreover, always follow proper storage guidelines and keep it in a secure, well-ventilated area. Prioritize safe handling practices and adhere to relevant safety protocols to minimize risks associated with nitric acid lithium salt.
| Hazard Symbols | Warning |
| Safety Description | – Irritant to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. – Avoid ingestion. – Use protective equipment. – Store in well-ventilated area. |
| UN IDs | UN1477 |
| HS Code | 28342990 |
| Hazard Class | 5.1 (Oxidizing Agent) |
| Packing Group | II |
| Toxicity | Low toxicity, but should be handled with care and proper safety measures. |
Please note that the hazard symbols and specific safety recommendations may vary depending on the jurisdiction and regulations. Always refer to the appropriate safety data sheets and local safety guidelines for handling nitric acid lithium salt.
Lithium Nitrate Synthesis Methods
There are several methods for synthesizing nitric acid lithium salt.
One common approach involves the reaction between lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) and nitric acid (HNO₃). During this process, the two compounds react to produce nitric acid lithium salt and water (H₂O) as by-products. The chemical equation for this reaction is:
Li₂CO₃ + 2HNO₃ → 2LiNO₃ + H₂O
Another method involves reacting lithium hydroxide (LiOH) with nitric acid to obtain nitric acid lithium salt and water. The reaction equation is:
LiOH + HNO₃ → LiNO₃ + H₂O
nitric acid lithium salt forms by neutralizing nitric acid with either lithium oxide (Li₂O) or lithium carbonate. The equations are:
Li₂O + 2HNO₃ → 2LiNO₃ + H₂O Li₂CO₃ + 2HNO₃ → 2LiNO₃ + CO₂ + H₂O
In all these methods, it’s important to handle the reactants and products with caution due to their reactivity and potential hazards. Proper safety measures and controlled conditions are essential during the synthesis process to ensure the successful production of nitric acid lithium salt.
Lithium Nitrate Uses
Nitric acid lithium salt finds various applications owing to its unique properties. Here are its uses:
- Air Treatment: Nitric acid lithium salt acts as a desiccant in air treatment applications, removing moisture from the air to prevent corrosion and maintain optimal environmental conditions.
- Reagents in Chemical Synthesis: It serves as a source of nitrate ions in various chemical reactions, making it useful in the synthesis of other compounds and substances.
- Specialty Chemicals: It finds applications in the production of specialty chemicals, including catalysts and corrosion inhibitors.
- Pyrotechnics and Fireworks: Nitric acid lithium salt plays a crucial role as an oxidizer in pyrotechnics, contributing to the vibrant red color observed in fireworks displays.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: The pharmaceutical industry utilizes nitric acid lithium salt as a reagent in chemical synthesis and research for certain pharmaceutical formulations.
- Lithium Batteries: Although not directly used in batteries, nitric acid lithium salt is relevant to the lithium-ion battery industry. Manufacturers incorporate lithium salts derived from Nitric acid lithium salt into the electrolytes used in these batteries.
- Nuclear Reactors: Certain types of nuclear reactors employ nitric acid lithium salt as a coolant due to its neutron-absorbing properties.
- Ceramics and Glass Production: In ceramics and glass manufacturing processes, nitric acid lithium salt acts as a fluxing agent. It effectively lowers the melting point of materials, enhancing their workability and improving product quality.
- Heat Transfer Fluids: Nitric acid lithium salt finds application in heat transfer fluids, particularly in solar energy systems, owing to its high solubility in water. It facilitates efficient heat exchange and enables the storage of thermal energy.
Questions:
Q: How many total atoms are in one molecule of lithium nitrate, LiNO₃?
A: There are 5 atoms in one molecule of nitric acid lithium salt: 1 lithium (Li), 1 nitrogen (N), and 3 oxygen (O) atoms.
Q: What are the correct formulas for copper(II) nitrate hexahydrate and lithium chromate dihydrate?
A: The correct formulas are Cu(NO₃)₂·6H₂O for copper(II) nitrate hexahydrate and Li₂CrO₄·2H₂O for lithium chromate dihydrate.
Q: How many grams of lithium nitrate will be needed to make 250 ml of a 0.5 M solution?
A: You will need 17.24 grams of nitric acid lithium salt to make 250 ml of a 0.5 M solution.
Q: Is lithium nitrate ionic or covalent?
A: Nitric acid lithium salt is an ionic compound.
Q: Is LiNO₃ soluble in water?
A: Yes, lithium nitrate (LiNO₃) is soluble in water.
Q: Which coefficient should appear in front of LiNO₃ in the balanced equation?
A: The coefficient “2” should appear in front of LiNO₃ in the balanced equation.
Q: How many of the following compounds are soluble in water? Pb(OH)₂, LiNO₃, NH₄Br, K₂S
A: Three of the compounds are soluble in water: LiNO₃, NH₄Br, and K₂S.
Q: Is LiNO₃ soluble?
A: Yes, LiNO₃ is soluble.
Q: Is LiNO₃ aqueous or solid?
A: LiNO₃ is aqueous when dissolved in water.
Q: Is LiNO₃ acidic, basic, or neutral?
A: Nitric acid lithium salt (LiNO₃) is a neutral compound.
Q: How many total atoms are in one molecule of lithium nitrate, LiNO₃?
A: There are 5 atoms in one molecule of lithium nitrate: 1 lithium (Li), 1 nitrogen (N), and 3 oxygen (O) atoms.
Q: Is LiNO₃ ionic or covalent?
A: LiNO₃ is an ionic compound.