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Lithium peroxide
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Lithium peroxide (Li2O2) is a chemical compound. It decomposes above 195°C to give lithium oxide, Li2O:
- 2Li2O2 → Li2O + O2
Preparation
Preparation
It is prepared industrially by the reaction of hydrogen peroxide and lithium hydroxide to produce the hydroperoxide which is then dehydrated[1]:
- LiOH.H2O + H2O2 → LiOOH.H2O + H2O
- 2LiOOH.H2O → Li2O2 + H2O2 + 2H2O
Uses
Uses
It is used in air purifiers where weight is important e.g. spacecraft to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen in the reaction[1]:
- 2Li2O2 + 2CO2 → 2Li2CO3 + O2
Precautions
Precautions
Lithium peroxide reacts with and should be isolated from water, steam, reducing agents, organic material, metallic oxides and salts.