Product Identification

Product Name

Lithium hydroxide

Synonyms

Lithium hydrate
Lithium hydroxide hydrate

CAS

1310-66-3

Formula

H3LiO2

Molecular Weight

41.96

EINECS

215-183-4

RTECS

OJ6307080

Merck

13,5556

Beilstein/Gmelin

6452 (G)

EC Class

corrosive

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

Colorless crystals, odorless.

Solubility in water

107 g/L

Melting Point

462

Boiling Point

920

Density

1.51 g/cm3 (20 C)

pKa/pKb

Strong base

Usage

Storage battery electrolyte, carbon dioxide absorbent in space vehicles, lubricating greases, creamics, catalyst, photographic developers, lithium soaps. In the production of lithium salts where use of carbonate is impractical. Osed for tryptophan determinations in proteins and foods.

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

Do NOT induce vomiting. If victim is conscious and alert, give 2-4 cupfuls of milk or water. Get medical aid immediately.

Inhalation

Get medical aid immediately. Remove from exposure to fresh air immediately. If not breathing, give artificial respiration. If breathing is difficult, give oxygen. DO NOT use mouth-to-mouth respiration. If breathing has ceased apply artificial respiration using oxygen and a suitable mechanical device such as a bag and a mask.

Skin

Get medical aid immediately. Immediately flush skin with plenty of soap and water for at least 15 minutes while removing contaminated clothing and shoes. Wash clothing before reuse. Destroy contaminated shoes.

Eyes

Get medical aid immediately. Do NOT allow victim to rub or keep eyes closed. Extensive irrigation is required (at least 30 minutes).

Handling and Storage

Storage

Keep container closed when not in use. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from incompatible substances. Corrosives area. Store protected from moisture.

Handling

Wash thoroughly after handling. Wash hands before eating. Minimize dust generation and accumulation. Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. Keep container tightly closed. Do not ingest or inhale. Use with adequate ventilation. Discard contaminated shoes.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

Causes severe irritation of upper respiratory tract with coughing, burns, breathing difficulty, and possible coma. Causes chemical burns to the respiratory tract. Aspiration may lead to pulmonary edema. May cause systemic effects.

Skin

Causes skin burns. Chronic ingestion may cause dizziness, ringing in the ears, visual disturbances, tremors, and mental confusion. Prolonged absorption may affect electrolyte balance and impair kidney function. Dehydration, weight loss, skin effects, and thyroid disturbances have been reported. May cause skin rash (in milder cases), and cold and clammy skin with cyanosis or pale color.

Eyes

Causes eye burns. May cause chemical conjunctivitis and corneal damage.

Ingestion

May cause severe and permanent damage to the digestive tract. Causes gastrointestinal tract burns. May cause circulatory system failure. May cause perforation of the digestive tract. May cause cardiac disturbances. May cause corrosion and permanent tissue destruction of the esophagus and digestive tract. May cause tremors and convulsions. May cause systemic effects.

Hazards

Some are oxidizers and may ignite combustibles (wood, paper, oil, clothing, etc.). Contact with metals may evolve flammable hydrogen gas. Containers may explode when heated.

EC Risk Phrase

R 20/22 35

EC Safety Phrase

S 26 36/37/39 45

UN (DOT)

2680

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Eyes: Wear appropriate protective eyeglasses or chemical safety goggles as described by OSHA's eye and face protection regulations in 29 CFR 1910.133 or European Standard EN166. Skin: Wear appropriate protective gloves to prevent skin exposure. Clothing: Wear appropriate protective clothing to minimize contact with skin.

Respirators

A respiratory protection program that meets OSHA's 29 CFR 1910.134 and ANSI Z88.2 requirements or European Standard EN 149 must be followed whenever workplace conditions warrant a respirator's use.

Exposure Effects

Effects may be delayed. Chronic ingestion may cause dizziness, ringing in the ears, visual disturbances, tremors, and mental confusion. Prolonged absorption may affect electrolyte balance and impair kidney function. Dehydration, weight loss, skin effects, and thyroid disturbances have been reported.

Poison Class

2 (Very strong toxins)

Fire Fighting Measures

Fire Fighting

Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus in pressure-demand, MSHA/NIOSH (approved or equivalent), and full protective gear. During a fire, irritating and highly toxic gases may be generated by thermal decomposition or combustion. Wear appropriate protective clothing to prevent contact with skin and eyes. Wear a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to prevent contact with thermal decomposition products. To extinguish fire, use water, dry chemical, chemical foam, or alcohol-resistant foam.

Fire Potential

Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Vacuum or sweep up material and place into a suitable disposal container. Clean up spills immediately, using the appropriate protective equipment. Avoid generating dusty conditions. Provide ventilation.

Stability and Reactivity

Disposal Code

13

Incompatibilities

Moisture, strong bases, strong acids, strong oxidizing agents.

Stability

Stable at room temperature in closed containers under normal storage and handling conditions.

Decomposition

Irritating and toxic fumes and gases, oxides of lithium.

Combustion Products

Non-combustible, substance itself does not burn but may decompose upon heating to produce corrosive and/or toxic fumes.

Transport Information

UN Number

2680

Hazard Class

8

Packing Group

II

HS Code

2825 20 00