What are the key industrial applications of lithium chloride beyond battery feedstocks?
Lithium chloride serves multiple industrial roles beyond its use as a lithium source. In air conditioning and dehumidification, it is one of the earliest desiccant materials for rotary dehumidifiers, valued for high moisture uptake, easy regeneration, chemical stability, and bactericidal properties. However, its tendency to liquefy and corrode nearby metals has pushed some applications toward silica gel alternatives. In metallurgy, lithium chloride acts as a flux in welding and brazing, improving joint quality. It is also a raw material for dry batteries and metallic lithium production. The hydrated form, LiCl·H2O, is widely used in desiccant packs for moisture protection in sealed environments. Its high solubility in solvents like pyridine also makes it useful in specialty organic synthesis, though cost and handling concerns limit broader adoption.
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