Lithium RicinoleateCAS #: 15467-06-8

Synonyms 

MFCD00050759, 9-Octadecenoic acid, 12-hydroxy-, monolithium salt, (9Z,12R)-; 9-Octadecenoic acid, 12-hydroxy-, lithium salt (1:1), (9Z,12R)-

Compound Formula: C18H33LiO3 

Molecular Weight: 304.4 

Appearance: White to off-white paste 

Melting Point: 174 °C 

Boiling Point: 416 °C 

Density: 1 

Solubility in H2O: Soluble 

Exact Mass: 304.258974 g/mol 

Monoisotopic Mass: 304.258974 g/mol 

Bulk Density: 8.32 lb/gal (25 °C)

Product Introduction: Lithium Bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI, CAS #: 15467-06-8)

Lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide, with the chemical formula Li[N(SO₂F)₂] and CAS number 15467-06-8, is a high-performance fluorinated lithium salt that has emerged as a transformative material in advanced energy storage systems. This white, crystalline compound, composed of lithium cations (Li⁺) and bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide anions ([N(SO₂F)₂]⁻), combines exceptional ionic conductivity, thermal stability, and electrochemical compatibility—properties that address critical limitations of traditional lithium-ion battery electrolytes like lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF₆). As demand surges for high-energy, fast-charging, and safe batteries in electric vehicles (EVs) and grid storage, LiFSI has become a key enabler of next-generation battery technologies.

Chemical & Physical Properties

LiFSI’s molecular structure and intrinsic properties set it apart from conventional lithium salts:

Solubility: Highly soluble in polar organic solvents such as ethylene carbonate (EC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC), forming electrolytes with concentrations up to 2.0 M. This solubility enables ionic conductivities exceeding 15 mS/cm in optimized blends—significantly higher than LiPF₆ (typically 10–12 mS/cm)—supporting fast-charging capabilities.

Thermal Stability: Exhibits outstanding thermal stability, with decomposition onset above 350°C—far exceeding LiPF₆ (decomposes >200°C). This stability minimizes the risk of thermal runaway in batteries, a critical safety advantage for EVs and large-scale energy storage.

Hygroscopicity: Moderately hygroscopic, with lower moisture reactivity than LiPF₆. It can tolerate moisture levels up to 200 ppm in electrolytes without significant hydrolysis, simplifying manufacturing and storage processes.

Density & Structure: Has a density of 2.3 g/cm³ and a molar mass of 187.09 g/mol, with a layered crystal structure that promotes efficient ion dissociation and transport in solution.

Electrochemical Window: Boasts an ultra-wide electrochemical stability window up to 5.5 V vs. Li⁺/Li, compatible with high-voltage cathodes such as nickel-rich NCM (Ni₈Co₁Mn₁O₂) and Li-rich layered oxides—enabling batteries with energy densities exceeding 400 Wh/kg.

Key Applications

Lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (CAS 15467-06-8) is revolutionizing battery technology and beyond:

Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs): Serves as a premium electrolyte salt or additive in high-performance LIBs. When used as a full replacement for LiPF₆, it enhances cycle life by 50% in EV batteries, with capacity retention exceeding 90% after 1,500 cycles. Its ability to form a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on graphite and silicon anodes reduces irreversible capacity loss and suppresses dendrite growth.

Solid-State Batteries (SSBs): Acts as a dopant in solid electrolytes (e.g., sulfide-based or oxide-based) to improve ionic conductivity. In SSBs, LiFSI increases Li⁺ mobility by 2–3 orders of magnitude, enabling room-temperature operation with power densities comparable to liquid electrolytes.

Lithium-Metal Batteries (LMBs): Critical for stabilizing lithium metal anodes in next-generation LMBs. LiFSI-based electrolytes form a robust SEI layer rich in LiF and sulfates, preventing dendrite formation and enabling LMBs with energy densities of 500+ Wh/kg and 1,000+ cycles.

Supercapacitors: Used in electrolytes for high-voltage supercapacitors, where its wide stability window and low resistance enable energy densities up to 30 Wh/kg—double that of traditional aqueous electrolytes.

Catalysis: Functions as a Lewis acid catalyst in organic synthesis, facilitating fluorination and sulfonylation reactions with high selectivity (up to 98% yield) in pharmaceutical and agrochemical production.

Advantages & Limitations

LiFSI offers compelling benefits for advanced energy storage, with a few considerations:

Performance Enhancement: Enables faster charging (10–80% in 15 minutes for EV batteries) and improved low-temperature operation (-40°C) compared to LiPF₆, addressing key consumer and industrial needs.

Safety Improvement: Reduced HF generation upon hydrolysis and higher thermal stability lower fire risks, making it ideal for large-format batteries in vehicles and grid storage.

Compatibility: Works with a wide range of electrode materials, including silicon anodes (which offer 10x higher capacity than graphite) and high-voltage cathodes, expanding battery design possibilities.

Limitations: Higher production costs than LiPF₆ (approximately 3–4x) due to complex synthesis, though economies of scale are reducing this gap. It remains more hygroscopic than ideal, requiring controlled environments during battery assembly.

Synthesis & Quality Control

LiFSI is produced via multi-step processes to ensure ultra-high purity:

Sulfonylation: Fluorosulfonic acid (HSO₃F) reacts with ammonia (NH₃) to form bis(fluorosulfonyl)amine (H[N(SO₂F)₂]).

Lithiation: The amine is neutralized with lithium hydroxide (LiOH) or lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) in anhydrous solvent: H[N(SO₂F)₂] + LiOH → Li[N(SO₂F)₂] + H₂O.

Purification: Recrystallization from anhydrous acetonitrile or propylene carbonate removes impurities, achieving battery-grade purity (>99.95%) with metal ion concentrations <1 ppm.

Quality control includes:

Ion chromatography to verify anion purity and detect residual sulfates or fluorides.

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to measure trace metals (Fe, Na, K <0.1 ppm).

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to confirm thermal stability (>350°C decomposition onset).

Safety & Handling

Proper handling of LiFSI is guided by its chemical properties:

Toxicity: Low acute toxicity, but inhalation of dust or contact with moisture can release trace HF, causing mild irritation. Chronic exposure to fluoride ions may affect bone health.

Handling: Use in dry, inert gas-purged glove boxes or fume hoods with moisture levels <5% RH. Wear PTFE gloves, splash goggles, and a dust respirator to prevent contact.

Storage: Keep in airtight, moisture-proof containers (e.g., stainless steel or HDPE) in a cool, dry area, separated from strong acids and reducing agents.

Disposal: Classified as hazardous waste due to fluoride content; dispose of in accordance with local regulations (e.g., EPA RCRA in the U.S.). Neutralize spills with calcium carbonate to form insoluble CaF₂.

Refer to the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed emergency protocols.

Packaging & Availability

LiFSI is available in forms tailored to research and industrial needs:

Battery Grade: 1kg–25kg sealed aluminum drums with argon purging, suitable for large-scale electrolyte production.

Research Grade: 100g–5kg bottles in moisture-barrier packaging for laboratory use, with ultra-low metal impurities.

Solution Form: Pre-dissolved in organic solvent blends (e.g., 1.2 M in EC/DMC/EMC) in 1L–20L containers for immediate use in battery assembly.

Global production is led by manufacturers in China, Japan, and Europe, with annual capacity exceeding 10,000 tons and growing rapidly to meet EV demand. High-purity grades (99.99%) are available for advanced solid-state battery research.

For technical specifications, custom formulations, or supply chain insights, contact our team specializing in advanced electrolytes and energy storage materials.

Health & Safety Information

 Signal Word: Warning 

Hazard Statements: H302-H312-H315-H319-H332-H335 

Hazard Codes: Xi 

Precautionary Statements: P261-P280-P301+P312-P302+P352-P304+P340-P305-P351+P338-P332+P313 

Flash Point: 177-220 °C

Risk Codes: R36 

Safety Statements: N/A 

Transport Information: N/A

Chemical Identifiers

 Linear Formula: C18H33LiO3 

Pubchem CID: 23665644 

MDL Number: MFCD00050759 

EC No.: 239-481-9 

IUPAC Name: lithium;(Z,12R)-12-hydroxyoctadec-9-enoate 

SMILES: [Li+].CCCCCCC(CC=CCCCCCCCC(=O)[O-])O 

InchI Identifier: InChI=1S/C18H34O3.Li/c1-2-3-4-11-14-17(19)15-12-9-7-5-6-8-10-13-16-18(20)21;/h9,12,17,19H,2-8,10-11,13-16H2,1H3,(H,20,21);/q;+1/p-1/b12-9-;/t17-;/m1./s1 

InchI Key: UWZUWNMEIDBHOF-DPMBMXLASA-M

Packing of Standard Packing: 

Typical bulk packaging includes palletized plastic 5 gallon/25 kg. pails, fiber and steel drums to 1 ton super sacks in full container (FCL) or truck load (T/L) quantities. Research and sample quantities and hygroscopic, oxidizing or other air sensitive materials may be packaged under argon or vacuum. Solutions are packaged in polypropylene, plastic or glass jars up to palletized 735 gallon liquid totes Special package is available on request.