5538. Lithium Oxide

Nomenclature

CAS number: 12057-24-8
Li2O; mol wt 29.88.
Li 46.46%, O 53.55%.

Description and references

Prepd from lithium peroxide: Cohen, Inorg. Synth. 5, 5 (1957); from lithium hydroxide: Bravo, ibid. 7, 3 (1963). Review of prepn and properties: Oliver in Mellor's vol. II, supplement II, The Alkali Metals (part 1) 146-158 (1961).

Properties

Finely divided powder or crusty material. d425 2.013. mp 1570°: van Arkel et al., Can. J. Chem. 31, 1009 (1953); 1427° (1700°K): Brewer, Margrave, J. Phys. Chem. 59, 421 (1955). Readily absorbs carbon dioxide and water from the atm. At elevated temp attacks glass, silica, many metals.