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Lithium acetate

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Identification
Molecular formula
C2H3LiO2
CAS number
6108-17-4
IUPAC name
lithium;acetate
State
State

At room temperature, lithium acetate is typically found in a solid state. It is stable under standard conditions but should be handled with care to avoid moisture absorption, especially in its anhydrous form.

Melting point (Celsius)
117.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
390.00
Boiling point (Celsius)
300.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
573.00
General information
Molecular weight
52.00g/mol
Molar mass
51.9960g/mol
Density
1.2600g/cm3
Appearence

Lithium acetate typically appears as a white crystalline solid. It may also occur as a powder or colorless crystals, depending on the specific hydration form it is in. Hydrated forms are often more granular whereas the anhydrous form is finer.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Lithium Acetate

Lithium acetate, represented by the chemical formula LiC2H3O2, exhibits interesting solubility characteristics in various solvents.

Key points about the solubility of lithium acetate include:

  • Water Solubility: Lithium acetate is highly soluble in water, which is typical for many alkali metal salts. Its solubility arises from the ionic interactions between lithium ions (Li+) and acetate ions (CH3COO-), allowing for the formation of favorable interactions with water molecules.
  • Temperature Effects: The solubility of lithium acetate tends to increase with temperature. As heat is applied, the kinetic energy of the molecules increases, allowing more lithium acetate to dissolve.
  • Solvent Interaction: While lithium acetate is primarily soluble in water, its solubility in organic solvents such as ethanol is limited. This demonstrates the unique behavior of lithium salts regarding their polarity and ionization.

In summary, lithium acetate's high solubility in water and moderate solubility in organic solvents highlights its versatile applications in various chemical processes. Its behavior is a reflection of the interactions between ionic and polar molecules, leading to effective dissolution.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Lithium Acetate

Lithium acetate is a fascinating compound that combines the unique properties of lithium with the acetate anion. Here are some intriguing aspects of this compound:

  • Use in Medicine: Lithium acetate is often utilized in the pharmaceutical industry, primarily in the formulation of medications for mood stabilization. It is notable for its role in treating bipolar disorder, where lithium ions play a critical role.
  • Biochemical Significance: This compound is significant in various biochemical research, particularly in studies related to cell signaling and neurotransmission. The presence of lithium ions can affect numerous metabolic pathways.
  • Solvent Properties: Lithium acetate is frequently used as a solvent for organic reactions. Its ability to dissolve polar compounds makes it a valuable reagent in synthetic chemistry.
  • Supporting Research: Lithium acetate also finds its way into scientific studies exploring the effects of lithium on neuroprotective mechanisms and its potential anti-inflammatory activities.
  • Safety Precautions: While it has beneficial uses, researchers must handle lithium acetate with care, as it can cause skin irritation and be harmful if ingested in large quantities. Proper safety protocols are essential in any laboratory using this compound.

In conclusion, lithium acetate is more than just a chemical compound; it holds a special place in both medicinal and biochemical research. As science continues to evolve, this compound's potential applications may expand, making it an exciting subject for future investigations.