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Lithium hydride

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Identification
Molecular formula
LiH
CAS number
7580-67-8
IUPAC name
lithium hydride
State
State

At room temperature, lithium hydride is a solid. It is used in various applications due to its reactive nature, especially its utility as a hydrogen storage medium and as a reducing agent.

Melting point (Celsius)
680.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
953.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
900.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
1 173.00
General information
Molecular weight
7.95g/mol
Molar mass
7.9460g/mol
Density
0.8200g/cm3
Appearence

Lithium hydride appears as a white crystalline solid, though it may appear gray when impure. It is often encountered in a powdered form and is known for its high thermal and chemical stability, which makes it valuable in various applications.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Lithium Hydride (LiH)

Lithium hydride (LiH) presents unique solubility characteristics significant for various applications. Its solubility behavior can be summarized as follows:

  • Water Solubility: Lithium hydride is not soluble in water. When it comes into contact with water, it reacts vigorously to produce lithium hydroxide and hydrogen gas, which can be hazardous.
  • Solvent Interactions: While it exhibits low solubility in a few organic solvents, the extent of this solubility varies widely. The reactivity with protic solvents often limits its utility in many solvent systems.
  • Thermal Stability: The compound's stability allows for utilization in high-temperature environments but also affects how it interacts with solvents at elevated temperatures.

Overall, the solubility of lithium hydride is poor in common solvents, owing to its highly reactive nature. As per materials science research, it's crucial to handle it under strictly controlled conditions, especially when considering its interaction with moisture or acidic substances, as it can lead to explosive situations.

In summary, understanding the solubility properties of lithium hydride not only assists in its storage and handling but also enhances its application potential in fields such as energy storage and nuclear fusion.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Lithium Hydride

Lithium hydride (LiH) is a fascinating compound with unique properties and applications, making it worthwhile to study in the realm of chemistry. Here are some interesting points about this remarkable compound:

  • Composition and Structure: Lithium hydride is composed of lithium and hydrogen, forming a simple ionic structure where lithium ions (Li+) bond with hydride ions (H-). This ionic nature contributes to its stability under certain conditions.
  • Storage of Hydrogen: One of the most intriguing applications of lithium hydride is its use in hydrogen storage. LiH can release hydrogen gas when it reacts with water or certain acids, making it a potential candidate for hydrogen fuel cell technologies.
  • High Thermal Stability: Lithium hydride exhibits remarkable thermal stability, which allows it to withstand high temperatures without decomposing. This property is advantageous in various industrial applications.
  • Use in Nuclear Reactions: Lithium hydride is used in some nuclear reactions as a moderator due to its ability to slow down neutrons without absorbing them, making it valuable in nuclear fusion research.
  • Health and Safety: While lithium hydride has several useful applications, it is important to handle it with care. It can react violently with moisture and should be stored in a dry environment to prevent unintended reactions.

In summary, lithium hydride is not just a simple binary compound; it plays a significant role in various scientific fields, from energy storage to nuclear chemistry. Its unique properties and diverse applications underscore the importance of studying such compounds and their potential impact on technology and industry.