Lithium Carbonate, Dilithium Carbonate, Lithium Carbonate Anhydrous, 554-13-2

LITHIUM CARBONATE (Li₂CO₃)

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

        O
        ||
    Li⁺ — O—C—O⁻ — Li⁺
             |
             O⁻

    Lithium Carbonate (Li₂CO₃)
    Ionic Structure

Molecular Formula: Li₂CO₃
SMILES: [Li+].[Li+].C(=O)([O-])[O-]
InChI: InChI=1S/CH2O3.2Li/c2-1(3)4;;/h(H2,2,3,4);;/q;2*+1/p-2
Crystal System: Monoclinic

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DEFINITION

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 3: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY

SECTION 4: COMPARISON OF LITHIUM COMPOUNDS

SECTION 5: PRODUCTION METHODS

Method 1: From Spodumene Ore (Most Common Industrial Method)

• Step 1 - Ore Processing: Spodumene ore (LiAlSi₂O₆) is crushed and heated to 1050°C to convert from alpha to beta form

• Step 2 - Acid Roasting: Beta-spodumene is roasted with sulfuric acid at 250°C

• Step 3 - Leaching: Lithium sulfate (Li₂SO₄) is leached with water

• Step 4 - Carbonation: Li₂SO₄ + Na₂CO₃ → Li₂CO₃ + Na₂SO₄

• Step 5 - Purification: Filtration, washing, and drying to obtain lithium carbonate

• Description: Lithium carbonate is produced from spodumene ore; Most common industrial production method; Production is concentrated among 3 major producers

Method 2: From Lithium Hydroxide (Carbonation)

• Reaction: 2LiOH + CO₂ → Li₂CO₃ + H₂O

• Description: Lithium hydroxide is reacted with carbon dioxide to form lithium carbonate; Used for high-purity grades; Produces battery-grade and electrolyte-grade materials

Method 3: From Brine Sources (Salt Lake Recovery)

• Process: Salar brine → Solar evaporation → Lithium chloride concentration → Conversion to lithium carbonate

• Description: Lithium-rich brines are evaporated in solar ponds to concentrate lithium chloride; Concentrated lithium chloride is converted to lithium carbonate; Sustainable recovery method; Primary source in South America (Chile, Argentina)

Method 4: From Mineral Clays (Emerging Technology)

• Process: Clay minerals containing lithium → Acid leaching → Purification → Carbonation

• Description: Lithium is extracted from clay minerals using acid leaching techniques; Emerging technology; Contains impurities (Na, K, Al, Ca, Mg) that are removed during processing

Method 5: From Waste Recovery (Boron Production Waste)

• Process: Boron production wastewater → Lithium recovery → Purification → Carbonation

• Description: Lithium compounds are recovered from boron production waste streams; Sustainable recovery method; Produces ~600 tons/year lithium carbonate in some facilities

SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION

SECTION 7: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

SECTION 8: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS

Industrial Grade Lithium Carbonate

Battery Grade Lithium Carbonate (99.5%)

Battery Grade Lithium Carbonate (99.95%)

Electrolyte Grade Lithium Carbonate (99.99%)

Technical Grade (Milled <40 µm)

SECTION 9: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

SECTION 10: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

GHS Classification (Compliant with CLP and UN GHS):

Note: Lithium carbonate is generally not classified as a hazardous substance under most GHS systems, but the following hazard statements apply based on toxicity and irritation potential:

Signal Word: WARNING

Hazard Pictograms: GHS07 (Exclamation Mark)

Hazard Statements (H-Codes):

NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:

SECTION 11: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

SECTION 12: FIRST AID MEASURES

SECTION 13: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

SECTION 14: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

SECTION 15: PACKAGING OPTIONS

SECTION 16: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

SECTION 17: REGULATORY STATUS

SECTION 18: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

SECTION 19: SUMMARY TABLE

SECTION 20: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• Harmful if swallowed (H302). Avoid ingestion. Pharmaceutical use requires strict dosage control.

• Causes serious eye irritation (H319). Use eye protection.

• May cause respiratory irritation (H335). Avoid inhalation of dust.

• Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects (H412). Prevent environmental release.

• Not combustible. Stable at high temperatures.

• Reacts vigorously with acids releasing CO₂ gas. Exercise caution when using with acids.

• Slightly hygroscopic. Protect from moisture.

• Therapeutic Use Warning: Lithium carbonate is a pharmaceutical active ingredient with a narrow therapeutic index. Blood levels must be monitored (0.6-1.2 mmol/L). Toxicity occurs at blood levels >1.5 mmol/L. Symptoms include tremor, confusion, nausea, vomiting, and ataxia.

• Pregnancy Warning: Lithium carbonate may cause fetal harm. Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed (FDA Category D).

• Contraindications: Severe cardiovascular disease, severe renal impairment, dehydration, sodium depletion.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Battery Production: Use battery-grade lithium carbonate (≥99.5% - 99.95%) for cathode material production; Control impurity levels (Fe, Cu, Ni, Na, Ca, Mg) carefully as they affect battery performance; Use fine particle size (5-20 µm) for optimal reactivity; Maintain strict quality control and traceability.

• Pharmaceutical Production: Use USP/Ph.Eur. grade lithium carbonate; Ensure strict compliance with GMP requirements; Regular quality testing for impurities and assay; Use appropriate packaging to maintain stability; Store under controlled conditions.

• Ceramics and Glass Industry: Use as flux and pigment in ceramic glazes; Heat-resistant glass production; Used in enamel formulations; Control particle size for consistent performance.

• Construction Chemicals: Use as setting accelerator for calcium aluminate cement; Effective at low dosages; Shortens setting time significantly; Improves early strength development; Can be used in liquid or solid form.

• Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas; Avoid creating dust; Wear protective gloves, safety goggles, and respiratory protection when handling powder; Use dust extraction systems where possible.

• Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles, protective clothing (dust-resistant), NIOSH-approved dust mask/respirator, protective gloves (nitrile, neoprene).

• Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using; Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.

• Storage: Store in tightly closed, properly labeled containers in dry conditions; Keep away from acids and oxidizing agents; Moisture-proof containers recommended; Store locked up.

• Spill Response: Avoid dust generation; Use dust extraction systems; Vacuum or wet-sweep; Place in closed containers for disposal; Do not use dry sweeping methods that generate dust.

• Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; Avoid discharge into sewers or water sources; Recycle where possible.

SPECIAL NOTES:

Reverse Solubility Property:
Lithium carbonate has a unique reverse solubility property:

• Cold Water: Higher solubility (~13 g/L at 20°C)

• Hot Water: Lower solubility (decreases with increasing temperature)

• Application: This property is used in purification and crystallization processes

Pharmaceutical Mechanism:

• Mood stabilizer used in bipolar disorder treatment for over 50 years

• Affects neurotransmitter signaling (dopamine, serotonin)

• Blocks inositol metabolism via phospholipase C inhibition

• Interferes with transmembrane sodium exchange in nerve cells

• Therapeutic blood level: 0.6 - 1.2 mmol/L

Industry-Grade Classifications:

• Industrial Grade: ≥98.5% - general industrial applications

• Technical Grade: ≥98.5% (milled <40 µm) - ceramics, glass, construction

• Battery Grade: ≥99.5% - lithium-ion battery cathode production

• High-Purity Battery Grade: ≥99.95% - high-performance battery applications

• Electrolyte Grade: ≥99.99% - battery electrolyte and specialized applications

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, this document does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing suitability for their own applications. For complete safety, storage, handling, transportation, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.