Lityum Monoksit, Lithium Oxide, Dilithium Oxide, Lithium Monoxide, 12057-24-8

LITHIUM OXIDE (Li₂O)

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

        O²⁻
         |
    Li⁺ — O²⁻ — Li⁺

    Lithium Oxide (Li₂O)
    Ionic Structure
    (Antifluorite Crystal Structure)

Molecular Formula: Li₂O
SMILES: [Li+].[Li+].[O-2]
InChI: InChI=1S/2Li.O/q2*+1;-2
Crystal System: Cubic (Antifluorite structure)

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: Thermal Decomposition of Lithium Carbonate

• Reaction: Li₂CO₃ → Li₂O + CO₂ (at high temperature)

• Temperature: ~1,300°C or higher

• Description: Lithium carbonate is heated to very high temperatures (>1,300°C) to decompose into lithium oxide and carbon dioxide; Requires high temperatures; Produces CO₂ gas as by-product

Method 2: Thermal Decomposition of Lithium Hydroxide

• Reaction: 2LiOH → Li₂O + H₂O (at high temperature)

• Temperature: ~900-1,000°C

• Description: Lithium hydroxide is heated to high temperatures to dehydrate and form lithium oxide; Produces water vapor as by-product; Lower temperature requirement than carbonate decomposition

Method 3: Direct Oxidation of Lithium Metal

• Reaction: 4Li + O₂ → 2Li₂O

• Description: Lithium metal is oxidized in controlled oxygen atmosphere; Produces high-purity lithium oxide; Highly exothermic reaction; Requires careful temperature control

Method 4: Reaction of Lithium with Oxygen

• Reaction: 2Li + O₂ → Li₂O₂ (first step); Li₂O₂ + 2Li → 2Li₂O (second step)

• Description: Lithium metal reacts with oxygen; Can be controlled to produce lithium oxide; Used for specialized applications

Method 5: From Lithium Nitrate (Decomposition)

• Reaction: 4LiNO₃ → 2Li₂O + 4NO₂ + O₂

• Description: Lithium nitrate is decomposed at high temperatures; Produces lithium oxide with nitrogen dioxide and oxygen as by-products; Used for specific applications

SECTION 6: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION

SECTION 7: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

SECTION 8: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS (TECHNICAL GRADE)

SECTION 9: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

SECTION 10: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

GHS Classification (Compliant with CLP and UN GHS):

Signal Word: DANGER

Hazard Pictograms: GHS05 (Corrosion), 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:

• Causes severe skin burns and eye damage (H314/H318). Corrosive substance. Avoid skin and eye contact.

• Harmful if swallowed (H302). Avoid ingestion.

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

• Reacts violently with water. Forms lithium hydroxide (highly corrosive) and generates heat. DO NOT use water for firefighting.

• Absorbs CO₂ from air. Forms lithium carbonate. Must be stored under inert atmosphere.

• Highly hygroscopic. Absorbs moisture from air rapidly. Store in airtight, moisture-proof containers.

• Incompatibilities: Keep away from water, moisture, acids, carbon dioxide, oxidizing agents, reactive metals, and halogenated compounds.

• Not combustible but may cause fire in contact with combustible materials due to heat generation.

• Contact with water releases heat and may form flammable hydrogen gas (in reactions with certain contaminants).

• Toxicological Warning: Corrosive to skin, eyes, and respiratory tract. Severe chemical burns may occur upon contact.

• Hygiene Requirement: Contaminated clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Ceramics and Glass Industry: Use as additive and flux; Improves thermal shock resistance; Reduces thermal expansion; Use in specialized ceramic and glass formulations; Ensure dry handling conditions.

• Battery Production: Use in lithium-based ceramic electrodes; Solid-state electrolyte production; Lithium-ion battery components; Requires high-purity grade; Maintain strict quality control.

• Nuclear Applications: Use as ceramic fuel additive for nuclear reactors; Tritium breeding applications; Requires high-purity, specially controlled grades; Strict regulatory compliance required.

• Chemical Synthesis: Use as intermediate for specialized chemical synthesis; Production of other lithium compounds; Catalyst applications; Use under inert atmosphere.

• CO₂ Capture: Use as absorbent for CO₂ in air and gas streams; Air purification systems; Requires periodic replacement or regeneration.

• Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas or under fume hoods; Avoid dust generation; Use enclosed, controlled processes; Wear chemical-resistant gloves, protective goggles, face shield, and appropriate respiratory protection.

• Personal Protective Equipment: Wear impermeable gloves (butyl rubber, neoprene, nitrile), chemical safety goggles, full-face shield, protective clothing (acid-resistant), and NIOSH-approved respirator with acid gas/dust cartridges.

• Hygiene: Do not eat, drink, or smoke when using; Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Do not take contaminated working clothes home; Shower at the end of the work shift.

• Storage: Store in tightly closed, properly labeled containers under dry conditions; Store under inert gas (argon or nitrogen); Keep away from water, moisture, acids, and incompatible substances; Airtight, moisture-proof containers mandatory.

• Spill Response: Avoid raising dust; Wear full PPE (corrosive-resistant); Do NOT use water; Use dry sand, vermiculite, or other inert absorbent; Place in properly labeled closed containers; Do not allow to enter drains or waterways; Use vacuum system with HEPA filter if possible.

• Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; Do not discharge into sewers or water sources; Lithium compounds are regulated as hazardous waste; Ensure waste container disposal complies with environmental regulations.

SPECIAL NOTE ON REACTIVITY WITH WATER:

Lithium oxide reacts violently with water and moisture:

• Reaction: Li₂O + H₂O → 2LiOH (strongly exothermic)

• Heat Generation: Significant heat is released during reaction

• Product: Lithium hydroxide (highly corrosive, strong alkali)

• Hazard: Can cause steam explosion; Can ignite combustible materials

• Precaution: Keep away from water and moisture at all times

Key Safety Rules:

• NEVER use water on lithium oxide fires

• Store in airtight containers under dry conditions

• Handle in dry, well-ventilated areas

• Use appropriate PPE for corrosive materials

• Have emergency procedures in place for accidental moisture contact

SPECIAL NOTE ON CO₂ ABSORPTION:

Lithium oxide absorbs carbon dioxide from air:

• Reaction: Li₂O + CO₂ → Li₂CO₃

• Effect: Surface forms a carbonate layer; Reduces reactivity over time

• Precaution: Store under inert atmosphere (argon or nitrogen)

• Quality Impact: CO₂ absorption reduces assay (Li₂O content) over time

• Shelf Life: Limited shelf life unless stored properly

EMERGENCY RESPONSE:

Water Contact Emergency:

• If water contact occurs: Evacuate area immediately; Remove heat sources; Use dry sand or inert material to contain; Do not approach spill without full PPE; Contact emergency services immediately

Skin/Eye Contact Emergency:

• Skin: Remove contaminated clothing; Flush with water for 15-20 minutes; Seek immediate medical attention

• Eyes: Flush with water for at least 15 minutes; Keep eyelids open; Seek immediate medical attention

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.