Lithium SalicylateCAS #: 552-38-5

Synonyms 

Salicylic Acid Lithium Salt, Dilithium Salicylate (38970-76-2)

Compound Formula: C7H5LiO3 

Molecular Weight: 144.05 

Appearance: White powder or crystals 

Melting Point: N/A 

Boiling Point: N/A 

Density: N/A 

Solubility in H2O: N/A 

Exact Mass: 162.050438 g/mol 

Monoisotopic Mass: 162.050438 g/mol 

Charge: 0

Product Introduction: Sodium Fluorosulfonate (NaSO₃F, CAS #: 552-38-5)

Sodium fluorosulfonate, with the chemical formula NaSO₃F and CAS number 552-38-5, is an inorganic salt composed of sodium cations (Na⁺) and fluorosulfonate anions (SO₃F⁻). This white, crystalline compound is valued for its stability, solubility, and versatile reactivity, finding applications in organic synthesis, electrochemistry, and industrial processes. Its unique combination of a fluorine atom and sulfonate group endows it with properties that bridge fluorinated and sulfonated compounds, making it a useful reagent in both laboratory and large-scale manufacturing settings.

Chemical & Physical Properties

Sodium fluorosulfonate exhibits a set of characteristics that define its utility:

Solubility: Highly soluble in water (approximately 50 g/100 mL at 20°C) and moderately soluble in polar organic solvents such as methanol and acetonitrile. This solubility allows it to function as a source of fluorosulfonate ions in both aqueous and non-aqueous reaction systems.

Thermal Stability: Demonstrates good thermal stability, decomposing above 250°C—higher than many sulfonate salts. This stability enables its use in high-temperature reactions and industrial processes.

Hygroscopicity: Slightly hygroscopic, absorbing minimal moisture from the air under normal conditions. This property simplifies storage and handling compared to highly hygroscopic fluorinated salts.

Density & Structure: Has a density of 2.7 g/cm³ and a molar mass of 122.05 g/mol, with a crystalline structure that promotes efficient ion dissociation in solution.

Chemical Reactivity: The fluorosulfonate anion (SO₃F⁻) acts as a mild fluorinating agent and a good leaving group in organic reactions, facilitating the introduction of fluorine atoms or sulfonate groups into molecules.

Key Applications

Sodium fluorosulfonate (CAS 552-38-5) is employed across diverse fields, leveraging its unique reactivity:

Organic Synthesis: Serves as a fluorinating reagent in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and specialty chemicals. It facilitates the replacement of hydroxyl groups (-OH) with fluorine atoms (-F) in organic molecules, a critical step in enhancing the bioavailability and stability of drug candidates. For example, it is used in the production of fluorinated steroids and antiviral compounds.

Electrochemical Applications: Used as an additive in electrolytes for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) and other electrochemical devices. Its ability to improve ion conductivity and form a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on electrode surfaces enhances battery performance and cycle life. In SIBs, small concentrations of NaSO₃F (0.1–0.5%) in electrolytes have been shown to increase capacity retention by 15–20%.

Catalysis: Acts as a catalyst or co-catalyst in polymerization reactions, particularly for fluorinated polymers such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). It helps regulate monomer reactivity and improve polymer chain uniformity, enhancing the mechanical and chemical resistance of the final product.

Surface Treatment: Employed in metal surface treatment processes to form protective fluorinated coatings. These coatings improve corrosion resistance and reduce friction, making them valuable for automotive and aerospace components.

Laboratory Research: Used as a reference standard in analytical chemistry, particularly in ion chromatography, for the detection and quantification of fluorosulfonate ions in environmental and industrial samples.

Advantages & Limitations

Sodium fluorosulfonate offers distinct benefits alongside specific considerations:

Controlled Reactivity: Its mild fluorinating properties reduce the risk of over-fluorination compared to more aggressive reagents like sulfur tetrafluoride (SF₄), making it suitable for delicate organic synthesis.

Stability: Greater thermal and chemical stability than many fluorinating agents (e.g., hydrogen fluoride, HF) simplifies handling and storage, reducing safety risks.

Solubility: Good solubility in both aqueous and organic solvents provides flexibility in reaction design, allowing its use in a wide range of synthetic protocols.

Limitations: Less reactive than some specialized fluorinating agents, requiring higher temperatures or catalysts to drive certain reactions. Additionally, its fluorosulfonate byproducts may require careful disposal to prevent environmental impact.

Synthesis & Quality Control

Sodium fluorosulfonate is produced through straightforward chemical reactions:

Neutralization Reaction: Fluorosulfonic acid (HSO₃F) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in aqueous solution: HSO₃F + NaOH → NaSO₃F + H₂O. The product is isolated by crystallization and dried to remove residual moisture.

Purification: Recrystallization from water or methanol ensures high purity, with typical industrial grades achieving 99.0–99.5% purity.

Quality control includes:

Ion chromatography to verify the presence of fluorosulfonate ions and detect impurities like sulfate (SO₄²⁻) or fluoride (F⁻).

Moisture analysis (Karl Fischer titration) to ensure <0.5% water content, critical for maintaining reactivity in organic synthesis.

X-ray diffraction (XRD) to confirm crystalline structure and identify any solid impurities.

Safety & Handling

Proper handling of sodium fluorosulfonate is essential due to its fluorine content:

Toxicity: Low acute toxicity, but ingestion or inhalation of dust can cause irritation to the respiratory tract and gastrointestinal system. Decomposition at high temperatures releases toxic fluorine-containing gases, requiring adequate ventilation.

Handling: Wear chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile or PTFE), safety goggles, and a dust mask when working with the powder. Use in a well-ventilated fume hood to avoid inhalation of particles.

Storage: Keep in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place, away from strong acids (which can release HF) and reducing agents.

Disposal: Dispose of waste as hazardous material in accordance with local regulations for fluorinated compounds. Neutralize spills with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂) to form insoluble calcium fluorides before cleanup.

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

Packaging & Availability

Sodium fluorosulfonate is available in forms tailored to industrial and research needs:

Industrial Grade: 25kg–50kg bags or drums for large-scale synthesis and manufacturing processes.

Research Grade: 100g–5kg bottles for laboratory use, ensuring high purity (99.5%+) and low impurity levels.

Solution Form: Pre-dissolved in water or organic solvents (e.g., 10% w/v in methanol) in 1L–20L containers for immediate use in reactions.

Global production is concentrated in regions with strong chemical manufacturing sectors, including China, Europe, and the United States. Suppliers offer flexible quantities to meet the needs of both small-scale research and large-scale industrial applications.

For technical specifications, pricing, or custom formulations, contact our team specializing in fluorinated chemicals and specialty reagents.

Health & Safety Information 

Signal Word: Warning 

Hazard Statements: H315-H319 

Hazard Codes: N/A 

Risk Codes: N/A 

Safety Statements: N/A 

Transport Information: N/A

Chemical Identifiers

 Linear Formula: C7H5LiO3 

Pubchem CID: 23663621 

MDL Number: MFCD00045813 

IUPAC Name: lithium; 2-hydroxybenzoate 

Beilstein/Reaxys No.: 10(4)127 

SMILES: [Li+].C1=CC=C(C(=C1)C(=O)[O-])O 

InchI Identifier: InChI=1S/C7H6O3.Li/c8-6-4-2-1-3-5(6)7(9)10;/h1-4,8H,(H,9,10);/q;+1/p-1 

InchI Key: PSBOOKLOXQFNPZ-UHFFFAOYSA-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.