Lithium peroxide

Overview

Lithium peroxide (Li₂O₂) is a chemical compound. It decomposes above 195°C to give lithium oxide, Li₂O:

2Li₂O₂ → Li₂O + O₂

Preparation

It is prepared industrially by the reaction of hydrogen peroxide and lithium hydroxide to produce the hydroperoxide which is then dehydrated:

LiOH.H₂O + H₂O₂ → LiOOH.H₂O + H₂O

2LiOOH.H₂O → Li₂O₂ + H₂O₂ + 2H₂O

Uses

It is used in air purifiers where weight is important e.g. spacecraft to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen in the reaction:

2Li₂O₂ + 2CO₂ → 2Li₂CO₃ + O₂

Precautions

Lithium peroxide reacts with and should be isolated from water, steam, reducing agents, organic material, metallic oxides and salts.

See also

• Lithium oxide

External links

• WebElements entry