Lithium peroxide

Description

Lithium peroxide is the inorganic compound with the formula Li₂ O₂. This solid was deployed to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere in the Apollo spacecraft.

Lithium peroxide
Other names[hide] Dilithium peroxide, Lithium (I) peroxide
Identifiers
CAS number	12031-80-0
PubChem	25489
ChemSpider	23787^Y
Jmol-3D images	Image 1
Properties
Molecular formula	Li₂O₂
Molar mass	45.881 g/mol
Appearance	fine, white powder
Odor	odorless
Density	2.31 g/cm³
Melting point	195 °C
Boiling point	Decomposes to Li₂O
Solubility in water	soluble
Solubility	insoluble in alcohol
Structure
Crystal structure	hexagonal
Thermochemistry
Std enthalpy of formation Δ_fH^o₂₉₈	-13.82 kJ/g
Hazards
EU classification	not listed
Y (verify) (what is: Y/N?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)

It is used in air purifiers where weight is important e.g. spacecraft to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen in the reaction:

2Li₂O₂ + 2CO₂ → 2Li₂CO₃ + O₂

It absorbs more CO₂ than does the same weight of lithium hydroxide and offers the bonus of releasing oxygen.

Keywords:Electronic chemicals