Lithium nitrate hydrate (LiNO3•xH2O)-Crystalline

Characteristic

Lithium nitrate is an inorganic compound with the formula LiNO₃. It is the lithium salt of nitric acid (an alkali metal nitrate). The salt is deliquescent, absorbing water to form the hydrated form, lithium nitrate trihydrate. Its eutectics are of interest for heat transfer fluids.

Chemical formula:LiNO₃

Molar mass:68.946 g/mol

Appearance:White to light yellow solid

Density:2.38 g/cm³

Melting point:255 °C (491 °F; 528 K)

Boiling point:600 °C (1,112 °F; 873 K) (decomposes)

Solubility in water:52.2 g/100 mL (20 °C);90 g/100 mL (28 °C);234 g/100 mL (100 °C)

Solubility:soluble in ethanol, methanol, pyridine, ammonia, acetone

Magnetic susceptibility (χ):−62.0·10−6 cm³/mol (+3 H2O)

Refractive index (nD):1.735

Application

Used in ceramics, pyrotechnics, salt baths, heat-exchange media, refrigeration systems, and rocket propellant Lithium nitrate is used in ceramics, pyrotechnics, salt baths, heat-exchange media, refrigeration systems, rocket propellant and in solar batteries. It acts as an oxidizing agent in the production of red-colored fireworks and flares; as a catalyst to accelerate the breakdown of nitrogen oxides and as a medium to store heat received from the sun for cooking. It is applied to concrete pavement to withstand weathering effects.