Lithium salicylate | Solubility of Things

Identification

Molecular formula

LiC₇H₅O₃

CAS number

553-16-6

IUPAC name

lithium;2-hydroxybenzoate

State

At room temperature, lithium salicylate is in a solid state. It commonly exists in crystalline form and is stable under standard conditions.

Melting point (Celsius)

200.00

Melting point (Kelvin)

473.15

Boiling point (Celsius)

375.40

Boiling point (Kelvin)

648.55

General information

Molecular weight

128.00g/mol

Molar mass

128.0040g/mol

Density

1.1300g/cm³

Appearence

Lithium salicylate typically appears as a white to off-white crystalline powder. It is hygroscopic, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air, and is often used in its anhydrous form.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Lithium 2-Hydroxybenzoate

Lithium 2-hydroxybenzoate, with the chemical formula C₇H₇LiO₃, exhibits interesting solubility properties that can be categorized based on various solvents. This compound is generally considered to be:

Soluble in Water: Lithium 2-hydroxybenzoate tends to dissolve readily in water, making it useful in aqueous applications. Its high polarity due to the hydroxyl group contributes to this solubility.
Slightly Soluble in Organic Solvents: The solubility in non-polar organic solvents is quite limited. This arises because the hydrophobic aromatic ring reduces its interaction with these solvents.
Temperature Dependence: The solubility can vary with temperature; often, increasing temperature enhances solubility in water, a common trend among many ionic compounds.

This compound's solubility characteristics are crucial for its function in chemical reactions and biological systems. As such, knowing how lithium 2-hydroxybenzoate behaves in different environments allows chemists to predict its behavior accurately:

"Understanding solubility is key to unlocking the potential of chemical compounds in both lab and industrial settings."

In summary, lithium 2-hydroxybenzoate demonstrates significant solubility in water while showing limited solubility in organic solvents, making it an intriguing candidate for various applications in both research and industry.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Lithium 2-Hydroxybenzoate

Lithium 2-hydroxybenzoate, often simply referred to as a lithium salt of salicylic acid, is a fascinating compound with various applications and intriguing properties. Here are several key insights into this compound:

Pharmaceutical Importance: Lithium 2-hydroxybenzoate is particularly significant in the medical field. It is often studied for its mood-stabilizing effects, making it relevant in treating bipolar disorder and other mood disorders.
Biochemical Role: This compound plays a role in various biochemical processes, including acting as an antioxidant. Its hydroxyl group can facilitate chemical reactions that may help protect cells from oxidative stress.
Environmental Impact: Lithium salts, such as lithium 2-hydroxybenzoate, are being investigated for their relatively low environmental impact compared to other compounds used in similar applications, allowing for safer disposal and reduced ecological footprints.
Potential in Organic Synthesis: This compound serves as a valuable reagent in organic synthesis, especially in the development of pharmaceuticals, due to its ability to introduce the highly versatile –OH (hydroxyl) functional group into organic molecules.
Research Focus: Ongoing research continues to explore the various therapeutic potentials of lithium compounds, particularly for neurological and psychiatric conditions. Studies highlight the importance of lithium in neuronal health and its possible neuroprotective effects.

In conclusion, lithium 2-hydroxybenzoate exemplifies the intersection of chemistry, medicine, and environmental science. Its diverse applications and continuing research make it a prominent subject of interest for scientists and students alike. As researchers delve deeper into its properties and effects, this compound may yield even more exciting discoveries in the future.