Li2SO4

Lithium sulfate, with the chemical formula Li2SO4, is an inorganic salt composed of two lithium ions and one sulfate ion. It appears as a white, odorless crystalline solid and can exist as an anhydrous salt as well as in hydrated forms under certain conditions. The compound is readily soluble in water, producing Li+ and SO4^2− ions in solution.

Preparation of Li2SO4 is typically accomplished by neutralizing a lithium base with sulfuric acid. For example, lithium hydroxide reacts with sulfuric acid to give Li2SO4 and water, and lithium carbonate can also form Li2SO4 with sulfuric acid, releasing carbon dioxide and water. These reactions produce the anhydrous salt, which can then be isolated by standard crystallization methods.

In solution, Li2SO4 dissociates into lithium and sulfate ions, and the pH of the solution is governed by the basicity of the resulting ions. The solid can form hydrates, and its physical properties can depend on the degree of hydration and the crystallization conditions.

Applications of lithium sulfate are largely as a chemical reagent and as a source of lithium and sulfate for the preparation of other lithium-containing compounds. It is used in laboratory synthesis and in research contexts where lithium ions or sulfate groups are required. Safety considerations include handling Li2SO4 as an inorganic salt; it may cause irritation to skin, eyes, or respiratory tissues on exposure, and should be handled with appropriate protective equipment and stored in a dry, well-ventilated area.