Lithium oxide (Li2O) is a compound formed by lithium and oxygen. It exhibits strong ionic properties and is widely used in batteries due to its high electrochemical potential.
| IUPAC Name | Lithium Oxide |
| Molecular Formula | Li2O |
| CAS Number | 12142-77-7 |
| Synonyms | Lithium(I) oxide; Dilithium oxide; Lithia; Oxolithium; UNII-06T3K8P3KU |
| InChI | InChI=1S/2Li.O |
Lithium Oxide Formula
Lithium Oxide Formula
The chemical formula of dilithium oxide is Li2O. It represents the combination of two lithium atoms (Li) and one oxygen atom (O). This simple and stable compound is vital in various industrial applications.
Lithium Oxide Molar Mass
The molar mass of Li2O is approximately 29.88 g/mol. It is calculated by adding the atomic masses of two lithium atoms (6.94 g/mol each) and one oxygen atom (16.00 g/mol).
Lithium Oxide Boiling Point
dilithium oxide has an impressive boiling point of around 2,463 degrees Celsius (4,465 degrees Fahrenheit). This exceptionally high boiling point makes it useful in industries requiring extreme heat resistance.
Lithium Oxide Melting Point
The melting point of dilithium oxide is about 1,450 degrees Celsius (2,642 degrees Fahrenheit). When exposed to this temperature, it transforms from a solid to a liquid state, facilitating various manufacturing processes.
Lithium Oxide Density g/mL
Dilithium oxide has a density of approximately 2.01 g/mL. This value signifies the mass of the compound per unit volume and is critical in determining its properties and applications.
Lithium Oxide Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of Li2O is 29.88 g/mol. It is the sum of the atomic weights of its constituent elements, lithium, and oxygen. This value aids in stoichiometric calculations.
Lithium Oxide Structure
Dilithium oxide has a simple ionic crystal structure. It consists of lithium cations (Li+) and oxide anions (O2-) held together by strong electrostatic forces. This arrangement contributes to its stability and conductivity.
Lithium Oxide Solubility
Dilithium oxide exhibits poor solubility in water. It reacts with water to form lithium hydroxide, limiting its dissolution. However, it shows some solubility in certain non-aqueous solvents and molten salts.
In conclusion, dilithium oxide is a significant compound with various characteristics and applications. Its stable structure, high melting, and boiling points make it valuable in industries such as ceramics, glass manufacturing, and as a component in specialized batteries. Understanding its properties enables us to harness its potential for diverse purposes.
| Appearance | White solid |
| Specific Gravity | 2.01 g/mL |
| Color | White |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 29.88 g/mol |
| Density | 2.01 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 1,450°C (2,642°F) |
| Boiling Point | 2,463°C (4,465°F) |
| Flash Point | Not applicable |
| Water Solubility | Reacts with water |
| Solubility | Poor solubility in water, forms Lithium hydroxide |
| Vapor Pressure | Not available |
| Vapor Density | Not available |
| pKa | Not applicable |
| pH | Not applicable |
Please note that some properties like Flash Point, Vapor Pressure, Vapor Density, pKa, and pH are not applicable or not available for Li2O due to its chemical nature and behavior.
Lithium Oxide Safety and Hazards
Dilithium oxide poses certain safety concerns and hazards. It reacts strongly with water, producing lithium hydroxide, which is caustic and can cause skin and eye irritation. Inhalation of its dust or fumes may lead to respiratory irritation. The compound is not classified as highly toxic but should be handled with care to prevent contact with skin or eyes. Proper ventilation and personal protective equipment are essential when working with dilithium oxide. In case of accidental ingestion, immediate medical attention is necessary. Additionally, it should be stored away from incompatible substances to avoid potential fire or explosion hazards.
| Hazard Symbols | Corrosive |
| Safety Description | Reacts with water. Causes skin and eye irritation. Handle with care. Avoid inhalation of dust or fumes. |
| UN IDs | Not applicable |
| HS Code | 2825.70.00 |
| Hazard Class | 8 (Corrosive Substances) |
| Packing Group | III |
| Toxicity | Not highly toxic, but caution required. Avoid ingestion and contact with skin or eyes. |
Lithium Oxide Synthesis Methods
Various methods enable the synthesis of dilithium oxide.
One common approach involves the reaction of lithium metal with oxygen or air at high temperatures. In this process, oxygen gas facilitates the heating of lithium metal, resulting in the formation of dilithium oxide.
Another method is the thermal decomposition of lithium salts, such as lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide, at elevated temperatures. By subjecting these salts to heat, they break down to yield dilithium oxide.
Moreover, to produce dilithium oxide, one can use lithium hydroxide as a precursor. It is first dehydrated through heating, converting it into the desired oxide form.
Another technique involves the use of lithium-containing minerals or ores. Chemical processes extract lithium compounds from these natural sources, which, in turn, undergo further processing to yield dilithium oxide.
It is essential to note that each synthesis method may have specific advantages and challenges in terms of cost, efficiency, and purity. Scientists and engineers consider these factors while selecting the most suitable method for producing dilithium oxide to meet specific industrial or research requirements.
Lithium Oxide Uses
Dilithium oxide (Li2O) finds versatile applications across various industries due to its unique properties. Here are some key uses:
- Ceramic Industry: Dilithium oxide is a crucial component in ceramics, enhancing their mechanical strength and thermal stability. It also reduces the firing temperature, saving energy during the manufacturing process.
- Glass Production: In the glass industry, dilithium oxide acts as a flux, lowering the melting temperature of glass and improving its resistance to chemical attacks, resulting in high-quality glass products.
- Battery Technology: Dilithium oxide serves as a precursor in the production of lithium-ion batteries. It contributes to the battery’s cathode materials, enhancing its energy storage capacity and overall performance.
- Desiccant: Dilithium oxide’s strong affinity for water makes it an effective desiccant, used to remove moisture from certain environments, such as in air conditioning and gas purification systems.
- Metallurgy: In metallurgical processes, dilithium oxide aids in refining metals by removing impurities.
- Specialty Glasses: The production of specialty glasses for various applications, such as optics, electronics, and scientific instruments, involves using dilithium oxide.
- Catalyst: Dilithium oxide serves as a catalyst in certain chemical reactions, facilitating the transformation of reactants into desired products.
- Nuclear Industry: In the nuclear industry, dilithium oxide functions as a neutron moderator, controlling the rate of nuclear fission reactions.
The diverse range of applications highlights the significance of dilithium oxide in advancing technology, manufacturing, and scientific research. Its unique properties continue to drive innovation in various industries, making it a valuable compound with a wide array of practical uses.
Questions:
Q: Which word equation shows lithium oxide is formed from the reaction between oxygen and lithium?
A: 4Li + O2 → 2Li2O
Q: What is the molar mass of lithium oxide, Li2O?
A: The molar mass of Li2O is approximately 29.88 g/mol.
Q: What is the formula for lithium oxide?
A: The formula for dilithium oxide is Li2O.
Q: Is lithium oxide ionic or covalent?
A: Dilithium oxide is ionic.
Q: What is the oxidation number of lithium in an ionic bond?
A: The oxidation number of lithium in an ionic bond is +1.
Q: Coordination number of lithium in Li2O?
A: The coordination number of lithium in Li2O is 4.
Q: Is Li2O ionic or covalent?
A: Li2O is ionic.
Q: Which of the following reactions is associated with the lattice energy of Li2O (ΔH°latt)?
A: The reaction: Li+(g) + O2-(g) → Li2O(s)
Q: What is the molar mass of lithium oxide, Li2O?
A: The molar mass of Li2O is approximately 29.88 g/mol.
Q: Which of the following will be produced when lithium metal (Li) is combusted? O2, LiO, H2O, Li2O?
A: Li2O will be produced when lithium metal (Li) is combusted.
Q: How many grams are in 4.5 moles of Li2O?
A: There are approximately 134.46 grams in 4.5 moles of Li2O.