Lithium SuccinateCAS #: 16090-09-8

Synonyms 

Monolithium succinate; LithoTab succinate(1-); Butanedioic acid, monolithium salt; 17229-80-0

Compound Formula: C4H5LiO4 

Molecular Weight: 124.02 

Appearance: White powder 

Melting Point: N/A 

Boiling Point: N/A 

Density: N/A 

Solubility in H2O: N/A 

Exact Mass: 124.034788 

Monoisotopic Mass: 124.034788

Product Introduction: Potassium Bis(oxalato)borate (KBOB, CAS #: 16090-09-8)

Potassium bis(oxalato)borate, with the chemical formula K[B(C₂O₄)₂] and CAS number 16090-09-8, is an advanced organoboron salt gaining prominence as a high-performance electrolyte additive in potassium-ion batteries (PIBs) and other potassium-based electrochemical systems. This white crystalline solid combines a potassium cation (K⁺) with a bis(oxalato)borate anion ([B(C₂O₄)₂]⁻), offering exceptional thermal stability, low toxicity, and excellent compatibility with electrode materials. Its unique structure, featuring oxalate ligands bound to a central boron atom, enables controlled ionic conductivity and robust solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, making it a key material for enhancing battery safety and longevity.

Chemical & Physical Properties

KBOB exhibits a set of properties that distinguish it as a premium electrolyte component for potassium-based energy storage:

Solubility: Moderately soluble in polar organic solvents such as ethylene carbonate (EC), dimethyl carbonate (DMC), and propylene carbonate (PC), forming stable electrolytes with concentrations up to 0.5 M. Its solubility profile allows for flexible formulation with other potassium salts (e.g., KPF₆, KFSI) to optimize performance.

Ionic Conductivity: Delivers reliable ionic conductivity (typically 2–4 mS/cm in optimized solvent blends), supporting efficient potassium-ion transport in PIBs and enabling consistent charge-discharge cycles.

Thermal Stability: Maintains stability at temperatures up to approximately 300°C, significantly outperforming conventional potassium salts like KPF₆ and reducing the risk of thermal runaway in batteries.

Electrochemical Window: Boasts a wide electrochemical stability window (up to 4.8 V vs. K⁺/K), compatible with high-voltage PIB cathodes such as Prussian blue analogs and potassium vanadium phosphates (K₃V₂(PO₄)₃).

Hydrolytic Stability: Exhibits moderate resistance to hydrolysis compared to KPF₆, minimizing the formation of corrosive byproducts (e.g., HF) and protecting electrode materials from degradation, even in the presence of trace moisture.

Key Applications in Energy Storage

Potassium bis(oxalato)borate (CAS 16090-09-8) is pivotal to advancing potassium-based energy storage technologies:

Potassium-Ion Batteries (PIBs): Serves as an electrolyte additive or co-salt in PIBs, where its ability to form a stable SEI on hard carbon anodes reduces irreversible capacity loss and extends cycle life (often exceeding 2,000 cycles). Its thermal stability enhances battery safety, making it suitable for stationary energy storage applications.

Potassium-Metal Batteries: Enables the development of high-energy-density potassium-metal batteries by suppressing dendrite growth on potassium metal anodes. The oxalate ligands in KBOB participate in SEI formation, creating a protective layer that prevents short circuits and improves cycling efficiency.

Hybrid Electrolyte Systems: Integrated into gel polymer electrolytes for PIBs, where its compatibility with polymer matrices (e.g., PVDF, PEO) enhances mechanical strength while maintaining ionic conductivity, a critical step toward solid-state potassium batteries.

Electrochemical Research: Used as a reference electrolyte component in studies of potassium-based electrode materials, providing a stable baseline for evaluating cathode and anode performance in PIBs.

Advantages Over Conventional Potassium Salts

KBOB offers significant benefits compared to traditional potassium electrolyte salts like KPF₆ and KBF₄:

SEI-Forming Ability: Promotes the formation of a dense, uniform SEI layer on anodes, reducing electrolyte decomposition and improving long-term cycling stability— a key advantage in PIBs where SEI quality directly impacts performance.

Low Toxicity: Contains non-toxic components (boron, oxalate), making it safer to handle and dispose of compared to fluorinated salts like KPF₆, which release toxic fluoride compounds upon decomposition.

Thermal Resilience: Its high thermal stability reduces the risk of electrolyte breakdown in high-temperature environments, enhancing battery safety for large-scale energy storage systems.

Compatibility: Works seamlessly with a range of PIB electrode materials, including hard carbon anodes, layered oxide cathodes, and polyanionic compounds, providing flexibility in battery design.

Synthesis & Quality Control

KBOB is synthesized through controlled reactions to ensure high purity and consistency:

Precursor Reaction: Boric acid (H₃BO₃) reacts with oxalic acid (H₂C₂O₄) in aqueous solution to form bis(oxalato)boric acid (H[B(C₂O₄)₂]), a key intermediate: H₃BO₃ + 2H₂C₂O₄ → H[B(C₂O₄)₂] + 3H₂O.

Potassiation: The intermediate is neutralized with potassium hydroxide (KOH) or potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) in an organic solvent, followed by crystallization to produce KBOB: H[B(C₂O₄)₂] + KOH → K[B(C₂O₄)₂] + H₂O.

Purification: Recrystallization from anhydrous solvents (e.g., acetonitrile) and drying under vacuum remove residual moisture and impurities, ensuring purity levels of 99.5% or higher.

Quality control includes:

Ion chromatography (IC) for anion analysis to verify [B(C₂O₄)₂]⁻ content.

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for trace metal detection (typically <10 ppm).

Karl Fischer titration to confirm moisture content (below 20 ppm), critical for preventing hydrolysis in electrolyte formulations.

Safety & Handling

Proper handling of KBOB is essential to maintain performance and safety:

Hygroscopicity: Absorbs moisture moderately from the air; store in sealed containers under an inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen or argon) to prevent hydration and maintain solubility.

Toxicity: Low acute toxicity, but ingestion or inhalation of dust may cause mild gastrointestinal or respiratory irritation. Use chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and a lab coat when handling.

Reactivity: Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents and concentrated acids, which may decompose the oxalate ligands. It is stable under normal storage conditions but should be kept away from open flames.

Storage: Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from heat sources and direct sunlight.

Refer to the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed safety guidelines and emergency response procedures.

Packaging & Availability

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

Anhydrous Powder: Packaged in moisture-proof aluminum bags (100g–10kg) with inert gas purging to prevent hydration.

Solutions: Pre-dissolved solutions (0.1–0.5 M) in organic solvent blends (e.g., EC/DMC) are available for immediate use in electrolyte formulations, packaged in 1L–20L containers.

Bulk quantities (50kg+ drums) are available for pilot-scale PIB production. High-purity grades (99.9%) with ultra-low metal impurities are offered for advanced battery research.

For technical specifications, pricing, or sample requests, contact our sales team, which specializes in advanced electrolyte materials for potassium-based energy storage systems.

Health & Safety Information

 Signal Word: N/A 

Hazard Statements: N/A 

Hazard Codes: F, C 

Risk Codes: 14/15-34 

Safety Statements: 8-45 

RTECS Number: N/A 

Transport Information: N/A 

WGK Germany: N/A

Chemical Identifiers 

Linear Formula: C4H5LiO4 

Pubchem CID: 25021852 

MDL Number: N/A 

EC No.: 240-248-9 

IUPAC Name: lithium; 4-hydroxy-4-oxobutanoate 

Beilstein/Reaxys No.: N/A 

SMILES: [Li+].C(CC(=O)[O-])C(=O)O 

InchI Identifier: InChI=1S/C4H6O4.Li/c5-3(6)1-2-4(7)8;/h1-2H2,(H,5,6)(H,7,8);/q;+1/p-1 

InchI Key: LQNUMILKBSMSMM-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.