Lithium Citrate Tetrahydrate stands out as a chemical compound with the molecular formula C6H5Li3O7·4H2O. It consists of lithium ions, citric acid, and water molecules. You’ll often see it described as a crystalline solid, showing up as colorless, white, or sometimes faintly yellow flakes or powder. In my experience as a writer covering the chemical sector, Lithium Citrate Tetrahydrate tends to appear as a stable, non-volatile substance, making it suitable for both laboratory and commercial applications. With an HS Code usually listed under 2918.15, shipments and warehousing get streamlined in compliance with international trade and regulation standards.
Each molecule of Lithium Citrate Tetrahydrate carries three lithium atoms, one citrate anion, and four water molecules. In the structure, lithium bonds to the oxygen atoms of the citrate group, and water molecules form through hydration. The addition of water turns the molecular mass to around 254.07 g/mol, and influences properties like solubility and handling. In crystal form, it looks clear to slightly opaque, which reflects how moisture content shifts depending on ambient conditions. This structure makes the material distinct from anhydrous lithium citrate, since the water of hydration impacts reactivity and storage demands.
Physical characteristics set the expectations for safe use and storage. I’ve seen Lithium Citrate Tetrahydrate handled as both a powder and as larger crystalline chunks, with a density close to 1.68 g/cm3. As a solid, it maintains integrity at room temperature but starts losing water and breaking down as temperatures rise past 100°C. It dissolves easily in water, giving clear, colorless solutions, and slightly less so in ethanol. In practice, you won’t find it used as a liquid unless pre-diluted. True to form, it absorbs moisture if left exposed to air, which can change texture and weight over time. This means packing in airtight containers becomes necessary for reliable shelf life.
Lithium Citrate Tetrahydrate gets offered in several formats—flaked, crystalline, powdered, or, less often, as fine pearls. Most raw materials suppliers label the product as flakes or powder to meet demands for consistent mixing. Purity ranges typically fall above 99.0% based on dry weight. The levels of certain impurities (such as sodium, potassium, and heavy metals) matter when it’s going into pharmaceuticals or specialty chemical formulations. Typical packaging includes lined fiber drums or polythene bags, with clear batch traceability from raw material source to finished product.
This material enters the market as a key ingredient in pharmaceuticals—especially in mood stabilizers—because of lithium’s role in human biology. It sees further use as a reagent in chemical synthesis, particularly in lithium-ion battery research, and sometimes in lab-grade reagents. The tetrahydrate form influences dissolution rates in solution, which can affect mixing and reaction times. It doesn’t evaporate or emit fumes, which keeps the working environment safer for researchers and operators.
Lithium Citrate Tetrahydrate is not classed as a flammable or highly reactive compound, yet it still deserves proper attention due to its lithium content. Inhalation of fine dust or accidental ingestion poses health risks, including potential lithium toxicity. Safety data indicates handling should include gloves, dust masks, and eyewear in settings with powder or dust exposure. Storage away from heat and moisture avoids breakdown and maintains quality. Despite its non-hazardous designation for transport, accidental release into the environment could alter water chemistry, so spill response procedures ought to be in place. Workers must avoid washing large quantities down the drain and use proper chemical waste disposal channels to minimize risk. My research and experience show that safety training always helps decrease accident rates and protect both workers and the public.
Traceability for Lithium Citrate Tetrahydrate matters—a batch’s origin, manufacturing record, and purity level ensures quality in finished goods. Regulatory bodies and customers expect suppliers to show complete transparency. This chemical starts its journey in mineral extraction, progressing through purification before conversion into the finished tetrahydrate. Documentation at each stage keeps defects, contamination, and irregularities in check. As some manufacturers move toward sustainable and responsible sourcing, traceability builds confidence that the raw material comes from ethical sources and meets both regulatory and market demands.
Markets sometimes experience shortages due to sudden spikes in demand or disruptions at the raw material source. Industries relying on lithium compounds—particularly pharmaceuticals and battery manufacturers—feel these shocks keenly. One solution includes building contracts with diverse suppliers and holding reasonable inventory levels to buffer against delays. Quality management teams put systems in place to check purity and physical properties regularly, reducing the chances that a compromised batch makes it into production. Sustainable procurement from mines that follow environmental and labor standards can also shield companies from compliance risks as global scrutiny increases. Based on trends I’ve covered over recent years, robust partnerships with suppliers, transparent sourcing, and ongoing product monitoring support steady availability and better results for finished goods.
