LITHIUM CARBONATE Li2CO3

Properties of lithium carbonate:

White, calcination decomposes above the melting point. Moderately soluble in cold water, less in hot water. Crystalline hydrates are not. Reacts with acids, metals and non-metals, their oxides.


Molar mass g/mol 73.89
Density g/cm3 2.11
Melting point °C 618

Obtaining Lithium carbonate Li2CO3:

Li2O + CO2 = Li2CO3 (500-600°C).

2LiOH (conc.) + CO2 = Li2CO3↓ + H2O (normal temp.).

Li2SO4 (conc.) + Na2CO3 = Li2CO3↓ + Na2SO4 (boiling).


Reactions with Lithium carbonate Li2CO3:

Li2CO3 = Li2O + CO2 (730-1270°C).

Li2CO3 + 2 HCl (diluted)= 2LiCl+CO2↑ +H2O.

Li2CO3  + C(coke)= Li2O + 2CO (800°C).

Li2CO3 + Mg = 2Li + MgO + CO2 (500°C).

Li2CO3 (solid) + H2O + CO2 → 2LiHCO3 (solution)

2Li2CO3 +SiO2 = Li4SiO4 + 2CO2 (800-1000°C).

Li2CO3 + 4 B(OH)3 = Li2B4O7 + CO2 + 6H2O (600°C).

Li2CO3 + Al2O3 = 2LiAlO2 + CO2 (800-900°C).

Li2CO3 + Ca(OH)2 = 2LiOH + CaCO3 (to 600°C).

4Li2CO3 + 2Cr2O3 + 3O2 = 4 Li2CrO4 + 4 CO2 (600-700°C).
 

Did you know?

Although oxygen gas is colorless (light refraction aside), both the liquid and solid forms are blue.