What Are the Uses of Lithium Chloride?

Lithium Chloride (LiCl) is a chemical compound that can be made by igniting lithium and chlorine. It is a difficult process because the reaction can be violent and needs to be performed in controlled environment. The chemical can also be extracted from other alkali metal chlorides with amyl alcohol. The chemical is available in both hydrous (with water) and anhydrous (without water) forms. The highly versatile material has a plethora of applications including:

What are the Uses of Lithium Chloride? [4 Key Applications] 1. Lithium Production 2. Desiccant 3. Pyrotechnics 4. Other Applications

1. Lithium Production

Lithium chloride is the compound used to produce lithium metal by electrolysis. Lithium metal is produced by electrolysis of a molten mixture of lithium and potassium chlorides. The lower melting point of the mixture (400-420° C or 750-790° F) compared to that of pure lithium chloride (610° C or 1130° F) allows the lower temperature operation of the electrolysis.

2. Desiccant

Liquid lithium chloride serves as a desiccant that can reduce humidity levels in the surrounding air by as much as 15 percent. Liquid desiccants that combine lithium chloride and calcium chloride create a substance that is cheaper than lithium chloride yet more stable than calcium chloride. The substance also cools air quickly because the chemical can hold an enormous amount of water.

3. Pyrotechnics

Lithium chloride is used as a red dye in pyrotechnic displays. This is because lithium chloride, or any water-soluble lithium-based salt, burns red when turned on. You can also create special pyrotechnic effects can be ignited by mixing ionic salts with flammable liquids such as methyl alcohol.

4. Other Applications

Lithium chloride has pharmacological applications as antimaniacs, which are agents used to treat bipolar disorders or mania associated with other affective disorders. The human body also contains approximately 7 milligrams of lithium at any given time. Lithium also occurs naturally in plants as organisms use the substance to stimulate growth.

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