Lithium TetrachlorogallateCAS #: 15955-98-3

Synonyms 

Lithium chlorogallate; Gallium lithium chloride; Lithiumtetrachlorogallate(1-); Gallate(1-), tetrachloro-, lithium, (T-4)- (9CI)

Compound Formula: LiGaCl4 

Molecular Weight: 218.48 

Appearance: White beads or powder 

Melting Point: 175 °C 

Boiling Point: N/A 

Density: N/A 

Solubility in H2O: N/A 

Exact Mass: 217.814039 

Monoisotopic Mass: 215.816989

Product Introduction: Potassium Tetrafluoroborate (KBF₄, CAS #: 15955-98-3)

Potassium tetrafluoroborate, with the chemical formula KBF₄ and CAS number 15955-98-3, is a robust inorganic salt widely used in industrial processes, electrochemical systems, and materials science. This colorless to white crystalline solid is valued for its high thermal stability, moderate solubility in polar solvents, and versatile reactivity, making it a staple in applications ranging from metal finishing to potassium-ion battery research. Its tetrahedral BF₄⁻ anion structure ensures chemical stability, enabling consistent performance in both high-temperature and ambient conditions.

Chemical & Physical Properties

KBF₄ exhibits key properties that underpin its industrial and scientific utility:

Solubility: Moderately soluble in water (approximately 0.48 g/100 mL at 20°C) and more soluble in hot water or polar organic solvents like acetonitrile, allowing controlled dissolution for specific applications.

Ionic Conductivity: Delivers low to moderate ionic conductivity in aqueous solutions (typically 1–3 mS/cm at room temperature), suitable for applications requiring regulated ion transport.

Melting Point: Approximately 530°C, with decomposition occurring above 600°C, providing exceptional thermal stability for high-temperature industrial processes.

Electrochemical Behavior: Exhibits a stable electrochemical window in non-aqueous solvents (up to 3.8 V vs. K⁺/K), compatible with potassium-ion battery cathodes such as Prussian blue analogs and potassium manganese oxides.

Hygroscopicity: Slightly hygroscopic, absorbing minimal moisture from the air under normal conditions, reducing the risk of clumping compared to more hygroscopic fluoroborate salts.

Key Applications

Potassium tetrafluoroborate (CAS 15955-98-3) is employed across diverse industries, leveraging its unique characteristics:

Metalworking and Electroplating: Used as a flux in aluminum and magnesium alloy production, lowering melting points and removing oxide impurities from metal surfaces. In electroplating, it enhances the uniformity of nickel, copper, and gold coatings by adjusting bath conductivity.

Potassium-Ion Batteries (PIBs): Serves as an electrolyte salt in research-scale PIBs, providing a cost-effective baseline for studying potassium-based energy storage systems. Its stability in organic solvents supports initial testing of electrode materials.

Glass and Ceramics: Added to glass formulations to improve chemical resistance and reduce thermal expansion, particularly in heat-resistant glassware and ceramic glazes.

Chemical Synthesis: Acts as a fluorinating agent and catalyst in organic reactions, facilitating the production of fluorinated compounds and ionic liquids. It also serves as a source of BF₄⁻ ions in coordination chemistry.

Laboratory Research: A standard reagent in analytical chemistry for precipitation reactions and in electrochemical studies evaluating potassium-based materials.

Advantages & Limitations

KBF₄ offers specific benefits alongside considerations for its use:

Thermal Stability: Exceptional resistance to high temperatures makes it ideal for metalworking and glass manufacturing, where prolonged exposure to heat is common.

Cost-Effectiveness: More affordable than specialty potassium salts like KFSI, making it suitable for large-scale industrial applications with moderate performance requirements.

Chemical Inertness: Resists hydrolysis under normal conditions, reducing the formation of corrosive byproducts (e.g., HF) compared to less stable fluorides.

Limitations: Lower solubility in water and organic solvents restricts its use in high-conductivity electrolyte formulations for advanced batteries. Its ionic conductivity is also lower than that of more soluble potassium salts.

Synthesis & Quality Control

KBF₄ is synthesized through straightforward chemical processes:

Neutralization: Potassium hydroxide (KOH) or potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) reacts with tetrafluoroboric acid (HBF₄) in aqueous solution, forming KBF₄ and water as a byproduct.

Purification: The resulting precipitate is filtered, washed, and dried. Recrystallization from hot water removes impurities (e.g., chloride, sulfate), ensuring purity levels of 99% or higher.

Quality control includes titration for assay, ion chromatography to detect anionic impurities, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to verify crystalline structure. Moisture content is typically kept below 0.3% via Karl Fischer titration.

Safety & Handling

Proper handling of KBF₄ is essential to ensure safety and performance:

Storage: Keep in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry area to minimize moisture absorption. Avoid contact with strong acids, which can release toxic HF gas.

Toxicity: May cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation. Inhalation of dust or ingestion can lead to fluoride poisoning, with symptoms including nausea and respiratory distress. Use chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, and a respirator in poorly ventilated spaces.

Reactivity: Non-flammable but reacts with strong acids to produce HF. Avoid contact with reducing agents and combustible materials to prevent unwanted reactions.

Disposal: Dispose of waste in accordance with local regulations for fluoride-containing compounds, ensuring proper containment to prevent environmental contamination.

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

Packaging & Availability

KBF₄ is available in forms tailored to application needs:

Crystalline Powder: Packaged in moisture-resistant bags (1kg–25kg) or drums (50kg–500kg) with desiccants to maintain flowability.

Granular Form: Available for industrial processes requiring controlled dissolution, packaged in 25kg–100kg sacks.

Bulk quantities and high-purity grades (e.g., 99.9% for research) are available upon request. Our product meets industrial standards for consistency in metalworking, ceramics, and research applications.

For technical specifications, pricing, or sample requests, contact our sales team, specializing in inorganic salts for industrial and scientific use.

Health & Safety Information

 Signal Word: Danger 

Hazard Statements: H302-H312-H314-H332 

Hazard Codes: C 

Risk Codes: 14-20/21/22-34 

Safety Statements: 22-26-27-36/37/39-45 

RTECS Number: N/A 

Transport Information: N/A 

WGK Germany: 2

Chemical Identifiers 

Linear Formula: LiGaCl4 

Pubchem CID: 16701583 

MDL Number: MFCD00274652 

EC No.: N/A 

IUPAC Name: lithium; tetrachlorogallanuide 

Beilstein/Reaxys No.: N/A 

SMILES: [Li+].Cl[Ga-](Cl)(Cl)Cl 

InchI Identifier: InChI=1S/4ClH.Ga.Li/h4*1H;;/q;;;;+3;+1/p-4 

InchI Key: KMBVSAMILLNTNQ-UHFFFAOYSA-J

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.