We also know Lithiumbromide by the name lithium monobromide or bromolithium formula. Basically, it is a lithium salt in which the counterion is bromide. Furthermore, the anhydrous salt of Lithiumbromide forms cubic crystals which are similar to common salt (Sodium chloride NaCl). Basically, it is a bromide salt as well as a lithium salt. The compound is extremely hygroscopic, which makes it suitable for desiccant in the air conditioning systems. Learn Lithiumbromide Formula here.

Lithiumbromide Formula and structure

The chemical formula of Lithiumbromide is LiBr. It has a molecular weight of 86.845 g/mol. During the formation of Lithiumbromide, the lithium-ion that has a positive charge 𝐿𝑖+ and the bromide ion has a negative charge 𝐵𝑟−. When during a reaction they come together the ion attracts each other forming Lithiumbromide (LiBr).

Production of Lithiumbromide

We can prepare Lithiumbromide by the reaction of lithium carbonate with hydrobromic acid. Unlike the other alkali metal bromides salt from several crystalline hydrates.

Besides, lithium hydroxide reacts with hydrobromic acid (aqueous solution of hydrogen bromide) from Lithiumbromide. The reaction is as follows:

𝐿𝑖𝑂𝐻+𝐻𝐵𝑟→𝐿𝑖𝐵𝑟+𝐻2𝑂

Physical properties of Lithiumbromide

It is a white, crystalline, deliquescent solid. The density of Lithiumbromide is 3.464𝑔/𝑐𝑚3 and the meting point is 552𝑜𝐶  and the boiling point is 1265𝑜𝐶. Usually, the aqueous solution of Lithiumbromide has low water vapor pressures. Furthermore, it can form hydrates such as: 𝐿𝑖𝐵𝑟⋅𝐻2𝑂, 𝐿𝑖𝐵𝑟⋅2𝐻2𝑂, 𝐿𝑖𝐵𝑟⋅3𝐻2𝑂, 𝐿𝑖𝐵𝑟⋅5𝐻2𝑂.

However, all these hydrates have distinct melting points. In addition, the concentrated aqueous solutions of Lithiumbromide can dissolve significant quantities of polar organic substances such as cellulose. In polar organic solvents such as alcohol Lithiumbromide is soluble just like lithium chloride.

Chemical properties of Lithiumbromide

It has a white cubic crystal, hygroscopic structure. Its refractive index is 1.784. It is highly soluble in water and much greatly soluble in hot water. Along with that, it is also soluble in ethanol, methanol, and ether. It is slightly soluble in pyridine, vapor pressure of aqueous solutions at 52 and 68% concentration at 25𝑜𝐶 are 5 and 0.7 torr.

Uses of Lithiumbromide

We use Lithiumbromide in air-conditioning systems as a desiccant. Along with water, we use Lithiumbromide as salt for absorbing chilling. In organic synthesis, it is useful as a reagent. For instance, it reversibly forms adducts with some pharmaceuticals.

Moreover, in the medical field, they use it as a sedative at the beginning of the 1990s, then it fell into disapproval in the 1940s when some patients died after using it as a substitute for salt. We can treat it as bipolar disorder just like lithium carbonate and lithium chloride.

Safety and health hazards of Lithiumbromide

Lithium bromide is somewhat corrosive and psychoactive. It generates heat quickly when dissolved in water due to the negative enthalpy of the solution. It is acutely toxic if swallowed, and when it comes in contact with the skin causes irritation. Furthermore, it can cause allergic reactions and serious eye irritation in some people.

In addition, anhydrous Lithiumbromide is extremely hygroscopic and contact with a tissue can produce a dehydrating action that may result in localized burns. If ingested into the body then it may cause gastrointestinal irritation with vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea.