Lithium nitrite

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Lithium nitrite
Names
IUPAC name
Lithium nitrite
Other names
Lithium nitrite
Properties
LiNO2 (anhydrous)
LiNO2·H2O (monohydrate)
Molar mass 52.9465 g/mol (anhydrous)
70.9618 g/mol (monohydrate)
Appearance Hygroscopic crystalline solid
Odor Odorless
Melting point 222 °C (432 °F; 495 K)
Boiling point Decomposes
70.94 g/ 100 ml (0 °C)
103.67 g/100 ml (25 °C)
1119.5 g/100 ml (90 °C)[1]
Vapor pressure ~0 mmHg
Thermochemistry
96 J·mol-1·K-1
−372.4 kJ/mol
Hazards
Safety data sheet None
Flash point Non-flammable
Related compounds
Related compounds
Sodium nitrite
Potassium nitrite
Rubidium nitrite
Caesium nitrite
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
Infobox references

Lithium nitrite is the lithium salt of nitrous acid, with formula LiNO2. It is often encountered as monohydrate, LiNO2·H2O

Properties

Chemical

Alcoholic solutions of sodium nitrite acidified with HCl can be used to nitrosate ketones.[2]

Physical

Lithium nitrite is a colorless hygroscopic solid, soluble in water and alcohols.

Availability

Lithium nitrite is sold by chemical suppliers.

Preparation

Lithium nitrate will undergo thermal decomposition above 500 °C to yield lithium nitrite and oxygen, as shown in the following reaction:

2 LiNO3 → 2LiNO2 + O2

Lithium nitrite can also be prepared by the reaction of nitric oxide (NO) with lithium hydroxide (LiOH) as shown below:[3]

4 NO + 2 LiOH → 2 LiNO2 + N2O + H2O
6 NO + 4 LiOH → 4 LiNO2 + N2 + 2 H2O

Lithium nitrite can be obtained by reacting lithium sulfate and barium nitrite in an aqueous solution.

Alternatively, it can also be prepared by mixing equal amounts of lithium sulfate and potassium nitrite in highly concentrated aqueous solution. The resulting potassium sulfate and lithium potassium sulfate precipitate is filtered off, and the filtrate is concentrated after further evaporation. Unlike potassium nitrite, lithium nitrite is very soluble in absolute ethanol, and thus the crude lithium nitrite can be extracted by dissolving it in ethanol, which is slowly evaporated to yield crystals of pure lithium nitrite.[4]

Projects

  • Make nitrite salts
  • Nitrosation of ketones[5]
  • Corrosion inhibitor in mortar

Handling

Safety

Lithium nitrite, like all nitrites, is harmful if inhaled or ingested. Lithium compounds affects the nervous system.

Storage

In closed bottles.

Disposal

Can be oxidized to lithium nitrate or carbonate and recycled.

References

  1. Seidell A. Solubilities of inorganic and metal organic compounds. - 3ed., vol.1. - New York: D. Van Nostrand Company, 1940
  2. https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/v74-253
  3. Greenwood, N. N. and Earnshaw, A. Chemistry of the Elements, 2nd ed.; Reed Educational and Professional Publishing Ltd: Oxford, 1997
  4. https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/1913/ct/ct9130302130/unauth
  5. https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/v74-253

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