- Definition of Li2CO3
Li2CO3, also known as Lithium Carbonate, is a white, odorless solid that is not completely soluble in water. It is a salt of lithium and carbonic acid, consisting of two lithium ions and one carbonate ion. Its molecular structure consists of 2 lithium atoms, one carbon atom, and three oxygen atoms. The molar mass of Li2CO3 is 73.89 g/mol. Meanwhile, the ion structure of Li2CO3 consists of 2 lithium ions (Li+) and one carbonate ion (CO3^2-).
- Properties of Li2CO3
Li2CO3 is a white, odorless solid that is not completely soluble in water, with a pH value of around 11 when mixed with water. The chemical properties of Li2CO3 are quite complex and varied, but essentially it can react with acids to form a salt, water, and CO2 gas.
- Common chemical equations of Li2CO3
Li2CO3 can react with HCl acid to form LiCl salt, water, and CO2 gas:
Li2CO3 + 2HCl -> 2LiCl + H2O + CO2↑
Li2CO3 can also react with H2SO4 acid to form Li2SO4 salt, water, and CO2 gas:
Li2CO3 + H2SO4 -> Li2SO4 + H2O + CO2↑
- Preparation of Li2CO3
In the laboratory, Li2CO3 can be prepared from the reaction of a lithium hydroxide solution with CO2 gas.
In industry, Li2CO3 is typically produced from spodumene ore, a lithium-containing mineral, through a series of complex processes.