Lithium Chloride

lithium chloride [′lith·ē·əm ′klȯr‚īd]

(inorganic chemistry)

LiCl·₂H₂O A colorless, water-soluble compound, forming octahedral crystals and melting at 614°C; used to form concentrated brine in commercial air-conditioning systems and as a pyrotechnic in welding and brazing fluxes.

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Lithium Chloride 

LiCl, a salt; colorless crystals. Density, 2.07 g/cm³; melting point, 614°C; boiling point, 1382°C. It is extremely hygroscopic and deliquesces in air; its solubility in water is 78.5 g per 100 g at 20°C. It is soluble in many organic solvents.

Lithium chloride is prepared mainly by the dissolution of lithium carbonate, Li₂CO₃ or lithium hydroxide, LiOH, in hydrochloric acid. In industry, LiCl is used in the preparation of metallic lithium from a melt by electrolysis. Because of its ability to absorb ammonia, amines, water vapor, and other gaseous substances, lithium chloride is used (usually in the form of a 40 percent solution) in airconditioning, as well as in the manufacture of flux for smelting metals and for welding aluminum, magnesium, and light alloys.