Lithium Chloride is a white solid hygroscopic soluble in water, alcohol and ether. The chemical formula for lithium chloride is LiCl. It is made by the action of hydrochloric acid on lithium hydroxide. The resulting solution is evaporated to get a mixture of saturated solution and lithium chloride crystals. The solid and the solution is separated and the supernatant solution is recycled for further evaporation. 

Properties of Lithium Chloride

Chemical Formula : LiCl

Appearance : White solid hygroscopic

Odour : Odourless

Density : 2.07 g/cm³

Molecular Weight/ Molar Mass : 42.394 g/mol

Boiling Point : 1382 °C

Melting Point : 605 °C

Solubility : Insoluble in water

Uses of Lithium Chloride

1. Lithium chloride is primarily used at 450 ° C (842 ° F) for the preparation of lithium metal by electrolysis of a LiCl / KCl.

2. Lithium chloride is also used as a brazing flux for aluminum in automobile parts. 

3. Lithium chloride is used as desiccant in drying air streams.

4. Lithium chloride is used in organic synthesis. For example, as an additive in the Stille reaction. 

5. Lithium chloride is used to precipitate RNA from cellular extracts

6.As a flame colorant, Lithium chloride is used to produce dark red flames.

7. Lithium chloride is used as a Relative humidity standard in the calibration of hygrometers and itself can be used as a hygrometer. 

8. Molten LiCl is used for the preparation of lithium niobite, graphene and carbon nanotubes.