Lithium Bromide

Lithium bromide (LiBr) is a chemical compound of lithium and bromine. Its extreme hygroscopic character makes LiBr useful as a desiccant in certain air conditioning systems.

Physical Properties:

Chemical formula：LiBr

Molar mass：86.845(3) g/mol

Appearance：White solid hygroscopic

Density：3.464 g/cm3

Melting point：552 °C (1,026 °F; 825 K)

Boiling point：1,265 °C (2,309 °F; 1,538 K)

Solubility in water：143 g/100 mL (0 °C)/166.7 g/100 mL (20 °C)/266 g/100 mL (100 °C)

Solubility：soluble in methanol, ethanol, ether, acetone

slightly：soluble in pyridine

Magnetic susceptibility (χ)：−34.7·10−6 cm3/mol

Refractive index (nD)：1.784

Applications:

Air Conditioning and Absorption Refrigeration: Lithium bromide is commonly used in absorption chillers, where it acts as a desiccant to absorb water vapor and facilitate cooling. In these systems, a water-LiBr solution is employed, as it efficiently absorbs heat and allows for a compact and efficient cooling system without using traditional refrigerants.

Dehumidification Systems: Due to its high moisture-absorbing capacity, LiBr is also used in industrial and commercial dehumidifiers.

Heat Transfer Systems: LiBr solutions are used in some heat transfer applications due to their thermal properties.

Medical Applications: In lower concentrations, lithium bromide has been used historically as a sedative, though it is less common today with the development of other medications.

Chemical Synthesis: LiBr serves as a reagent in organic synthesis, often used as a source of bromine or as a catalyst in certain reactions.