Lithium Bromide, known to chemists by its formula LiBr, stands out as a chemical compound formed by lithium and bromine. It shows up in different physical forms depending on storage and manufacturing needs. Granular solids, fine powders, large crystalline flakes, and clear liquids all describe this adaptable material. At first glance, it appears as a white or nearly colorless crystal, betraying little of its strong affinity for water and its hygroscopic nature. In solution, it dissolves easily, making it a top choice for applications like industrial absorption chillers and air conditioning systems, where moisture absorption and heat exchange play key roles.
Pure Lithium Bromide carries a molecular weight of 86.85 g/mol. The solid form shines with a density of about 3.464 g/cm³, and when dissolved, it can create dense, concentrated solutions up to almost 65% by mass. At melting point, the crystals liquefy at 550°C, and they boil at 1265°C. Strong ionic bonds tie lithium cations and bromide anions together, explaining the compound’s high solubility in water. The material gives off a powerful reaction upon contact with moisture, underscoring its use as a desiccant. Safe storage means airtight containers and a dry environment, keeping the substance from drawing water from the air and forming unintended solutions.
Practical chemistry places Lithium Bromide in many shapes to suit industry: flakes appear as thin, brittle shards that dissolve rapidly; powders flow smoothly for mixing or metering; pearls offer round, dust-free handling; clear solutions help in rapid dosing or direct applications; crystals set the standard for analytical purity or research work. Material is often weighed in kilograms for solids and liters for solutions, reflecting the needs of chemical plants, labs, and climate control technologies. Large batches, whether processed as bulk raw materials or in sealed drums, enable scale in pharmaceuticals, refrigeration, and specialty synthesis.
This chemical structure is as simple as it gets: one lithium atom bonded to a single bromine atom. No complicated chains or rings. That straightforward geometry produces strong ionic character, and makes for rapid dissolution even in low temperatures. Grades of Lithium Bromide differ in purity, moisture content, and particle size, sometimes fine-tuned to less than 0.01% impurities for electronics or high-purity chemical syntheses. Reputable suppliers provide detailed certificates of analysis and technical data sheets, which list batch-specific assay, moisture, sodium, and chloride content. These details matter when product performance depends on reliable, predictable material behavior.
For trade and logistics, Lithium Bromide bears the HS Code 28275900 under international shipping schedules. This identification assures customs, suppliers, and end-users that the product aligns with global regulatory specifications. Whether shipping crystals, flakes, or liquid concentrate, this code sorts inventory, handles paperwork, and ensures compliance with import and export rules. Knowing the proper code cuts delays, prevents cross-border mishaps, and streamlines reordering for repeat business or multinational production lines.
As a raw material, Lithium Bromide proves itself in more uses than most people realize. It’s the heart of absorption cooling and dehumidification technology. In closed-loop chillers, solutions absorb water vapor from the air, driving energy-efficient climate control. Synthetic chemists value it for specialty reactions, whether they’re making pharmaceuticals, analgesics, or transformations in organic chemistry. In industrial drying, it removes the last traces of moisture from solvents and gases. Its ability to capture water plays a role in laboratories, too, as a reagent or purification aid. Electronic industry sometimes taps its high purity for specialty batteries and chemical synthesis steps where ordinary salts fall short.
Direct handling of Lithium Bromide can pose risks. Solid dust or splashes of concentrated solution may irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Inhalation or accidental ingestion leads to nausea or more severe toxicity, with symptoms like drowsiness, confusion, tremors, or in rare cases, kidney disturbances. Prolonged exposure might disrupt electrolyte balances or thyroid function. All handlers must wear personal protective equipment—safety goggles, gloves, dust masks, or even full-face protection for large spills or manufacturing runs. Spills need prompt clean-up with absorbents and secure waste bins. Any heating or evaporation process calls for good ventilation or fume extraction.
Lithium Bromide demands careful storage far from water, acids, oxidizers, and open flames. Tightly closed, labeled containers kept at stable room temperature stop contamination and moisture uptake. Material Safety Data Sheets remain a key reference, guiding safe spill response, disposal, and environmental protections. Waste Lithium Bromide, whether solid or liquid, sits in locked chemical waste drums pending collection by certified hazardous materials contractors. Drains, natural water, and trash bins do not qualify; regulatory-burdened substances require formal tracking and disposal.
Rising demand for lithium compounds, especially in electronics and green technology, puts pressure on supply chains and resource extraction. Quality varies between sources; not all suppliers meet food, pharma, or electronics-grade standards. Industry needs to insist on independent third-party analysis and transparent supply chains, so buyers know what they’re getting and where it comes from. Waste management systems must evolve, diverting used or contaminated Lithium Bromide from landfills or waterways, reprocessing it into raw material or stabilizing it in secure waste repositories. Research can help replace toxic compounds in manufacturing or design renewal processes for lithium-rich waste. Facilities that store or ship Lithium Bromide can adopt better training and monitoring, so workers and the environment avoid hazardous exposure for future generations.
