Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) are both hydroxides of alkali metals, but they have some differences in terms of their properties and applications. Here are the key differences between lithium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide:
Chemical Composition: Lithium hydroxide consists of one lithium (Li) atom, one oxygen (O) atom, and one hydrogen (H) atom per molecule (LiOH). Sodium hydroxide, on the other hand, contains one sodium (Na) atom, one oxygen (O) atom, and one hydrogen (H) atom per molecule (NaOH).
Solubility: Sodium hydroxide is highly soluble in water, and it readily dissociates into sodium ions (Na+) and hydroxide ions (OH-) in solution. Lithium hydroxide is also soluble in water but to a lesser extent compared to sodium hydroxide.
Alkalinity: Both lithium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide are strong bases and exhibit high alkalinity. However, sodium hydroxide is generally considered to be a stronger base than lithium hydroxide. This means that sodium hydroxide can more readily donate hydroxide ions and has a higher pH value in solution.
Density: Lithium hydroxide has a higher density than sodium hydroxide. The molar mass of lithium hydroxide (23.95 g/mol) is lower than that of sodium hydroxide (39.99 g/mol), resulting in a denser solid form.
Applications: Sodium hydroxide has a wide range of industrial applications. It is commonly used in the production of soaps, detergents, paper, textiles, and various chemical processes. It is also utilized in the manufacturing of food and beverage products. Lithium hydroxide, on the other hand, has more specialized applications. It is primarily used in the production of lithium-based batteries, such as those found in electric vehicles, portable electronics, and renewable energy storage systems.
Overall, the main differences between lithium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide lie in their chemical composition, solubility, alkalinity, density, and applications.