Substance profile
Lithium
Lithium is a soft silvery-white metal and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Lithium is
Lithium is a soft silvery-white metal and is odorless. Its molecular formula is Li and its molecular weight is 7 g/mol. It boils at 1342 °C, melts at 181 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as flammable agents - 2nd degree.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H260 | In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously. |
| H314 | Causes severe skin burns and eye damage. |
Supplemental EU statements: EUH014
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Lithium properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 1342 °C (2447.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 1336 °C (2436.8 °F) | ICSC | ||
| 1342 °C (2447.6 °F) | at 760 mmHg | DOE PAC | |
| Melting point | 180.54 °C (357 °F) | HSDB | |
| 25 °C (77 °F) | HSDB | ||
| 180.5 °C (356.9 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 0.5 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 0.53 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| 0.534 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility | Reacts with water | HSDB | |
| Soluble in liquid ammonia forming a blue solution | HSDB | ||
| Solubility in water: violent reaction | ICSC | ||
| Vapor pressure | 5.925e-13 mmHg | at 127 °C | HSDB |
| 0.9976 mmHg | at 723 °C | ICSC | |
| Autoignition temperature | 178.89 °C (354 °F) | CAMEO | |
| 179 °C (354.2 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 3223 °C (5833.4 °F) | HSDB | |
| Corrosivity | LIQUID METAL IS CORROSIVE, ATTACKING GLASS OR PORCELAIN AT A TEMPERATURE OF ABOUT 200 °C | HSDB | |
| Emits corrosive fumes when burned | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Fire and explosion
Fire and explosion behaviour of Lithium
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Fire and explosion
... The powdered metal reacts explosively with water ... Prolonged contact with steam forms a thermally insulating layer which promotes overheating of the metal and may lead to a subsequent explosion as the insulating layer breaks up.
Source: HSDB
... Atmospheric oxidation of molten lithium led to an explosion. A high degree of correlation of incidence of explosions with high atmospheric humidity was demonstrated, with the intensity of explosion apparently directly related to the purity of the sample of metal.
Source: HSDB
05 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Lithium
Storage conditions
Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from water.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Reacts with water forming lithium hydroxide and hydrogen. Keep under mineral oil or other liquid free from oxygen or water.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Lithium in the storage compatibility matrix →