Lithium SulfideCAS #: 12136-58-2

Synonyms

 Lithium sulphide, Lithium sulfide anhydrous, dilithium sulfide, dilithium sulfanide

Compound Formula: Li2S 

Molecular Weight: 45.95 

Appearance: Powder 

Melting Point: 938° C (1,720° F) 

Boiling Point: 1,372° C (2,502° F) 

Density: 1.66 g/cm3 

Solubility in H2O: N/A 

Exact Mass: 46.00408 

Monoisotopic Mass: 46.00408

Product Introduction: Potassium Chloride (KCl, CAS #: 12136-58-2)

Potassium chloride (KCl), identified by CAS number 12136-58-2, is a fundamental inorganic compound composed of potassium (K⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻) ions. This odorless, colorless crystalline solid is a cornerstone of numerous industries, prized for its exceptional solubility, cost efficiency, and role as a primary source of potassium—an essential element for biological and industrial processes. Found naturally in minerals like sylvite and carnallite, KCl is extracted and processed to meet demands across agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, and beyond.

Critical Chemical & Physical Traits

KCl’s utility stems from its well-defined properties:

Solubility: Dissolves readily in water (34.2 g/100 mL at 20°C), with solubility increasing to 56.7 g/100 mL at 100°C, making it ideal for aqueous solutions in agriculture, medicine, and industry. It is sparingly soluble in ethanol and insoluble in non-polar solvents.

Thermal Resilience: Boasts a high melting point (770°C) and boiling point (1,420°C), enabling stable performance in high-heat applications such as metal smelting and glass production.

Non-Hygroscopic Nature: Resists moisture absorption under normal conditions, preventing clumping and ensuring easy handling and storage in bulk.

Density & Molar Mass: Has a density of 1.98 g/cm³ and a molar mass of 74.55 g/mol, with a cubic crystal structure that contributes to its stability.

Sensory Profile: Exhibits a mild salty taste, approximately half as intense as sodium chloride (NaCl), which makes it a viable low-sodium alternative.

Industry-Specific Applications

KCl’s versatility shines in tailored roles across sectors:

Agriculture: Boosting Crop Yield

As “muriate of potash,” KCl is the most widely used potassium fertilizer, supplying 90% of global agricultural potassium demand. It enhances root development, improves drought resistance, and increases fruit quality in staple crops (wheat, corn, rice) and high-value produce (tomatoes, citrus). Granular formulations are broadcast or side-dressed, while liquid KCl is integrated into foliar sprays for rapid nutrient uptake.

Food & Beverage: Reducing Sodium

Used as a NaCl replacer in low-sodium products (bread, snacks, canned goods) and table salts (e.g., “lite salt” blends), KCl reduces sodium content by 25–50% without sacrificing flavor. It also fortifies animal feed, ensuring livestock and poultry receive adequate potassium for growth and reproduction.

Healthcare: Electrolyte Balance

In medicine, KCl treats hypokalemia (low blood potassium) via oral tablets, extended-release capsules, or IV solutions. It is a key component in dialysis fluids, maintaining electrolyte equilibrium during renal therapy, and acts as an osmotic laxative in over-the-counter preparations.

Manufacturing: Enabling Industrial Processes

Metallurgy: Serves as a flux in aluminum and magnesium alloy production, lowering melting points and removing oxide impurities to improve metal purity.

Chemical Synthesis: Used in electrolysis to produce potassium hydroxide (KOH), a base critical for soap and detergent manufacturing.

Glass & Ceramics: Adjusts viscosity in glassmaking and enhances glaze adhesion in ceramics.

Water Treatment: Softening Hard Water

Replaces calcium and magnesium ions in ion-exchange resins of water softeners, preventing scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and industrial boilers.

Comparative Advantages vs. Alternatives

KCl outperforms other potassium salts in key metrics:

Cost: Significantly cheaper than potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄) or potassium nitrate (KNO₃), making it ideal for large-scale applications like agriculture.

Solubility: More soluble than K₂SO₄, enabling use in liquid formulations where rapid dissolution is critical (e.g., foliar sprays, IV solutions).

Availability: Abundant natural reserves ensure a stable supply, unlike potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃), which relies on synthetic production.

Trade-Offs: Chloride sensitivity in crops (tobacco, strawberries) requires switching to K₂SO₄. In medical settings, KCl must be administered carefully to avoid hyperkalemia, especially in patients with kidney disease.

Production & Quality Standards

KCl is sourced through two primary methods:

Mining & Refining: Extracted from underground sylvite deposits via solution mining (hot water dissolution) or conventional mining. Ore is purified by fractional crystallization to remove magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) and sodium chloride (NaCl), yielding 98–99.5% pure KCl.

Laboratory Synthesis: Produced via neutralization: KOH + HCl → KCl + H₂O, with recrystallization for 99.9% pharmaceutical-grade purity.

Quality control includes:

Purity testing (titration for chloride content).

Heavy metal screening (ICP-MS) to ensure compliance with food (FDA) and pharmaceutical (USP) standards.

Moisture analysis (Karl Fischer) to maintain <1% water in agricultural grades.

Safety & Handling Best Practices

KCl is generally safe with proper precautions:

Toxicity: Low acute toxicity (LD₅₀ in rats: 2,600 mg/kg), but excessive intake causes hyperkalemia (irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness). IV administration requires slow infusion to prevent cardiac arrest.

Handling: Wear dust masks and goggles when working with fine powders to avoid irritation. Industrial handling requires no specialized PPE under normal conditions.

Storage: Keep in sealed bags or drums in dry, well-ventilated areas, away from strong acids (to prevent HCl gas release).

Disposal: Non-hazardous; excess can be used as fertilizer or disposed of in municipal waste, following local regulations.

Packaging & Sourcing

Available in formats tailored to end uses:

Agricultural Grade: 25kg–1,000kg bags/drums (granular) or 55-gallon drums (liquid).

Food/Pharmaceutical Grade: 1kg–25kg sealed containers (powder) or blister packs (tablets/capsules).

Industrial Grade: 50kg bags (powder) for metallurgy and chemical synthesis.

Bulk shipments (railcars, barges) are available for agricultural and industrial clients, with custom particle sizes (0.1–5mm) on request.

For technical data, regulatory compliance, or bulk pricing, contact our team specializing in inorganic salts for diverse industrial and consumer applications.

Health & Safety Information

 Signal Word: Danger 

Hazard Statements: H301-H314 

Hazard Codes: C 

Risk Codes: 22-31-34 

Safety Statements: 26-36/37/39-45 

RTECS Number: OJ6439500 

Transport Information: UN 2923 8/PG 2 

WGK Germany: 3 

GHS Pictogram: Image,Image

Chemical Identifiers

 Linear Formula: Li2S 

Pubchem CID: 10290727 

MDL Number: MFCD00011085 

EC No.: 235-228-1 

IUPAC Name: dilithium; sulfide 

Beilstein/Reaxys No.: N/A 

SMILES: [Li+].[Li+].[S-2] 

InchI Identifier: InChI=1S/2Li.S/q2*+1;-2 

InchI Key: GLNWILHOFOBOFD-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.