Reported in EPA TSCA Inventory.

DOT Classification:  8; Label: Corrosive

For occupational chemical analysis use NIOSH: Alkaline Dusts, 7401.

Lithium hydroxide, also called Lithine, has the CAS register number 1310-65-2. The substance is an inorganic compound with the formula LiOH which is a hygroscopic and white odorless solid. In addition, Its EINECS register number is 215-183-4. Lithium hydroxide is stable, and incompatible with moisture, strong acids, carbon dioxide. It is easily that Lithium hydroxide absorbs carbon dioxide and moisture in the air, however, weak to NaOH. If diluted by water, it may generate enough heat to cause steaming or spattering.

Properties: Lithium hydroxide may generate flammable and/or toxic gases with ammonium salts, nitrides, halogenated organics, various metals, peroxides, and hydroperoxides. Lithium hydroxide reacts with acids in a neutral reaction to form salts plus water. In addition, it reacts with certain metals, such as aluminum and zinc, to form oxides or hydroxides of the metal and generate gaseous hydrogen. Lithium hydroxide may initiate polymerization reactions in polymerizable organic compounds, especially epoxides. This chemical can react with aqueous solutions of reducing sugars when heated above about 84°C to evolve toxic levels of carbon monoxide.

Preparation: Lithium hydroxide can be produced by lithium carbonate and calcium hydroxide in a metathesis reaction.

Li₂CO₃ + Ca(OH)₂ → 2 LiOH + CaCO₃

Lithium hydroxide is prepared by the hydrolysis of lithium or lithium oxide in the laboratory. The equations for these processes are as the following:

2 Li + 2 H₂O → 2 LiOH + H₂
Li₂O + H₂O → 2 LiOH

Uses: Lithium hydroxide is used to alkalize the reactor coolant in pressurized water reactors for corrosion control. This chemical can also be used to manufacture lithium salts and lithium base grease. In addition, It can be used as electrolyte of alkaline batteries and absorption liquid of lithium bromide chiller. Lithium hydroxide is mainly used for the production of lithium greases. It is also used in ceramics and some Portland cement formulations. Lithium hydroxide is used as a heat transfer medium, as a storage-battery electrolyte. Lithium hydroxide can also be used in breathing gas purification systems for spacecraft, submarines, and rebreathers to remove carbon dioxide from exhaled gas by producing lithium carbonate and water:

2 LiOH·H₂O + CO₂ → Li₂CO₃ + 3 H₂O
2LiOH + CO₂ → Li₂CO₃ + H₂O

When you are using Lithium hydroxide, you should be very cautious about it. It is corrosive. In addition, it is harmful by inhalation and if swallowed which may cause severe burns. Lithium hydroxide is harmful to aquatic organisms which may cause long-term adverse effects in the aquatic environment. In case of contact with eyes, you should rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. Whenever you will contact or use it, you must wear suitable protective clothing, gloves and eye/face protection. In case of accident or if you feel unwell seek medical advice immediately (show the label where possible).

Descriptors computed from structure of Lithium hydroxide:
(1)Canonical SMILES: [Li+].[OH-]
(2)InChI: InChI=1S/Li.H2O/h;1H2/q+1;/p-1
(3)InChIKey: WMFOQBRAJBCJND-UHFFFAOYSA-M

Toxicity of Lithium hydroxide: