Lithium Fluoride, Lithium Monofluoride, LF, 7789-24-4

LITHIUM FLUORIDE (LiF)

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

        F⁻
         |
    Li⁺ — F⁻

    Lithium Fluoride (LiF)
    Ionic Structure

Molecular Formula: LiF
SMILES: [Li+].[F-]
InChI: InChI=1S/FH.Li/h1H;/q;+1/p-1
Crystal System: Cubic (Rock salt / NaCl structure)

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DEFINITION

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 3: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY

SECTION 4: COMPARISON OF LITHIUM HALIDES

SECTION 5: PRODUCTION METHODS

Method 1: Reaction of Lithium Carbonate with Hydrofluoric Acid (Most Common Method)

• Reaction: Li₂CO₃ + 2HF → 2LiF + H₂O + CO₂

• Description: Lithium carbonate is reacted with hydrofluoric acid; Lithium fluoride, water, and carbon dioxide are formed; Precipitation, filtration, and drying yield the product; Most common industrial production method

Method 2: Neutralization of Lithium Hydroxide with Hydrofluoric Acid

• Reaction: LiOH + HF → LiF + H₂O

• Description: Lithium hydroxide is neutralized with hydrofluoric acid; Lithium fluoride and water are formed; Precipitation, filtration, and drying yield the product

Method 3: Metathesis Reaction of Lithium Chloride with Ammonium Fluoride

• Reaction: LiCl + NH₄F → LiF + NH₄Cl

• Description: Lithium chloride is reacted with ammonium fluoride; Lithium fluoride and ammonium chloride are formed; Purification yields the product

Method 4: Direct Fluorination of Lithium Metal

• Reaction: 2Li + F₂ → 2LiF

• Description: Lithium metal is reacted directly with fluorine gas; High-purity lithium fluoride is produced; Used for specialized applications

Method 5: Reaction of Lithium Sulfate with Calcium Fluoride

• Reaction: Li₂SO₄ + CaF₂ → 2LiF + CaSO₄

• Description: Lithium sulfate is reacted with calcium fluoride; Lithium fluoride and calcium sulfate are formed; Purification yields the product

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: GHS06 (Skull and Crossbones), GHS07 (Exclamation Mark), GHS09 (Environment)

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:

• Toxic if swallowed (H301). High toxicity. AVOID ingestion at ALL costs.

• Harmful if inhaled (H332). Avoid inhalation of dust.

• Causes skin irritation (H315). Avoid skin contact.

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

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

• Fluoride compounds have high toxicity. Chronic exposure may cause bone and dental fluorosis.

• Lithium compounds have a narrow therapeutic index. Toxicity occurs at high blood levels.

• Non-combustible but decomposes at high temperatures releasing toxic hydrogen fluoride fumes.

• Incompatibilities: Keep away from strong acids, strong oxidizing agents, and strong bases.

• Low water solubility (1.3 g/L at 20°C).

• Not hygroscopic. No need to protect from moisture (but protect from acids).

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

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

• Optics Industry: Use for UV lenses and IR windows; Wide band gap (14.2 eV) provides UV transparency; Use in optical coatings; Requires high purity.

• Nuclear Industry: Use as coolant in nuclear reactors; Neutron shielding applications; Lithium-6 isotope has high neutron capture cross-section; Used in tritium production.

• Ceramics and Glass Industry: Use as additive in ceramic and glass production; Improves thermal and chemical resistance; Used in specialized ceramic formulations.

• Metallurgy: Use as flux in aluminum and magnesium smelting processes; Provides oxide removal; Used as soldering flux.

• Battery Industry: Use in solid-state electrolyte formulations; Lithium-ion batteries; Provides high ionic conductivity.

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

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

• 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 in dry conditions; Store separately and away from acids; Keep in dry, well-ventilated area; Store locked up.

• Spill Response: Avoid raising dust; Wear full PPE; Sweep spilled substance into covered containers; Do not allow to enter drains or waterways; Place in properly labeled closed containers.

• Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; Do not discharge into sewers or water sources; Lithium fluoride is regulated as hazardous waste.

SPECIAL NOTE ON FLUORIDE TOXICITY:

Lithium fluoride, as a fluoride compound, has high toxicity:

• Acute Toxicity: LD50 (Rat, oral) ~200 mg/kg

• Chronic Toxicity: Bone and dental fluorosis

• Symptoms: Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness

• Treatment: Calcium gluconate administration; Immediate medical intervention required

• Precaution: AVOID ingestion at ALL costs; Avoid inhalation of dust; Use appropriate PPE

SPECIAL NOTE ON OPTICAL PROPERTIES:

Lithium fluoride has unique optical properties:

• Band Gap: 14.2 eV (very wide)

• UV Transparency: Transparent from 120 nm

• IR Transparency: Transparent up to 6 µm

• Refractive Index: 1.392 (low)

• Application: UV spectroscopy, lithography, optical windows

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.