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Lithium ion

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Identification
Molecular formula
Li+
CAS number
17341-24-1
IUPAC name
lithium(1+)
State
State
In its ionic form, lithium is typically found in solution and is colorless. It can also be part of solids, such as salts or minerals.
Melting point (Celsius)
180.50
Melting point (Kelvin)
453.65
Boiling point (Celsius)
1 342.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
1 615.00
General information
Molecular weight
6.94g/mol
Molar mass
6.9410g/mol
Density
0.5340g/cm3
Appearence

The appearance of lithium ions in solution is colorless. In its metallic form, lithium metal is a soft, silvery-white metal. However, as a distinct ion, it does not have a visual appearance.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Lithium Compounds

Lithium(1+) compounds exhibit varied solubility characteristics depending on the particular anion present. In general, lithium salts tend to be quite soluble in water. This is particularly true for common lithium compounds:

  • Lithium chloride (LiCl): Highly soluble, making it useful in various applications.
  • Lithium sulfate (Li2SO4): Generally soluble, though less so than lithium chloride.
  • Lithium carbonate (Li2CO3): Moderately soluble, often used in medicinal applications.

On the flip side, there are also less soluble lithium compounds, such as:

  • Lithium phosphate (Li3PO4): Exhibits low solubility in water, which can affect its use in certain contexts.
  • Lithium fluoride (LiF): Characterized by very low solubility, making it less favorable for applications requiring dissolution.

It is commonly accepted that solubility can be influenced by factors such as temperature, pH, and the presence of other ions in solution. For example:

  • Increased temperature often enhances the solubility of can often enhance the solubility of many lithium salts.
  • An increase in pH can affect the ionization of certain compounds and modify their solubility behavior.

In conclusion, lithium compounds provide a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of solubility, with each specific compound exhibiting unique traits crucial for applications across various fields, from medicine to industrial uses.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Lithium (Li+)

Lithium is a fascinating element that plays a crucial role in a variety of scientific and industrial applications. As the lightest metal known, it offers unique properties that have intrigued chemists and physicists alike.

Exceptional Properties

  • Conductivity: Lithium is an excellent conductor of electricity, making it ideal for use in rechargeable batteries.
  • Reactivity: This alkali metal is highly reactive, especially with water, resulting in the formation of lithium hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
  • Low Density: As the least dense metal, lithium is lighter than water, which leads to its applications in lightweight alloys.

Key Applications

  • Batteries: Lithium-ion batteries have revolutionized modern technology, powering everything from smartphones to electric vehicles.
  • Medicine: Lithium salts are used in psychopharmacology, particularly for treating bipolar disorder, highlighting its significant role in mental health.
  • Alloy Production: It is often used in aluminum and magnesium alloys, enhancing their strength and resistance to corrosion.

Did You Know?

One interesting tidbit is that lithium is so light that it can float on water! This unique property, alongside its noteworthy reactivity, means that safety precautions are essential when handling it.

Overall, lithium (Li+) not only powers a significant amount of modern technology but also plays a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of both chemistry and mental health. Its versatility and importance span multiple fields, making it an enduring subject of study and application.

Synonyms
lithium ion
lithium cation
Lithium(1+)
Lithium, ion (Li1+)
17341-24-1
lithium, ion
CHEBI:49713
LITHIUM ION CHROMATOGRAPHY STANDARD
Li(+)
8H8Z5UER66
Lithium Monohydride;
Lithium ions
Li+
Lithium(+)
UNII-8H8Z5UER66
lithium(I)
lithium(I) cation
Lithium (I) ion
Li(+) cation
Li(+) ion
CHEMBL1234004
SCHEMBL29350294
DTXSID10169612
HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N
BDBM50259153
DB01356
Q66760324