Lithium Peroxide (Li2O2)-Powder

Characteristic




Lithium peroxide is the inorganic compound with the formula Li2O2. It is a white, nonhygroscopic solid. Because of its high oxygen:mass and oxygen:volume ratios, the solid has been used to remove CO2 from the atmosphere in spacecraft.




Chemical formula:Li2O2

Molar mass:45.881 g/mol

Appearance:fine, white powder

Odor:odorless

Density:2.31 g/cm3

Melting point:Decomposes to Li2O at ~340°C 

Solubility in water:soluble

Solubility:insoluble in alcohol

Crystal structure:hexagonal




Application




Lithium peroxide is used in air purifiers. It is also used to produce high-purity oxygen. It acts as a catalyst for polymerization of styrene to polystyrene. Further, it serves as a curing agent for special polymers and a source of oxygen in sealed spaces such as submarines and in breathing apparatus.