Lithium Flashcards

Flashcards about the element Lithium

What are the primary natural sources of lithium?

Spodumene, lepidolite, petalite, amblygonite, and salt lakes.

How are secondary lithium compounds synthesized?

Lithium carbonate is the starting material. Production methods include reacting lithium carbonate with calcium hydroxide to produce lithium hydroxide; reacting metallic lithium and hydrogen to produce lithium hydride; reacting lithium carbonate with hydrochloric acid to produce lithium chloride; and using elemental lithium to synthesize organo-lithium compounds.

What are the practical applications of secondary lithium compounds?

Lithium carbonate is used in aluminum manufacture, glass/enamel/ceramic industries, and psychiatry. Lithium hydroxide is used in grease manufacturing. Lithium hydride is used as a source of hydrogen and a reducing agent. Lithium chloride is used in the melt electrolysis for metallic lithium manufacture. Organo-lithium compounds are used as catalysts and reducing agents.

List the methods of lithium extraction and preparation.

Extraction from minerals like spodumene, and from salt lakes. Processing includes digestion, leaching, and reaction to produce lithium carbonate. Metallic lithium is manufactured by melt electrolysis of lithium chloride and potassium chloride.

What are the chemical reactions involving lithium?

Reactions include: Li2CO3 + Ca(OH)2 -> CaCO3 + 2 LiOH; 2 Li + H2 -> 2 LiH; reaction of lithium carbonate with hydrochloric acid to produce lithium chloride; and the reaction of lithium-containing solutions with sodium carbonate to form lithium carbonate.

Which metal is associated with lithium?

Sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, magnesium, and aluminum are associated with lithium.

What mineral is an important source of lithium for industrial extraction?

Spodumene (LiAlSi2O6)

What is the estimated worldwide lithium reserves (as lithium)?

7.3 million tonnes

Which countries are the main lithium producers?

USA (North Carolina, Utah, Nevada), Chile, Australia, Russia, Zimbabwe, Brazil, and China

How is lithium hydroxide produced?

Reaction of lithium carbonate with calcium hydroxide.

How are lithium alloys utilized?

As extremely light and easy-to-work construction materials, particularly in aerospace applications.

Describe how metallic lithium is manufactured.

Melt electrolysis of lithium chloride (45 to 55%) and potassium chloride at 400 to 460°C.

What is an increasing important usage of lithium?

As anodes for batteries with high energy density and long-term stability.