likvidum

Likvidum is a fictional chemical compound described in the alchemical and industrial literature of the fantasy world of Vyrannis. The name, derived from likvidus, the Latin for liquid, reflects its defining property: a stable, highly mobile liquid that acts as a universal solvent under specific conditions.

Physically, likvidum is a colorless, transparent liquid with extremely low viscosity and a wide stable temperature range, flowing freely from −120°C to about 320°C at ambient pressure. It is miscible with water and many organic solvents and forms stable azeotropes with several salts. When exposed to ultraviolet light it emits a faint iridescence.

In lore, likvidum is produced by refining a hydrocarbon fraction and passing it over a nanoporous zeolite catalyst under inert atmosphere, then purifying by distillation. It is highly reactive with strong oxidizers and toxic if inhaled; storage requires dark glass or ceramic vessels, with tight seals, away from heat and light.

It is used as a general solvent in alloy processing and as a coolant in high-temperature reactions. In polymer chemistry it can initiate controlled polymerization. In magical alchemy, its solvent properties enable observation of subtle reaction pathways.

Due to toxicity and reactivity, its production and use are regulated by guilds and academies in Vyrannis; handling requires protective equipment and ventilation. See also Solvent and Catalysis.