Lithium sulfide is the
inorganic compound
An inorganic compound is typically a chemical compound that lacks carbon–hydrogen bondsthat is, a compound that is not an organic compound. The study of inorganic compounds is a subfield of chemistry known as ''inorganic chemistry''.
Inorgan ...
with the
formula
In science, a formula is a concise way of expressing information symbolically, as in a mathematical formula or a ''chemical formula''. The informal use of the term ''formula'' in science refers to the general construct of a relationship betwe ...
Li2 S. It crystallizes in the antifluorite motif, described as the salt (Li
+)
2S
2−. It forms a solid yellow-white
deliquescent
Hygroscopy is the phenomenon of attracting and holding water molecules via either absorption (chemistry), absorption or adsorption from the surrounding Natural environment, environment, which is usually at normal or room temperature. If water mol ...
powder. In air, it easily hydrolyses to release foul smelling
hydrogen sulfide
Hydrogen sulfide is a chemical compound with the formula . It is a colorless chalcogen-hydride gas, and is toxic, corrosive, and flammable. Trace amounts in ambient atmosphere have a characteristic foul odor of rotten eggs. Swedish chemist ...
gas.
Preparation
Lithium sulfide is prepared by treating lithium with sulfur. This reaction is conveniently conducted in
anhydrous ammonia
Ammonia is an inorganic chemical compound of nitrogen and hydrogen with the formula . A stable binary hydride and the simplest pnictogen hydride, ammonia is a colourless gas with a distinctive pungent smell. It is widely used in fertilizers, ...
.
:2 Li + S → Li
2S
The THF-soluble
triethylborane
Triethylborane (TEB), also called triethylboron, is an organoborane (a compound with a B–C bond). It is a colorless pyrophoric liquid. Its chemical formula is or , abbreviated . It is soluble in organic solvents tetrahydrofuran and hexane. ...
adduct of lithium sulfide can be generated using
superhydride.
Reactions and applications
Lithium sulfide has been considered for use in
lithium–sulfur batteries.
References
External links
Lithium Sulfide
{{Sulfides
Lithium salts
Sulfides
Fluorite crystal structure