Lithium chloride (LiCl) is an important inorganic compound with the following properties and applications:

I. Basic Properties

Physical and Chemical Properties

White crystals, easily deliquescent, salty in taste, readily soluble in water and organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone.

Melting point: 605°C, boiling point: 1350°C, density: 2.068 g/cm³, aqueous solution is neutral or slightly alkaline.

It is highly hygroscopic, releasing a large amount of heat when absorbing water vapor.

Solubility

At 20°C, its solubility is 832 g/L, significantly higher than that of other alkali metal chlorides.

It can form various hydrates (such as LiCl·H₂O and LiCl·5H₂O), and the amount of water of crystallization varies with temperature.

II. Main Applications

Industrial Fields

Lithium Metal Preparation: Lithium metal is produced through molten salt electrolysis for use in batteries, alloys, and the nuclear industry.

Desiccant and Dehumidification: Its hygroscopic properties are used in air conditioning dehumidification systems and as a raw material for specialty cement. Welding and Flux: Used as a brazing flux for aluminum welding and a flux for titanium and aluminum smelting.

Energy and Materials

Lithium Batteries: Used as an electrolyte component in lithium-manganese batteries and hydrogen energy equipment (such as 45MPa hydrogen compressors).

Nuclear Energy: Multi-stage centrifugal extractors are used in the nuclear power industry to process sensitive materials.

Medicine and Scientific Research

Mental Illness Treatment: Lithium salts such as lithium carbonate are used in the management of mania, but dosage must be strictly monitored.

Chemical Reagents: Used in analytical experiments and the development of lithium isotope separation technology.