Lithium citrate has played a significant role in the progress of psychiatric medicine and industrial chemistry. Its early use dates back to the mid-19th century, when doctors and chemists explored lithium salts as potential treatments for disorders such as gout, mania, and later, bipolar disorder. By the time tetrahydrate forms of lithium citrate came about, scientists had started to recognize the value of precise hydration levels in improving chemical stability and ease of formulation. Over decades, regulatory agencies pushed for stricter purity standards, and large-scale chemical manufacturers invested resources into refining production, increasing both safety and therapeutic reliability. Patents and research documents from the 20th century often referenced lithium citrate in various hydration states for its reliable solubility and straightforward dosing. Hospitals and laboratories could count on a well-characterized, reproducible compound, and this tradition of careful, regulated production continues in today’s market.
Lithium citrate tetrahydrate often appears on inventory lists in research labs, pharmaceutical companies, and specialty chemical suppliers. Other names for the product include lithium salt of citric acid tetrahydrate and Trithium 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate tetrahydrate. Companies selling the compound use product codes and commercial names to distinguish it from other lithium derivatives. With a reputation for reliable solubility in water and controlled lithium content, it remains a staple in sectors handling mood disorders, industrial processes requiring lithium sources, and academic research. The product ships as a crystalline powder with consistent hydration, which helps ensure stable performance in both research and medicine.
This compound presents as a white, odorless powder or crystalline mass. Its molecular formula is C6H5Li3O7·4H2O and the molar mass sits at about 261.92 g/mol. Solubility in water stays high—up to 40 g/100 mL at room temperature—while its stability under normal storage makes it practical for long-term applications. Unlike some less stable lithium salts, tetrahydrate does not deliquesce quickly under ordinary humidity. The hydrated form keeps lithium ionic properties intact while tempering the cation’s reactivity, reducing hazardous dust when handled. The compound decomposes at elevated temperatures beyond 300°C, so proper storage away from excessive heat matters just as much as clear labeling.
Technical sheets for lithium citrate tetrahydrate list a minimum purity of 98.0%, with lithium content specified to within 0.1%. Impurity testing covers typical contaminants—sodium, potassium, and heavy metals—which are capped at low levels. Packaging includes tamper-evident seals and lot-specific labeling to meet regulatory demands. Material Safety Data Sheets include hazard identification, first-aid information, and transport guidance to comply with OSHA and GHS standards. Handling instructions specify PPE, especially gloves and goggles, as well as dust control measures. Properly labeled containers list both the chemical formula and commercial product names to ensure lab safety and regulatory compliance.
The main preparation route involves reacting lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide with citric acid in water, heating the mixture to achieve dissolution and completing the reaction. After filtration to remove unreacted solids, the solution undergoes controlled evaporation, which allows the lithium citrate to crystallize as a tetrahydrate. This crystallization is temperature sensitive; cooling leads to greater hydration levels, while warmer conditions promote anhydrous or lower-hydrate forms. Final product refinement includes washing, drying under moderate heat, and sieving for particle size. This production method produces a high-purity product with dependable stoichiometry, necessary for pharmaceutical-grade supply.
Lithium citrate tetrahydrate reacts predictably with acids, bases, and oxidizing agents. Its citrate anion can participate in chelation with metal ions, making the compound useful in analytical and coordination chemistry. In pharmaceutical contexts, it delivers lithium ions in controlled-release formulas, and formulation scientists can tailor tablet disintegration by combining it with polymers or excipients. Excess heat drives off hydration water, shifting the compound toward less hydrated or anhydrous states. In research, lithium citrate solutions serve as starting points to synthesize other lithium compounds, such as lithium carbonate by carbonation, or to precipitate mixed salts for new material studies. The compound’s predictable chemical properties allow safe handling and easy tracking in multi-step syntheses.
Lab workers and industrial handlers recognize that lithium citrate, while less hazardous than some lithium salts, deserves respect. Chronic exposure presents toxicity risks; glove use, dust masks, and eye protection keep handlers safe. Emergency procedures for spills include ventilating the area, sweeping with care to avoid dust, and disposing through licensed chemical waste channels. Facilities handling pharmaceutical-grade product must meet GMP standards, with strict documentation and regular audits. Respiratory protection and closed processes help prevent inhalation, and spill protocols focus on worker safety and environmental protection. OSHA and international guidelines shape every aspect of storage, labeling, and workplace training.
The mainstay for lithium citrate tetrahydrate sits in psychiatric medicine for the treatment of bipolar disorder, where it offers controlled lithium delivery for mood stabilization. Oral syrups or tablets use this compound for gentle dosing, giving healthcare professionals a way to manage serum lithium concentrations closely. Outside medicine, the compound’s controlled lithium release plays a role in ceramics, specialty glass, and battery precursor chemistries. Research labs explore its effect on enzyme regulation and signal transduction in neuroscience. Water treatment engineers test lithium salts, including citrate, for scale control and selective ion removal, while agricultural scientists look at its impact on plant nutrition in controlled experiments.
Researchers explore lithium citrate’s diverse bioactivity and its potential in next-generation therapies. Psychiatrists and pharmacologists publish studies on improved delivery systems, including slow-release forms with lower toxicity. Chemists pursue greener synthesis routes using biobased citric acid and recyclable solvents to cut waste and energy use. Emerging research focuses on lithium's neuroprotective effects in diseases such as Alzheimer’s and ALS, prompting interest in optimizing the citrate salt’s absorption and distribution. Technologists examine conductive polymers and ceramic matrices incorporating lithium citrate for smart materials. Ongoing research collaborations between universities, hospitals, and chemical manufacturers yield incremental advances, making processes safer and the product more reliable.
Clinical and preclinical studies show that lithium compounds, including lithium citrate, require careful monitoring. Blood lithium levels over 1.5 mmol/L trigger risks like kidney dysfunction, tremors, and neurotoxicity. Routine blood tests keep patients safe, and the citrate salt offers predictable absorption. Rodent studies provide LD50 values, while long-term exposure studies help define safe workplace handling. Regulatory bodies update hazard classifications as new data emerges, and healthcare guides insist on regular hydration and kidney screening for those on lithium therapy. In laboratories, alarms and Fail-Safe monitoring systems guard against accidental overdoses, and first responders receive special instructions for lithium salt poisoning cases.
Interest in lithium citrate tetrahydrate stands strong because of growth in mental health awareness, advanced battery research, and fine chemicals innovation. New psychiatric treatments move toward safer, more targeted lithium therapies, with pharmaceutical companies investing in modified release and minimal side effect options. Scientists in energy storage think about doping composite electrodes with low-toxicity lithium salts, seeking improved cycle life and stability for grid-scale batteries. Environmental groups push for green synthesis and full lifecycle analysis, reshaping industry practices. As digital health monitoring evolves, doctors will track lithium levels with more precision, personalizing treatment even further.
People know lithium mostly for its role in batteries that keep phones and electric vehicles running. Lithium citrate tetrahydrate, though, stays mostly behind the scenes. It takes a quieter, but important, place in chemistry labs, the pharmaceutical world, and the broader manufacturing sector. Instead of shrinking this salt down to a single label, it’s worth unpacking its wider uses, shortcomings, and the care that surrounds handling it.
The best-known use for lithium salts sits in psychiatry. Doctors have prescribed forms of lithium, including lithium citrate, for decades to help with bipolar disorder. This compound helps stabilize mood swings and lower the risk of manic episodes. I remember a relative with bipolar disorder who found some relief after years of trial and error, and lithium offered a much-needed balance. The tetrahydrate form seals in extra water molecules, making it dissolve quicker in water—handy for making liquid medicines. Liquid lithium citrate plays a big role for people who have trouble swallowing pills or who need tightly adjusted doses. It’s important, though, to track blood lithium levels regularly since just a small change in blood level can impact the body.
Researchers use lithium citrate tetrahydrate for more than just medicine. Chemists find it useful for preparing reference solutions, especially for calibrating scientific instruments. Trace lithium shows up in water, food, and soil, so high-purity chemicals matter in environmental and food safety testing. Scientists need trustworthy materials to make sure results are accurate. Labs around the globe work with lithium citrate because it helps create and manage standards for lithium detection. Without good reference chemicals, test results could swing wildly, causing problems in public health and environmental monitoring.
Industrial companies draw on lithium citrate’s stable chemical nature. The compound often appears as a buffering agent or a base ingredient in making specialty glasses and ceramics. Some glassmakers look for lithium compounds when producing durable glass with a high melting point. Lithium citrate steps in where a mild lithium salt is needed and the tetrahydrate form’s high solubility gives it an edge when a process asks for solutions instead of powders. In electronics, lithium compounds support new designs for certain rechargeable batteries and specialty coatings.
No chemical comes free from responsibility. Lithium salts, including citrate forms, need proper handling. Spills can threaten water and soil, especially at industrial scale. Medical use brings its own caution—lithium can hurt the kidneys and thyroid if not monitored. Waste from manufacturing or expired medication needs safe disposal. Simple steps such as containment, spill plans, and strict storage rules go a long way in reducing risk. Regulators worldwide look at lithium with sharper eyes as demand grows, aiming to keep both workers and the broader environment safe.
With rising demand for both mental health treatments and new technologies, lithium citrate tetrahydrate stands as a tool with both promise and risk. Making this chemical widely available while keeping safety front and center marks a balance that’s worth holding onto. Bringing together strict regulation, strong scientific evidence, and clear communication will help protect both people and the environment as lithium use continues to evolve.
Lithium citrate tetrahydrate has helped people manage the swings of mood disorders for decades. As a psychiatrist in a busy urban practice, I often see patients come through the door drained from relentless ups and downs. For some, this compound brings a reliable steadiness. It isn’t just an academic success story; it has shaped the real lives of people with bipolar disorder and other mood-related challenges.
People rarely ask about the "tetrahydrate" part, but they do care about feeling better without losing control over their own lives. This form of lithium is usually taken by mouth as a liquid. Dosage doesn’t spring from a standard chart. Every person leaves my office with a plan built from weight, kidney health, current medications, and—importantly—blood level targets.
Adults often start around 300 to 600 mg per day, split into two or three doses. Dosing must rise slowly, because jumping to high levels invites trouble—nausea, tremor, confusion, even kidney woes. The goal is to stay somewhere between 0.6 to 1.2 mEq/L in the blood, measured every week at first, until things settle. Kids and teens need even more caution, and seniors absorb medication differently, so they require lighter starting amounts.
Nobody can leave lithium dose on autopilot. Salt and water intake matter, because they shift lithium’s concentration in blood. Dehydration or starting certain diuretics can push levels into danger. I’ve seen a few cases in the hospital where forgetfulness or a summer heatwave tipped someone’s level into the red zone. People using lithium must check in with blood tests, sometimes more often if physical health changes or new medicines come into play.
The American Psychiatric Association and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration both recommend this cautious, personalized approach. Not everyone feels the same benefits, and side effects—including thirst, weight gain, acne, and sometimes more severe symptoms—crop up. For some, even a dose that looks safe on paper turns out rough in practice. The only way to manage this is through regular, honest communication between patients, loved ones, and clinicians.
Doctors recommend staying hydrated, spreading doses across the day, and avoiding abrupt shifts in diet or supplements. If a test flags kidney stress or thyroid problems, quick action helps. Sometimes options like dose tweaking, switching formulations, or introducing supportive meds improve things. Not every obstacle needs a dramatic intervention; sometimes, coaching people to track symptoms and keep notes on side effects uncovers patterns that blood tests miss.
No other treatment demands quite as much two-way trust. For some of my patients, lithium citrate tetrahydrate remains the difference between chaos and calm. Getting the dose and monitoring right allows people to reclaim their routines and plans, which is the heart of solid mental health care.
Lithium citrate tetrahydrate doesn’t usually show up in everyone’s medicine cabinets, but in the world of mental health, people living with bipolar disorder or certain depressive episodes have crossed paths with it. It can genuinely make a positive difference for some, yet it’s hard to ignore the long list of side effects and precautions that come along for the ride. I’ve seen friends and loved ones start lithium therapy after tears, doctor visits, and late-night searches for answers. A pharmacy bag with lithium deserves the same level of respect and caution as one with insulin or cancer medicine—if not more.
Probably the biggest flag: lithium isn’t just “another salt.” It affects your whole body, not just your mood. Common troubles like stomach upset, thirst, the feeling that you can’t quench it, weight gain, and hand tremors often become reality at some point. These sound minor in an abstract medical list, but they get in the way of daily life, especially for someone juggling work, kids, or a new diagnosis. Constipation, drowsiness, muscle weakness, and dizziness sometimes step in, too. Long-term use can land you with more serious worries: kidney function may slip, and thyroid levels might wobble; nobody wants to add new health problems while treating mental illness.
Not enough talk happens about how unforgiving lithium levels are. Even a small tweak—say, a change in water intake, sweating on a hot day, or popping painkillers like ibuprofen—can tip lithium into the danger zone. Toxicity looks ugly: confusion, loss of coordination, slurred speech, and, in severe cases, seizures. Hospitalization becomes a real threat. I’ve watched family members religiously schedule their blood tests, diary in hand, terrified of missing a dose or having their numbers climb off the chart.
Elderly folks and people with kidney or heart issues shoulder more risk. Their bodies process medication slower. Children need cautious dosing. Pregnancy adds complications: lithium can increase the chances of certain birth defects. The medicine slips through into breast milk, so new mothers wrestle with hard decisions. All these situations demand close medical attention, not do-it-yourself guesses or web forums.
Some drugs just don’t mix. I’ve watched patients juggle lithium with blood pressure pills, diuretics, and antidepressants—never a simple task. The body’s sodium balance easily tips, and one extra or missed tablet can spell disaster. Even seemingly harmless things can turn things upside-down: a bad stomach virus or dehydration from the flu.
There’s comfort knowing doctors take lithium monitoring seriously. Regular blood draws, thyroid tests, and kidney function checks aren’t options—they’re part of survival. Honest communication makes a difference, both with healthcare providers and with family or housemates who can spot a bad day or missed pills before disaster strikes. In my own circle, a fridge magnet with lithium blood test dates and a list of red flags has saved headaches, and maybe worse.
Pharmacists, too, play a part. More than once, proper counseling about new prescriptions or over-the-counter medicines prevented a dangerous slip. Being brave enough to ask even “silly” questions helps keep therapy on track.
Education and strong support networks set the stage for better outcomes. Clear handouts in simple language, helplines, and care plans written out can take some fear out of the process. Digital health tools help with reminders for blood tests and connecting with clinicians between appointments. Maybe the best step is lifting stigma, so people feel free to speak up about medication struggles before a crisis lands them in the ER.
Lithium citrate tetrahydrate deserves respect. It’s more than a prescription; it’s a commitment, and no one should have to carry that weight alone.
Working in a research lab, I learned early that keeping chemicals steady isn’t just good practice—it’s essential for the results you hope to get. Lithium Citrate Tetrahydrate, with its delicate balance of lithium, citrate, and water molecules, behaves differently from anhydrous lithium salts. This means the way you store it can seriously change the outcome of your experiment or production run. There’s no shame in keeping notes on storage mistakes because many have learned the hard way when humidity, high temperatures, or poor packaging turn a reliable chemical into unpredictable sludge.
Moisture likes to creep in where it shouldn’t. Lithium Citrate Tetrahydrate already carries water as part of its structure, but too much and things start to shift. If you leave the lid loose, or store it in a damp corner, you risk the salt clumping or dissolving, messing with the dose and purity. Laboratories run into this all the time. I remember a colleague opening a jar to find the whole thing fused into a useless mass because some moisture had seeped in. All you need is a basic desiccator or a tightly sealed container, stashed away from sinks, steam pipes, and rainy windows.
Room temperature sounds like an easy rule, but in many factories and research labs, “room temperature” means different things every season. Winter chills and summer heat waves change how chemicals behave. Lithium Citrate Tetrahydrate shouldn’t simmer or freeze. Exposing it to heat drives off the water in its crystal structure, leaving you with something different from what you paid for—this quietly ruins experiments and can shut down production lines. Twenty to twenty-five degrees Celsius works for most storerooms, but regular checks matter more than relying on a wall thermometer that’s older than most employees.
Direct sunlight doesn’t just warm things up; it can change chemicals at the molecular level. Keeping Lithium Citrate Tetrahydrate out of light helps keep it as it should be. Most reliable suppliers don’t waste time on clear jars for a reason. Brown or opaque containers block light, which means less degrading over time. I always put labels facing out so nobody has to hold jars up to the light in search of information.
Sometimes the best solution feels too simple to trust. A dry, cool, dark place, sturdy containers with tight lids, and a spot away from acids, bases, and volatile solvents goes a long way. Storing away from stronger-smelling chemicals like ammonia avoids cross-contamination. It helps to date each new container so staff know what’s fresh. If a spill happens, clean it up right away. From school labs to large pharmaceutical plants, these small details mean safer, more predictable work.
Practical chemistry isn’t just about theory. Guidelines from chemical suppliers, the US Pharmacopeia, and the European Medicines Agency all point to the same conclusion: moisture and heat will change the material, and it pays to keep them out. In every audit I’ve gone through, storage standards made the difference between passing and failing. If Lithium Citrate Tetrahydrate stays consistent from batch to batch, people down the line—from researchers to patients—get better results.
Lithium has been a backbone in psychiatric care for decades, especially for bipolar disorder. Over the years, new forms like lithium citrate tetrahydrate have shown up in medical discussions and pharmacy shelves. People often want to know if these newer forms broaden the treatment options or change safety profiles. I once watched a doctor’s waiting room fill up with parents worried about their teens and older folks worried about their decades-long prescriptions. Their concerns aren’t unfounded—age matters when it comes to medication.
Lithium acts on the brain. Side effects can creep in quietly, like hand tremors, increased thirst, or even kidney stress. Every year, my own clinic would spot at least one patient—usually older—who landed in trouble after a change in hydration or an interaction with blood pressure meds. Young and old bodies can react differently to drugs, and lithium salts are no exception.
Pediatric psychopharmacology isn’t about weighing out half a tablet and hoping for the best. Children and teens process drugs through smaller kidneys and faster metabolisms. The risk of unstable lithium levels is real. Medical groups typically reserve lithium citrate forms for kids who haven’t responded to safer, better-researched options. There’s solid evidence supporting lithium salts in pediatric bipolar, yet dosing must go hand in hand with regular blood tests and ongoing behavioral monitoring. It’s tempting to hope for a magic solution, but no shortcut replaces the work of tracking mood and physical health. Some kids might breeze through, but others show major side effects, which can surprise even the most vigilant parent or doctor.
Lithium citrate tetrahydrate in adults isn’t a free pass, either. Most adults tolerate lithium with close guidance from their healthcare team. In my experience, headaches start when folks stop drinking enough water or start new prescriptions that impact lithium clearance. Heart and kidney function change with age, so a sound plan involves regular blood checks and an open channel with your doctor. Long work hours or a new diet kick can cause swings in lithium levels, and I’ve spoken to plenty of people who learned that lesson the hard way.
Older adults deserve a cautious approach. As we age, kidneys slow down and chronic medical issues stack up. My own family’s experience highlights how a medication review—sometimes done by a pharmacist—can uncover problems before they lead to a hospital visit. Lithium can become toxic in older patients even on standard doses. Falls, dehydration, and infections hit harder and faster. Coordination between prescribing doctors, family, and pharmacists keeps people safe longer. Some seniors thrive on lithium, but only after regular monitoring and a willingness to adjust doses at the first sign of trouble.
Safe lithium use depends on honest conversations and regular surveillance. More research will help shine a light on safer dosage for all age groups, and push clinicians to Identify risks early. Advances in digital health let doctors and patients share concerns sooner. Families, too, learn to spot early warning signs and seek help before trouble starts. Proactive care, not a blanket solution, makes lithium suitable for some—never for all, and never without a solid plan to catch danger signals quickly.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | lithium 2-hydroxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate tetrahydrate |
| Other names |
Citrate de lithium tétrahydraté Lithiocitrat-Tetrahydrat Tetrahydrate de citrate de lithium Trilithium citrate tetrahydrate |
| Pronunciation | /ˈlɪθ.i.əm sɪˈtreɪt ˌtɛtrəˈhaɪdreɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | [919-16-4] |
| Beilstein Reference | 3917133 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:38734 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1201051 |
| ChemSpider | 24597711 |
| DrugBank | DB14528 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03b74c30-38fd-4584-a660-c37241bf4b49 |
| EC Number | 216-413-1 |
| Gmelin Reference | 156913 |
| KEGG | C14826 |
| MeSH | D008095 |
| PubChem CID | 166605770 |
| RTECS number | OJ6296000 |
| UNII | 1631K6401Q |
| UN number | UN3077 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID60889745 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | Li3C6H5O7·4H2O |
| Molar mass | 247.94 g/mol |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 1.42 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Soluble in water |
| log P | -2.6 |
| Vapor pressure | Negligible |
| Acidity (pKa) | 3.2 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 8.22 |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.396 |
| Viscosity | Viscous liquid |
| Dipole moment | 2.66 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 253.5 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -2232.1 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | N05AN01 |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Harmful if swallowed. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS08 |
| Pictograms | GHS07,GHS08 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H302: Harmful if swallowed. |
| Precautionary statements | Precautionary statements: "P264, P280, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313, P301+P312, P330, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 2-1-1 |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 Oral Rat 525 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral rat LD50: 525 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | RN2060000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 1 - 10 mg/kg |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | No IDLH established. |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Chromium(III) citrate Ferric citrate Potassium citrate Citric acid |
