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Lithium is a chemical element with the symbol Li and an atomic number of 3. It is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal. It exhibits a metallic luster. Under standard circumstances, it is both the least dense metal and solid element.
- Lithium, like all alkali metals, is very reactive and flammable.
- Hence it must be kept in a vacuum, inert atmosphere, or inert liquid, such as pure kerosene or mineral oil.
- It quickly corrodes in the air, becoming a dull silvery gray and finally black tarnish.
- It does not exist naturally, but rather as pegmatitic minerals, which were once the main source of lithium.
- Because of its solubility as an ion, it is found in ocean water and is widely extracted from brines.
- Lithium metal is extracted electrolytically from a solution of lithium chloride and potassium chloride.
| Table of Content |
Key Terms: Lithium, Periodic table, Metal, Ores, Mineral oil, Antimanic drugs, Nucleus, Bipolar syndromes, Atomic number, Atomic mass, Density, Chemical reaction, Lithium chloride
What is Lithium?
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Lithium is a chemical element that appears first on the periodic table as an alkali.
- It was discovered by Swedish chemist Johan August Arfwedson in 1817.
- It is moderately abundant and can be found in the Earth's crust at a concentration of 65 ppm.
- It is the lightest solid metal.
- Naturally occurring Lithium comprises two stable isotopes 6Li and 7Li of which the latter is more abundant.
- The other metals that stand behind Lithium are Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Rubidium (Rb), Cesium (Cs), and Francium (Fr).
| Lithium | |
|---|---|
| Lithium Symbol | Li |
| Lithium Atomic Mass | 6.941 |
| Lithium Atomic Number | 3 |
| Discovered by | Johan August Arfvedson (1792-1841 |
Also Read:
| Related Articles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Atomic Spectra | Bohr Model of Hydrogen Atom | Magnetic Quantum Number |
| Metallic Bonds | Bravais Lattices | Close Packing in One,Two and Three Dimensions |
Properties of Lithium
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The following are the properties of Lithium
- Lithium interacts actively in a wide range of organic and inorganic reactions.
- It interacts with oxygen, producing monoxide and peroxide.
- Metallic lithium interacts vigorously with water.
- One of the most significant characteristics of this metal is its high specific heat, also known as calorific capacity.
- Other properties include a high-temperature range in the liquid state and strong thermal conductivity.
- It has extremely low density and viscosity.
- The metallic form of this metal is soluble in short-chain aliphatic amines such as ethylamine but insoluble in hydrocarbons.
Chemical properties of Lithium
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The following are the chemical properties of Lithium
| Parameters | Value |
|---|---|
| Period | 2 |
| Group | 1 |
| Atomic number | 3 |
| Block | s |
| Electron configuration | [He] 2s1 |
| State at 20°C | Solid |
| CAS number | 7439-93-2 |
| Melting point | 180.5 °C |
| Boiling point | 2061 °C |
| Key isotopes | 7Li |
| ChemSpider ID | 2293625 |
| Relative atomic mass | 6.94 |
| Density (g cm−3) | 0.534 |
Extraction and Synthesis of Lithium
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Lithium is extracted and isolated from brine pools, and mineral springs. Also, electrodialysis and electrochemical methods are recommended to extract and isolate Lithium. However, only a meager quantity of Lithium is extracted and so the methods are in vain.
Uses of Lithium
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Lithium has several industrial applications.
- It is used to manufacture heat-resistant glass and ceramics.
- Lubricants are prepared using Lithium.
- Lithium is used as a flux additive for Iron, steel, and aluminum products.
- Lithium finds use in nuclear physics.
- Lithium deuteride is used as a fusion fuel.
- Lithium salts are used as a mood stabilizer.
- It is used as an antidepressant and to treat Bipolar disorder.
Precautions
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The following are the precautions that should be taken while using Lithium
- Lithium has a noticeable interaction with other drugs including NSAIDs, Hydrochlorothiazide, ACE inhibitors, etc.
- It is advisable to supervise while prescribing for Lithium.
- Caffeine reduces Lithium levels.
- The glomerular filtration rate is decreased when caffeine coordinates with Lithium
- Avoid contact with the metal as it is corrosive.
- Inhaling Lithium irritates the nose and throat.
- Pulmonary edema results after prolonged inhaling of the chemical.
Things to Remember
- Lithium is a soft, silvery-white chemical compound found in group 1A of the periodic table.
- Lithium was discovered by Swedish chemist Johan August Arfwedson in 1817.
- Lithium enters the bloodstream and triggers a mood-stabilizing function.
- The silvery-white color of Lithium changes due to oxidation and the metal changes to Lithium Oxide.
- Lithium reacts with water easily and forms Hydrogen gas and Lithium Hydroxide.
- Lithium is corrosive and one must avoid contact with it.
Also Read:
Sample Questions
Ques. What is Lithium? (1 Mark)
Ans. Lithium is a chemical element that appears first on the periodic table as an alkali. It's the lightest solid metal.
Ques. Do isotopes of Lithium exist? (2 Marks)
Ans. Yes. Lithium has two isotopes 6Li and 7Li are the stable isotopes of Lithium. 7Li exists more naturally (92.5).
Ques. Is Lithium good for Bipolar Disorder? (2 Marks)
Ans. Of course, Lithium is a good remedy for treating bipolar disorder. Lithium carbonate falls under the mood-stabilizing category of drugs.
Ques. Does Lithium have good industrial applications? (1 Mark)
Ans. Lithium finds various industrial applications like lithium-ion batteries, and additives for iron, steel, and aluminum.
Ques. Which group does Lithium belong to? (1 Mark)
Ans. Lithium belongs to group 1A in the periodic table. The other metals along with Lithium are called ‘’alkali metals’’.
Ques. Is Lithium found on terrestrial surfaces? (1 Mark)
Ans. Lithium is widely distributed on the earth’s terrestrial surface but does not exist naturally due to its highly reactive properties.
Ques. Who discovered Lithium and when? (2 Marks)
Ans. Swedish chemist Johan August Arfwedson discovered Lithium in 1817. He detected the presence of a new element in petalite ore.
Ques. Are Lithium-ion batteries safe? (2 Marks)
Ans. Yes, Lithium-ion batteries are safe, non-flammable, and have the least hazardous effects. These batteries are easily chargeable.
Ques. What other metals float on hydrocarbons apart from Lithium? (1 Mark)
Ans. Sodium and Potassium are the other two metals that float on hydrocarbon oils.
Ques. What is the oxidation state of Lithium? (1 Mark)
Ans. Lithium is a strongly basic oxide whose oxidation state is +1 as the electronic configuration of Lithium is (He) 2S1.
Ques. Which form remains more reactive in the case of Lithium? (1 Mark)
Ans. Molten Lithium remains more reactive compared to solid form. Metal is a good conductor of heat and electricity.
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