Lithium chloride
Lithium chloride is a chemical compound with the formula LiCl. It is a white crystalline solid, highly soluble in water, and is used in various applications in the fields of chemistry, medicine, and industry.
Chemical properties[edit | edit source]
Lithium chloride is a typical ionic compound, being formed from the metal lithium and the halogen chlorine. It has a high melting point of 605°C and a boiling point of 1360°C. It is highly soluble in water, with a solubility of 74.5 g/100 mL at 20°C.
Production[edit | edit source]
Lithium chloride is produced industrially by treating lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide with hydrochloric acid, which results in the formation of lithium chloride and water.
Uses[edit | edit source]
Lithium chloride has a variety of uses in different fields. In chemistry, it is used as a desiccant for drying air streams. In medicine, it is used as a treatment for bipolar disorder. In industry, it is used in the production of lithium metal, and in the manufacture of welding and brazing fluxes.
Health effects[edit | edit source]
Exposure to lithium chloride can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. Ingestion can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Long-term exposure can lead to kidney damage.
See also[edit | edit source]
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD