Is LiOH a Strong Base? (And Why?)

Yes, Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) is considered a strong base. 1 When dissolved in water, it completely dissociates into lithium ions (Li+) and hydroxide ions (OH-), resulting in a high concentration of hydroxide ions in the solution, which makes it a strong base.

Well, this was just a simple answer. But there are few more things to know about this topic which will make your concept super clear.

So let’s dive right into it.

Key Takeaways: Is LiOH a Strong Base?

  • LiOH is considered a strong base because it completely dissociates into lithium ions and hydroxide ions in water.
  • The high degree of dissociation of LiOH is due to the stability of both the lithium ions and hydroxide ions in water.
  • LiOH has various industrial applications, including aerospace, gas purification, lithium-ion batteries, air conditioning and refrigeration, ceramic industry, hydrogen storage, CO2 capture and sequestration, chemical synthesis, and medical applications.

Why is LiOH a strong base?

Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) is considered a strong base due to its high degree of dissociation in water. When it dissolves in water, it completely dissociates into lithium ions (Li⁺) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻). 

The reaction can be represented as follows:

LiOH (s) → Li⁺ (aq) + OH⁻ (aq)

The strength of a base is determined by the extent of dissociation in water, which is related to the stability of the resulting ions. In the case of LiOH, lithium ions and hydroxide ions are both very stable in an aqueous solution.

The small size of the lithium ion (Li⁺) allows for strong electrostatic interactions between Li⁺ and water molecules, enhancing its solubility and stability in water.

Furthermore, the lithium ion has a high charge density, meaning that its positive charge is concentrated in a small volume, making it highly attractive to the negatively charged hydroxide ions (OH⁻).

The hydroxide ions (OH⁻) are also highly stable in water due to their ability to form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. These strong interactions prevent the hydroxide ions from recombining to form the undissociated LiOH. 

Overall, the high solubility and stability of both the lithium ions and hydroxide ions in water lead to a high degree of dissociation, making LiOH a strong base. It readily releases hydroxide ions, which can then participate in chemical reactions, such as neutralizing acids and forming salts.

How does the dissociation of LiOH differ from that of a weak base?

Here’s a comparison of the dissociation of LiOH, a strong base, and a generic weak base (for example NH3).

AspectLiOH (Strong Base)Ammonia (Weak Base)
Degree of DissociationHigh 2Low 3 4
Dissociation EquationLiOH(s) → Li⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq)NH3(aq) + H2O(l) ⇌ NH4⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq)
Ionic StabilityHighLow
Formation of Hydroxide IonsMore 5 6 7Less 8
Solubility in WaterHighly solubleSoluble
ConductivityHigh conductivity due to a large number of ions 9Lower conductivity due to fewer ions 10
Hydrogen Bond FormationLimitedSignificant
Reaction with AcidsHighly effectiveLess effective
pH of Aqueous SolutionAlkaline (basic)Slightly basic

Applications of LiOH based on its strong basic nature

Due to its strong basic nature, lithium hydroxide (LiOH) finds applications in various industries and processes. Some of the key applications of LiOH are:

  1. Aerospace Industry: LiOH is commonly used in the aerospace industry as a carbon dioxide absorbent in spacecraft and submarines. 11 It can effectively remove carbon dioxide from the air by forming lithium carbonate and water.
  2. Gas Purification: LiOH is employed in gas purification processes to remove impurities, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S), from gases and air streams. 12 13
  3. Alkali Metal Source: As a source of alkali metal, LiOH is used in chemical synthesis and metallurgical processes.
  4. Lithium-Ion Batteries: LiOH is used in the production of lithium-ion batteries, a popular rechargeable battery technology. It is utilized in the synthesis of cathode materials and electrolytes. 14 15
  5. Air Conditioning and Refrigeration: LiOH is used in absorption refrigeration systems as a part of the refrigerant-absorbent pair, particularly in high-temperature applications.
  6. Ceramic Industry: In the ceramic industry, LiOH is used to control the pH during the production of ceramics and glasses. 16
  7. Hydrogen Storage: LiOH has been investigated as a potential material for hydrogen storage, as it can chemically bind with hydrogen gas.
  8. CO2 Capture and Sequestration: In environmental applications, LiOH has been studied as a potential sorbent for capturing carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes and power plants. 17
  9. Chemical Synthesis: LiOH is employed as a reagent in various chemical reactions, particularly in the synthesis of lithium compounds.
  10. Medical Applications: In certain medical applications, lithium hydroxide may be used to treat certain health conditions, although its use is more commonly associated with lithium carbonate for psychiatric disorders. 18

It’s important to note that while LiOH has various industrial applications, it is essential to handle it with care due to its strong basic properties, which can cause skin and eye irritation. Additionally, safety precautions should be followed during its handling and storage.

Further reading

Why is Perchloric Acid an Electrolyte?
Is Acetic Acid a Strong Electrolyte?
Is HNO3 a Strong Electrolyte?
Why is NaCl (Sodium Chloride) a Strong Electrolyte?
Why is KCl a Strong Electrolyte?

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References

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  2. Ufl.edu https://christou.chem.ufl.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/62/2017/01/Chapter-18-Acids-and-Bases-Week-1.pdf
  3. Weak acid-base equilibria (article) | Khan Academy. (n.d.). Khan Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry/acids-and-bases-topic/copy-of-acid-base-equilibria/a/weak-acid-base-equilibria
  4. Utexas.edu https://ch302.cm.utexas.edu/chemEQ/ab-theory/selector.php?name=weak-acid-base
  5. Strong base solutions (video) | Khan Academy. (n.d.). Khan Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/science/ap-chemistry-beta/x2eef969c74e0d802:acids-and-bases/x2eef969c74e0d802:ph-and-poh-of-strong-acids-and-bases/v/strong-base-solutions
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  7. Sanjac.edu https://www.sanjac.edu/sites/default/files/Acid-Base%2520Properties%2520of%2520Salt%2520Solutions_0.pdf
  8. Weak base equilibria (video) | Khan Academy. (n.d.). Khan Academy. https://www.khanacademy.org/science/ap-chemistry-beta/x2eef969c74e0d802:acids-and-bases/x2eef969c74e0d802:weak-acid-and-base-equilibria/v/weak-base-equilibria
  9. Elmhurst.edu http://chemistry.elmhurst.edu/vchembook/185strength.html
  10. Acid and Base Strength. (2013, October 2). Chemistry LibreTexts. https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry_Textbook_Maps/Supplemental_Modules_(Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry)/Acids_and_Bases/Ionization_Constants/Acid_and_Base_Strength
  11. The Behavior and Capabilities of Lithium Hydroxide Carbon Dioxide Scrubbers in a Deep Sea Environment. (n.d.). DTIC. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/citations/ADA216268
  12. Lithium hydroxide – Wikipedia. (2017, January 21). Lithium Hydroxide – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_hydroxide
  13. Kim, S., Choi, M., Kang, J. S., Joo, H., Park, B. H., Sung, Y. E., & Yoon, J. (2021, January). Electrochemical recovery of LiOH from used CO2 adsorbents. Catalysis Today, 359, 83–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cattod.2019.06.056
  14. Lithium hydroxide – Wikipedia. (2017, January 21). Lithium Hydroxide – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_hydroxide
  15. Liu, H., & Azimi, G. (2022, April). Production of Battery Grade Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate Using Barium Hydroxide Causticizing Agent. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 179, 106115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2021.106115
  16. Oregonstate.edu https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/downloads/2514ns623
  17. Ahmadi, M., Ghaemi, A., & Qasemnazhand, M. (2023, May 2). Lithium hydroxide as a high capacity adsorbent for CO2 capture: experimental, modeling and DFT simulation. Scientific Reports, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-34360-z
  18. Lithium: medicine to control mood disorders such as mania and bipolar disorder. (n.d.). nhs.uk. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/lithium/

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