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Lithium

Also known as Lithium element, Lithium, metallic, Lithium, elemental

Element with atomic number and standard atomic weight

Key facts

What buyers check first

Appearance
Soft silvery-white metal
Melting point
180.5 °C
Boiling point
1,342 °C
Density
0.534 g/cm³ at 25 °C
Solubility
Reacts with water
HS code
280519
Category
Metals, alloys and elements
UN number
UN 1415
Illustrative photo, grey powder in an open woven sack in a warehouse
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Lithium?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Lithium atom is an alkali metal atom.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
lithium
CAS number
7439-93-2 CAS number cross-checked
EC number
231-102-5
Molecular formula
Li
UNII
68KF447EX3, 9FN79X2M3F
MDL number
MFCD00011074, MFCD00134051
InChIKey
WHXSMMKQMYFTQS-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/Li
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
[Li]

Synonyms

  • Lithium element
  • Lithium, metallic
  • Lithium, elemental
  • Lithium 7
  • Lithium metallicum
  • Li
  • lithium(1+) ion
  • Lithium-7
  • Lithium atom
  • Litium
  • Lithium Metal
  • litio
  • Lithium Standard: Li+ @ 1000 microg/mL in H2O
  • Al alloy CRM for Lithium in 1075, O 64x25 mm
  • Lithium - Li @ 1000 microg/g in Hydrocarbon Oil
  • Lithium Standard: Li @ 10 microg/mL in 2% HNO3
  • Lithium Standard: Li @ 1000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3
  • Lithium Standard: Li @ 10000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3
  • monolithium
  • Lithium AA Standard: Li @ 1000 microg/mL in 5% HNO3
  • Lithium Standard: Li @ 5000 microg/g in Hydrocarbon Oil
  • Lithium-6 Internal Standard: 6Li @ 10 microg/mL in 2% HNO3
  • Lithium ribbon
  • Atomic Lithium
  • Element Lithium
Show all 38 synonyms
  • Element:Lithium
  • metallic lithium
  • Lithium-6 Internal Standard: 6Li @ 100 microg/mL in 2% HNO3
  • Element-Li
  • Element:Li
  • Lithium (atomic)
  • Li (element)
  • Lithium (element)
  • lithium metal in oil
  • Li Standard Solution
  • Normothymin-E (TN)
  • Lithium, 99%, low sodium
  • Lithium, 99%, high sodium

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Soft silvery-white metalexp.
Odour
ODORLESSexp.
Melting point
180.5 °Cexp.
Boiling point
1,342 °Cexp.
Density
0.534 g/cm³ at 25 °Cexp.
Autoignition temperature
179 °Cexp.
Solubility
Reacts with waterexp.
Vapour pressure
7.90 × 10⁻¹¹ Pa (5.92 × 10⁻¹³ mm Hg) at 400 K (127 °C), 0.000489 Pa (3.67 × 10⁻⁶ mm Hg) at 600 K (327 °C), 1.08 Pa (0.00810 mm Hg) at 800 K (524 °C), 109 Pa (0.818 mm Hg) at 1000 K (727 °C)exp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
6.94 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
7.016 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
-0.38calc.
Topological polar surface area
0 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
0calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
0calc.
Rotatable bonds
0calc.
Heavy atoms
1calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS02: Flammable
Flammable
GHS05: Corrosive
Corrosive

Hazard statements

  • H260In contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously.
  • H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
Precautionary statements (17)
  • P223Do not allow contact with water.
  • P231 + P232Handle and store contents under inert gas. Protect from moisture.
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P330 + P331If swallowed: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting.
  • P302 + P335 + P334If on skin: Brush off loose particles from skin. Immerse in cool water or wrap in wet bandages.
  • P302 + P361 + P354If on skin: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse with water for several minutes.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
  • P370 + P378In case of fire: Use appropriate media to extinguish.
  • P402 + P404Store in a dry place. Store in a closed container.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 1415
Transport hazard class
4.3
Packing group
I

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Lithium suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 44 suppliers
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Suppliers marked Unclaimed profile have not claimed their profile yet. They are not verified by CompoundList, their offers are price on request and details may have changed, so please confirm them with the supplier. Company representatives can claim a profile with a business email on the company's own website domain. Our team verifies each claim and sends the result by email.

Where suppliers are based

44 suppliers in 11 countries

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Lithium price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

No published prices right now

Suppliers quote this chemical on request. Send one free request and compare quotes side by side.

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

As "getter" in vacuum tubes, manufacture of catalysts for polyolefin plastics, in fuels for aircraft, missiles.

In metallurgy, as degasifier, deoxidizer, desulfurizer, as grain refiner in non-ferrous metals.

Chem intermediate for butyllithium polymerization catalyst, in alloys with aluminum or magnesium for aerospace uses.

Catalyst in mfr of synthetic rubber & multipurpose lubricants.

Industrial uses: Other, Alloys, Oxidizing agent, Intermediate.

Consumer uses: Oxidizing agent, Alloys.

Roles

  • antipsychotic agent
  • central nervous system depressant
  • central nervous system drug
  • pharmaceutical
  • psychotropic drug
  • tranquilizing drug

Pharmacology

Lithium is an element with atomic symbol Li, atomic number 3, and atomic weight 6.941.

How it is made

Recovery of the ore, spodumene, followed by concentration by froth flotation, conversion to lithium chloride, and electrolysis from an anhydrous lithium chloride-potassium chloride mixture.

High-temperature extraction from spodumene by sodium carbonate, solar evaporation of lake brines.

Recovered from natural brines, electrochemical processes, reduction of the oxide with magnesium or aluminum, Hanson, U.S. patent 2,028,390 (1936)

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Europe

  • EU harmonised classification (CLP Annex VI)
    Index no: 003-001-00-4

Health and food

  • Active ingredient in FDA approved drug labels

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Lithium is traded under.

HS 2805.19Indicative HS code

Alkali or alkaline-earth metals, other

World exports in 2024
$574M
−11.1% vs 2023, imports $558M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. France * partner reported58.4%
  2. China19.1%
  3. Germany13.1%
Top importers
  1. Germany59.4%
  2. United States7.9%
  3. France * partner reported4.7%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Lithium is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Lithium, based on the data on this page

What is Lithium?

Lithium atom is an alkali metal atom.

What is the CAS number of Lithium?

The CAS registry number of Lithium is 7439-93-2.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Lithium?

The molecular formula of Lithium is Li and its molar mass is 6.94 g/mol.

What is Lithium used for?

As "getter" in vacuum tubes, manufacture of catalysts for polyolefin plastics, in fuels for aircraft, missiles. In metallurgy, as degasifier, deoxidizer, desulfurizer, as grain refiner in non-ferrous metals.

Is Lithium hazardous?

Lithium carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: in contact with water releases flammable gases which may ignite spontaneously, causes severe skin burns and eye damage. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Lithium?

Lithium is usually classified under HS code 280519 (Alkali or alkaline-earth metals, other). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Lithium?

CompoundList lists 44 suppliers of Lithium in United States, China, Germany, Spain and 7 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Lithium in India?

2 suppliers in India list Lithium on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Lithium?

Suppliers quote Lithium on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Lithium

Get quotes for Lithium

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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