Lithium nitrate

Lithium nitrate
Identifiers
CAS number	7790-69-4 Y
PubChem	10129889
Properties
Molecular formula	LiNO3
Molar mass	68.946 g/mol
Appearance	White to light yellow solid
Density	2.38 g/cm3
Melting point	255 °C, 528 K, 491 °F
Boiling point	873 °C decomp.
Solubility in water	90 g/100 mL (28 °C) 234 g/100 mL (100 °C)
Solubility	soluble in methanol, pyridine, ammonia
Refractive index (nD)	1.735 [1]
Thermochemistry
Std enthalpy of formation ΔfHo298	-7.007 kJ/g
Hazards
EU Index	Not listed
Main hazards	Oxidant, irritant
NFPA 704	0 1 0 OX
Flash point	Non-flammable
Related compounds
Other cations	Sodium nitrate Potassium nitrate Rubidium nitrate Caesium nitrate
Related compounds	Lithium sulfate Lithium chloride
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

Lithium nitrate is an inorganic compound with the formula LiNO₃. This deliquescent colourless salt is an oxidizing agent used in the manufacture of red-colored fireworks and flares.

Upon thermal decomposition, LiNO₃ gives lithium oxide (Li₂O), nitrogen dioxide, and oxygen:

4 LiNO₃ → 2 Li₂O + 4 NO₂ + O₂

Other group I nitrates decompose differently, forming the nitrite salt and oxygen. Because of its relatively small size, the lithium cation is very polarizing, which favors the formation of the oxide.

When placed in a flame, lithium salts (not just the nitrate) give off a bright red glow.

References

External links

• Hazardous Chemical Database

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