Lithium SpecimenCAS #: 7439-93-2

Synonyms

 N/A

Molecular Weight: 6.941 

Appearance: Silvery 

White Melting Point: 180.54 °C 

Boiling Point: 1342 °C 

Density: 0.534 g/cm3 

Solubility in H2O: N/A 

Poisson's Ratio: N/A 

Young's Modulus: 4.9 

GPa Vickers Hardness: N/A 

Tensile Strength: N/A 

Thermal Conductivity: 0.848 W/cm/K @ 298-C.2 K 

Thermal Expansion: (25 °C) 46 µm·m-1·K-1 

Electrical Resistivity: 8.55 microhm-cm @ 0 °C 

Electronegativity: 1.0 

Paulings Specific Heat: 0.85 Cal/g/K @ 25 °C 

Heat of Fusion: 1.10 Cal/gm mole 

Heat of Vaporization: 32.48 K-Cal/gm atom at 1342 °C

Product Introduction: Potassium Metal (K, CAS #: 7439-93-2)

Potassium metal, identified by the elemental symbol K and CAS number 7439-93-2, is a highly reactive alkali metal that serves as a linchpin in numerous industrial and research endeavors. This soft, silvery-white element, part of Group 1 in the periodic table, is renowned for its exceptional chemical activity. While this reactivity presents significant handling challenges, it also unlocks a wide range of applications across metallurgy, energy storage, and chemical synthesis. Its abundance in the Earth's crust and unique physical-chemical properties make it an indispensable material in driving technological progress.

Production Process Insights

The extraction of potassium metal is a complex industrial process that leverages its high reactivity and specific chemical properties:

Electrolysis of Molten Potassium Chloride: The primary method for producing potassium metal involves electrolyzing molten potassium chloride (KCl) in a specialized electrolytic cell. The cell is constructed with a graphite anode and an iron cathode, and the KCl is heated to approximately 770°C to achieve a molten state. During electrolysis, potassium ions (K⁺) migrate to the cathode, where they are reduced to form molten potassium metal, which floats to the surface due to its lower density. Chloride ions (Cl⁻) are oxidized at the anode, producing chlorine gas (Cl₂), which is collected and processed for other industrial uses.

Purification Steps: The raw potassium metal obtained from electrolysis contains impurities, primarily sodium. To achieve high purity, the metal undergoes vacuum distillation. This process is conducted under reduced pressure (1–10 mmHg) and at temperatures between 300–400°C, which allows potassium to vaporize and separate from the higher-boiling sodium impurities. The result is potassium metal with a purity of 99.5% or higher, suitable for most industrial applications. For specialized uses requiring ultra-high purity (99.99%), additional purification techniques such as zone refining are employed.

Market Demand and Supply Dynamics

The market for potassium metal is driven by its diverse applications and the growing demand for advanced materials:

Key Consumers: Major industries consuming potassium metal include the aerospace and defense sectors, which use high-purity metals derived from potassium reductions; the chemical industry, for organic synthesis and catalyst production; and the energy sector, particularly in research and development for next-generation batteries.

Supply Sources: Potassium metal is primarily produced in regions with abundant potassium chloride deposits, such as Canada, Russia, and Belarus. These countries have well-established mining and processing facilities to extract KCl, the raw material for potassium metal production. The global production capacity of potassium metal is relatively concentrated, with a few major producers dominating the market.

Price Trends: The price of potassium metal is influenced by factors such as the cost of raw materials (KCl), energy prices (due to the high energy requirements of electrolysis), and demand from end-use industries. Over the past decade, prices have shown moderate volatility, with increases driven by growing demand for advanced materials and fluctuations in energy costs.

Industry-Specific Usage Examples

Potassium metal finds practical application in various industries through its unique properties:

Aerospace Component Manufacturing

In the aerospace industry, potassium metal is used in the production of high-strength titanium alloys. For example, it is employed in the reduction of titanium tetrachloride (TiCl₄) to produce titanium metal: TiCl₄ + 4K → Ti + 4KCl. This process yields titanium with a purity of over 99.9%, which is essential for manufacturing aircraft frames and engine components that require high strength and corrosion resistance.

Pharmaceutical Synthesis

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, potassium metal is used as a reducing agent in the synthesis of certain active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). For instance, it plays a role in the production of anti-inflammatory drugs by facilitating specific chemical reactions that form carbon-carbon bonds, which are crucial for the molecular structure of these drugs.

Nuclear Energy Sector

Sodium-potassium (NaK) alloys, which contain potassium, are used as coolant in some types of nuclear reactors. These alloys have excellent heat transfer properties and remain liquid over a wide temperature range, making them ideal for removing heat from the reactor core. In fast-neutron reactors, NaK alloys help maintain the required temperature conditions for efficient nuclear fission.

Unique Properties Revisited

Chemical Reactivity: Its violent reaction with water makes it unsuitable for direct use in consumer products but enables its role as a powerful reducing agent in industrial processes. The heat generated during this reaction can reach temperatures high enough to ignite hydrogen gas, highlighting the need for strict safety measures.

Thermal Characteristics: The low melting point allows for easy melting and casting into various forms, while the high boiling point ensures stability in high-temperature applications.

Electrical Conductivity: This property, combined with its low density, makes it a candidate for use in lightweight conductive materials, though its reactivity limits such applications.

Safety and Handling Best Practices

Storage Conditions: As mentioned earlier, potassium metal must be stored under mineral oil or inert gas to prevent contact with air and moisture. It is crucial to regularly inspect storage containers for leaks or damage to ensure the integrity of the storage environment.

Handling Equipment: When handling potassium metal, specialized tools made of non-sparking materials (such as brass or ceramic) must be used to avoid generating sparks that could ignite hydrogen gas. Additionally, all equipment should be thoroughly cleaned and dried before use to prevent accidental reactions.

Training Requirements: Personnel involved in handling potassium metal must receive comprehensive training on its properties, potential hazards, and proper handling procedures. This includes training on emergency response protocols, such as how to extinguish fires and treat exposure.

Packaging and Availability Details

Standard Packaging: In addition to the formats mentioned previously, potassium metal is also available in custom-sized ingots and pellets to meet specific customer requirements. The packaging is designed to ensure the metal remains isolated from air and moisture during transportation and storage.

Lead Times and Order Quantities: For standard grades, lead times are typically 2–4 weeks for small quantities and 4–6 weeks for bulk orders. High-purity grades may have longer lead times due to the additional purification steps. Minimum order quantities vary by supplier but generally start at 10g for laboratory use.

For further information on technical specifications, pricing, or to discuss custom orders, please reach out to our dedicated sales team, which has extensive experience in serving the needs of various industries requiring potassium metal and related products.

Health & Safety Information 

Signal Word: Danger 

Hazard Statements: H260-H314 

Hazard Codes: F,C 

Precautionary Statements: P231+P232-P260-P303+P361+P353-P305+P351+P338-P501 

Flash Point: Not applicable 

Risk Codes: 14/15-34 

Safety Statements: 8-43-45 

RTECS Number: OJ5540000 

Transport Information: UN 1415 4.3/PG 1 

WGK Germany: 2 

GHS Pictogram: Image,Image

Chemical Identifiers

 Linear Formula: Li 

Pubchem CID: 3028194 

MDL Number: MFCD00134051 

EC No.: 231-102-5 

Beilstein/Reaxys No.: N/A 

SMILES: [Li] 

InchI Identifier: InChI=1S/Li 

InchI Key: WHXSMMKQMYFTQS-UHFFFAOYSA-N

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.