lithiumcarbonate

Lithium carbonate is an inorganic chemical compound with the formula Li2CO3. It is a white salt that is moderately soluble in water. It occurs naturally in mineral springs and is also extracted from brines and clays.

Lithium carbonate is primarily used in the production of lithium metal and lithium-based compounds. It is a key ingredient in the manufacture of ceramics, glass, and enamels, where it acts as a fluxing agent, lowering the melting point of the mixture. In metallurgy, it is used in aluminum smelting.

A significant application of lithium carbonate is in the pharmaceutical industry. It is prescribed as a mood stabilizer for the treatment of bipolar disorder and manic depression. The exact mechanism by which it exerts its therapeutic effects is not fully understood but is believed to involve the modulation of neurotransmitter systems in the brain.

Lithium carbonate is also employed in pyrotechnics to produce red colors in fireworks. In battery technology, it serves as a precursor for cathode materials in lithium-ion batteries, although other lithium compounds are often directly used. Due to its reactivity and potential environmental impact, proper handling and disposal are important.