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LITHIUM

(Gr. lithos, stone)


Li at. wt. 6.941
   at. no.3
   m.p. 179° C
   b.p. 1317° C
   sp. gr. 0.534 (20° C)
   valence 1.
Electronic configuration
 SHELL  K L M N O P Q
 SUB  SHELL He Neon Argon Krypton Xenon Radon Eka-radon
1s 2s 2p 3s 3p 3d 4s 4p 4d 5s 5p 4f 5d 6s 6p 5f 6d 7s 7p
Lithium 1s22s1          
Symbol 2S½
Lithium was discovered by Arfvedson in 1817. Lithium is the lightest of all metals, with a density only about half that of water. It does not occur free in nature; combined it is found in small amounts in nearly all igneous rocks and in the waters of many mineral springs. Lepidolite, spodumene, petalite, and ambly- gonite are the more important minerals containing it. Lithium is presently being recovered from brines of Searles Lake, in California, and from the Great Salt Lake, Utah. Large deposits are found in Nevada and North Carolina. The metal is produced electrolytically from the fused chloride. Lithium is silvery in appearance much like Na and K, other members of the alkali metal series. It reacts with water, but not as vigorously as sodium. Lithium imparts a beautiful crimson color to a flame, but when the metal burns strongly the flame is a dazzling white. Since World War II, the production of lithium metal and its compounds has increased greatly. Because the metal has the highest specific heat of any solid element, it has found use in heat transfer applications; however it is corrosive and requires special handling. The metal has been used as an alloying agent, is of interest in synthesis of organic compounds, and it has nuclear applications. It ranks as a leading contender as a battery anode material as it has a high electrochemical potential. Lithium is used in special glasses and ceramics. The glass for the 200-inch telescope at Mt. Palomar contains lithium as a minor ingredient. Lithinm chloride is one of the most hygroscopic materials known, and it, as well as lithium bromide, is used in air conditioning and industrial drying systems. Lithium stearate is used as an all-purpose and high- temperature lubricant. Other lithium compounds are used in dry cells and storage batteries. The metal is priced at about $8/lb.

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