Lithium chloride

CAS: 7447-41-8

Overview

Lithium chloride (CAS 7447-41-8 ), commonly abbreviated as LiCl, is an inorganic salt sourced for its hygroscopic properties and ionic reactivity across industrial and specialty chemical markets.

It functions as a desiccant, catalyst component, flame retardant additive, and reference electrolyte depending on the application sector. In textile processing, LiCl is used as a solvent additive to dissolve cellulose and aramid fibers.

This enables the production of high-performance technical fabrics and fiber spinning solutions. Polymer manufacturers use it as a catalyst or catalyst precursor in polycondensation reactions, particularly in the production of polyamides.

In pharmaceutical and biotechnology workflows, LiCl serves as a selective precipitation agent for RNA isolation. This makes it a standard reagent in nucleic acid purification protocols for laboratory and industrial use.

Water treatment and industrial humidification systems use LiCl-based solutions for moisture control and humidity regulation in closed-loop environments. The compound is supplied as a white crystalline powder or in anhydrous granule form.

Anhydrous purity is the most commercially traded specification for this material. Standard grades include technical, pharmaceutical, and reagent-grade, with purity levels typically ranging from 98% to 99.9%.

Packaging is available in moisture-resistant containers due to the compound's strong affinity for atmospheric water. This ensures the product maintains its integrity and flowability during transport and storage.

Physical Properties

Melting Point	613 °C
Boiling Point	1360 °C
Density	2.07 g/cm³
Flash Point	-4 °F
Appearance	White powder
Color	White to gray
Odor	Odorless
Form	beads
Water Solubility	832 g/L (20 ºC)
Vapor Pressure	1.33 hPa (547 °C)
Refractive Index	n 20/D 1.381
pH	5.5-7.5 (25℃, 50mg/mL in H2O)
Log P	-1

Safety & Handling

Warning GHS07 GHS08 Hazard Statements H302 Harmful if swallowed H315 Causes skin irritation H319 Causes serious eye irritation H335 May cause respiratory irritation H360 May damage fertility or the unborn child H361 Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child H371 May cause damage to organs H372 Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure H373 May causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure Precautionary Statements P203 Obtain, consult and follow expert instructions for use. P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P318 IF exposed or concerned, get medical advice. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P317 Get emergency medical help. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P308+P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code	28273980
Storage Class	13 - Non Combustible Solids
WGK (Germany)	1

Other Names

Industries

Water Treatment Textile, Leather & Paper Plastics & Polymers Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare Biotechnology & Life Sciences