ChemicalBook > Articles Catagory List >Inorganic-chemistry >what-is-a-positive-flame-test-for-lithium-chloride

What is a positive flame test for Lithium chloride?

Jan 24，2024

Lithium Chloride is an ionic compound or salt that is highly polar and soluble in water. It is more soluble in organic solvents such as acetone and methanol than potassium chloride or sodium chloride.

Lithium chloride flame test

Article illustration

The flame test is an analytical chemistry method used to help identify metal ions.

The flame color of lithium chloride is a dark red flame. This is due to the excitation of electrons in the lithium by the heat of the flame. As these electrons lose their energy, they emit photons of red light. The colour of the flame is different for different elements and can be used to identify unknown substances.

Uses

Lithium chloride is mainly used for the production of lithium metal by electrolysis of a LiCl/KCl melt at 450°C (842 °F). LiCl is also used as a brazing flux for aluminium in automobile parts. It is used as a desiccant for drying air streams.

);