Technically, the birch reaction refers to reduction by sodium dissolved in ammonia.
Lithium/NH3 reduction is not actually a "birch" but for simplicities sake I will refer to
it in this manner.
When lithium is dissolved in ammonia it releases an electron, referred to as a "solvated
electron" . The solvated electron produces a "royal blue" color in the ammonia, which,
depending upon concentration, can appear almost black.
........If the battery shorts it's gone for good... right?
Depends on what you mean by "shorted". If the Li becomes oxidized, then that oxidized
portion is worthless. If the surface of the Li is covered with oxidation, that can be
removed.If it is light oxidation, it will come off when you blot it on the towel before
tossing it into the reaction. |
