Lithium peroxide

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Lithium peroxide
Image:Lithium peroxide.jpg
Other names Dilithium peroxide, Lithium (I) peroxide
Identifiers
CAS number [12031-80-0]
Properties
Molecular formula Li2O2
Molar mass 45.881 g/mol
Appearance fine odorless, white powder
Density 2.14 g/cm3, solid (25°C)
Melting point

195°C

Boiling point

Decomposes to Li2O

Solubility in water soluble
Hazards
EU classification not listed
NFPA 704
0
3
2
 
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

Infobox disclaimer and references

Lithium peroxide (Li2O2) is a chemical compound. It decomposes above 195°C to give lithium oxide, Li2O:

2Li2O2 → Li2O + O2

Contents

[edit] Preparation

It is prepared industrially by the reaction of hydrogen peroxide and lithium hydroxide to produce the hydroperoxide which is then dehydrated[1]:

LiOH.H2O + H2O2 → LiOOH.H2O + H2O
2LiOOH.H2O → Li2O2 + H2O2 + 2H2O

[edit] Uses

It is used in air purifiers where weight is important e.g. spacecraft to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen in the reaction[1]:

2Li2O2 + 2CO2 → 2Li2CO3 + O2

[edit] Precautions

Lithium peroxide reacts with and should be isolated from water, steam, reducing agents, organic material, metallic oxides and salts.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Greenwood, N. N.; Earnshaw, A. (1997). Chemistry of the Elements, 2nd Edition, Oxford:Butterworth-Heinemann. ISBN 0-7506-3365-4. 

[edit] External links