Lithium amide

This chemical does not meet GHS hazard criteria for 2.8% (5 of 181) of reports.

H251 (59.1%): Self-heating; may catch fire [Danger Self-heating substances and mixtures]

H261 (83.4%): In contact with water releases flammable gas [Danger Substances and mixtures which in contact with water, emit flammable gases]

H314 (97.2%): Causes severe skin burns and eye damage [Danger Skin corrosion/irritation]

H318 (58.6%): Causes serious eye damage [Danger Serious eye damage/eye irritation]

H412 (59.1%): Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard]

P231+P232, P235, P260, P264, P264+P265, P273, P280, P301+P330+P331, P302+P361+P354, P304+P340, P305+P354+P338, P316, P317, P321, P363, P370+P378, P402+P404, P405, P407, P410, P413, P420, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 181 reports by companies from 8 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Reported as not meeting GHS hazard criteria per 5 of 181 reports by companies.

There are 7 notifications provided by 176 of 181 reports by companies with hazard statement code(s).

Information may vary between notifications depending on impurities, additives, and other factors. The percentage value in parenthesis indicates the notified classification ratio from companies that provide hazard codes. Only hazard codes with percentage values above 10% are shown. For more detailed information, please visit ECHA C&L website.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 139 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable and Toxic Gases)]:

Refer to the "General First Aid" section. Specific First Aid: In case of contact with substance, wipe from skin immediately; flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. (ERG, 2024)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 139 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable and Toxic Gases)]:

DO NOT USE WATER OR FOAM. (FOAM MAY BE USED FOR CHLOROSILANES, SEE BELOW).

SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical, soda ash, lime or sand.

LARGE FIRE: DRY sand, dry chemical, soda ash or lime or withdraw from area and let fire burn. FOR CHLOROSILANES, DO NOT USE WATER; use alcohol-resistant foam; DO NOT USE dry chemicals, soda ash or lime on chlorosilane fires (large or small) as they may release large quantities of hydrogen gas that may explode. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.

FIRE INVOLVING TANKS, RAIL TANK CARS OR HIGHWAY TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Do not get water inside containers. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. (ERG, 2024)

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not use water. Use graphite, soda ash or powdered sodium chloride, or suitable dry powder. If fire is massive, back off, protect surroundings, and let burn. Keep run-off water out of sewers and water sources.

Lithium amide reacts readily with water and develops a dangerous amt of heat.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 139 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable and Toxic Gases)]:

IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids.

SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary.

FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)

Environmental considerations - land spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Cover solids with a plastic sheet to prevent dissolving in rain or fire fighting water.

Environmental considerations - water spill: Use natural barriers or oil spill control booms to limit spill travel Neutralize with dilute acid.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

If material not on fire and not involved in fire: Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Do not use water. Cover all suspected material with dry sand or earth to prevent ignition until material can be permanently disposed of.

Personnel protection Keep upwind. Avoid breathing dusts, and fumes from burning material.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 139 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable and Toxic Gases)]:

ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. DO NOT GET WATER on spilled substance or inside containers. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. FOR CHLOROSILANES, use alcohol-resistant foam to reduce vapors.

SMALL SPILL: Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Dike for later disposal; do not apply water unless directed to do so.

POWDER SPILL: Cover powder spill with plastic sheet or tarp to minimize spreading and keep powder dry. DO NOT CLEAN-UP OR DISPOSE OF, EXCEPT UNDER SUPERVISION OF A SPECIALIST. (ERG, 2024)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 139 [Substances - Water-Reactive (Emitting Flammable and Toxic Gases)]:

Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer when there is NO RISK OF FIRE. Structural firefighters' protective clothing provides thermal protection but only limited chemical protection. (ERG, 2024)

Personnel protection: ... Wear appropriate chemical protective gloves, boots and goggles. ... Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus.

Lithium amide is a white crystalline powder with an odor of ammonia. Denser than water.

White to colorless crystals with an ammonia-like odor; [HSDB]

Tetragonal crystals

White crystalline powder

Ammonia-like odor

Starts to decompose at 320 °C and melts at 375 °C

Slightly soluble in ethanol

SLIGHTLY SOL IN LIQ AMMONIA, ALCOHOL

Insoluble in anhydrous ether, benzene, toluene

1.18 g/cu cm

Stable in air-tight containers at room temperature.

When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of Lithium Oxide, Ammonia, Nitrogen Oxide.

Sublimes in ammonia current; heat of formation: 42 kcal/mol at 18 °C and 760 mm Hg; decomposed by water to form lithium hydroxide and ammonia, slowly when in lumps, faster as particle size decreases; stable in air-tight containers at room temperature

When heated in vacuo to 450 °C, ammonia is given off and Li2NH forms which decomposes at about 750-800 °C

Reacts with water

Stable in dry air, but sensitive to moisture

For more Other Experimental Properties (Complete) data for LITHIUM AMIDE (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Other Classes -> Bases

Flammable agents - 3rd degree

Reactive agents - 2nd degree

Flammable. Reacts with water or moist air to generate a dangerous amount of heat [Chem Reviews 12:61. 1933].

Lithium amide reacts vigorously with water to generate gaseous NH3. Based on a scenario where the chemical is spilled into an excess of water (at least 5 fold excess of water), half of the maximum theoretical yield of ammonia gas will be created in 0.23 minutes. Experimental details are in the following: "Development of the Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Distances for the 2008 Emergency Response Guidebook", ANL/DIS-09-2, D.F. Brown, H.M. Hartmann, W.A. Freeman, and W.D. Haney, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, Illinois, June 2009.

Bases, Strong

Highly Flammable

Water-Reactive

Peroxidizable Compound

Powdered LITHIUM AMIDE is highly reactive. A strong base. Reacts to release toxic ammonia gas with water. Forms explosive peroxide on storage.

Reacts violently with water or steam to produce toxic and flammable vapors. Vigorous reaction with oxidizing materials. Exothermic reaction with acid or acid fumes.

It reacts readily with water with a potentially dangerous exotherm.

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Lithium amide is a white crystalline powder which is slightly soluble in ethanol, liquid ammonia and insoluble in anhydrous ether, benzene , xylene and toluene. It is used in Claisen condensations; alkylation of nitriles and ketones; synthesis of ethynyl compounds, and acetylenic carbinols. It is used in organic synthesis, including antihistamines and other pharmaceuticals. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Lithium amide is a powerful irritant to skin, eyes, and mucous membrane. ANIMAL STUDIES: The most prominent symptoms of acute lithium poisoning in animals when given lithium either by mouth or iv are anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and salivation with loss of weight, dehydration and fall of body temperature. Effects on CNS are manifested by muscular weakness, hyperirritability, stupor and convulsions; on the heart by EKG changes with auricular standstill or fibrillation; on the kidneys by oliguria, a rise in blood protein nitrogen and degenerative changes in tubular epithelium. Chronic renal failure was induced by administering lithium orally to 14 newborn rats. Seven rats were treated for 8 weeks followed by 8 weeks without lithium (group Li/C) and seven for 16 weeks (group Li/Li). Plasma urea and renal concentrating ability were measured, and one kidney fixed by vascular perfusion. Mean glomerular volume as well as volumes of individual glomeruli were estimated. In addition, the structural integrity between the glomerulus and the proximal tubule was investigated on serial sections. No sclerotic glomeruli were present. Only 37.6 and 27.9% of the glomeruli in the Li/C and Li/Li groups, respectively, were connected to a normal proximal tubule, and most remaining glomeruli were atubular. The mean glomerular volume was unchanged in the Li/C group and reduced by 40% in the Li/Li group. The intraindividual variation in glomerular volume was about 10-fold larger in the lithium-treated groups than in controls. The glomeruli connected to normal proximal tubules had the largest volumes, and hypertrophied glomeruli were encountered more frequently in the Li/C group than in the Li/Li group. There was a significant positive correlation between the plasma urea and the fraction of glomeruli that were not connected to normal proximal tubules. While there has been some indication of adverse effects on fetuses following lithium treatment, none was observed in rats, rabbits or primates. This dose to rats was sufficient to produce maternal toxicity and effects on the pups of treated, lactating dams.

Neurotoxin - Other CNS neurotoxin

Nephrotoxin - The chemical is potentially toxic to the kidneys in the occupational setting.

Dermatotoxin - Skin burns.

Toxic Pneumonitis - Inflammation of the lungs induced by inhalation of metal fumes or toxic gases and vapors.

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during treatment ... Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... /Lithium and related compounds/

Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag-valve-mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's (LR) if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors if patient is hypotensive with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... /Lithium and related compounds/

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ Acute intoxication can occur in the initial phase in a course of therapy, but also at any point of time during long-lasting treatment or after an acute overdose. At plasma levels between 1.5 and 2.5 mmol/L, signs of toxicity include anorexia, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremor of the hands, faintness of musculature, thirst, leucocytosis, and concentration and memory disturbances (especially with older people). These phenomena are often seen in the initial phase of a course of treatment and usually disappear when treatment continues, except with the tremor of the hands. In elderly people, reversible delirious conditions can occur with confusion, restlessness, and ataxia. At plasma levels above 2.5 mmol/L, serious toxic symptoms occur; fasciculations, muscle contractions, hyperreflexia and hypertonia, drowsiness, confusion, sometimes epileptiform insults, hypotension, coma, collapse. Independent of the plasma level, changes can occur in the ECG and in the EEC, with symptoms such as polyuria and polydipsia, seldom nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, ulcers of the leg, enhancement of acne and psoriasis, transient hyperglycemia, pruritus, and a metal taste. In about 5% of the cases, a (usually reversible) hypothyroidia develops. /Li+/

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ A ... selective action of Li+ is to inhibit inositol monophosphatase and thus interfere with the phosphatidylinositol pathway ... This effect can lead to decr in cerebral inositol concn, which can be detected with magnetic resonance spectroscopy in human brain tissue. However, the physiological consequences of this effect remain uncertain, including interference with neurotransmission mechanisms that are mediated by the phosphatidylinositol pathway ... /Li+/

/SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS/ The prolonged use of Li+ causes a benign and reversible depression of the T wave of the ECG, an effect not related to depletion of Na+ or K+. /Li+/

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ THE MOST PROMINENT SYMPTOMS OF ACUTE LITHIUM POISONING IN ANIMALS, WHEN GIVEN LITHIUM EITHER BY MOUTH OR IV.../ARE/ ANOREXIA, NAUSEA, VOMITING, DIARRHEA & SALIVATION WITH LOSS OF WT, DEHYDRATION & FALL OF BODY TEMP. EFFECTS ON CNS ARE MANIFESTED BY MUSCULAR WEAKNESS, HYPERIRRITABILITY, STUPOR & CONVULSIONS; ON THE HEART BY EKG CHANGES...WITH AURICULAR STANDSTILL OR FIBRILLATION; ON THE KIDNEYS BY OLIGURIA, A RISE IN THE BLOOD PROTEIN NITROGEN AND DEGENERATIVE CHANGES IN THE TUBULAR EPITHELIUM. /LITHIUM NOS/

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ CHRONIC EFFECTS FOLLOWED THE ADMIN TO ADULT RATS OF DRINKING WATER CONTAINING LITHIUM IN JUST SUB-TOXIC DOSES; AFTER 3-5 DAYS THE RATS SHOWED DROWSINESS, TREMOR, APATHY, DEHYDRATION & EMACIATION; DEATH OCCURRED WITHIN 2-3 WK.. /LITHIUM NOS/

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ ... the usefulness of urine N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) for the early diagnosis of lithium-induced renal insufficiency /was examined in a rat model/. Lithium was administered by repeated intraperitoneal injection (1, 2 and 4 mEq/kg/day for 10 days). ... Lithium pretreatment elevated the plasma creatinine level and decreased paraaminohippuric acid (PAH) clearance in a dose-dependent manner. The NAG level in the lithium 4 mEq/kg group was very high. The levels in the lithium 1 mEq/kg and 2 mEq/kg groups were almost the same and were higher than the control group. A histological examination of the kidney revealed glomerular congestion and/or atrophy and tubular expansion in all of the groups except the control group. These histological changes were dose-dependent. ...

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Subchronic or Prechronic Exposure/ Chronic renal failure was induced by administering lithium orally to 14 newborn rats. Seven rats were treated for 8 weeks followed by 8 weeks without lithium (group Li/C) and seven for 16 weeks (group Li/Li). Plasma urea and renal concentrating ability were measured, and one kidney fixed by vascular perfusion. Mean glomerular volume as well as volumes of individual glomeruli were estimated. In addition, the structural integrity between the glomerulus and the proximal tubule was investigated on serial sections. No sclerotic glomeruli were present. Only 37.6 and 27.9% of the glomeruli in the Li/C and Li/Li groups, respectively, were connected to a normal proximal tubule, and most remaining glomeruli were atubular. The mean glomerular volume was unchanged in the Li/C group and reduced by 40% in the Li/Li group. The intraindividual variation in glomerular volume was about 10-fold larger in the lithium-treated groups than in controls. The glomeruli connected to normal proximal tubules had the largest volumes, and hypertrophied glomeruli were encountered more frequently in the Li/C group than in the Li/Li group. There was a significant positive correlation between the plasma urea and the fraction of glomeruli that were not connected to normal proximal tubules.

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for LITHIUM AMIDE (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational exposure or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic, and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

If ... THERE IS NO FIRE, go directly to the Table of Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distances /(see table below)/ ... to obtain initial isolation and protective action distances. IF THERE IS A FIRE, or IF A FIRE IS INVOLVED, go directly to the appropriate guide /(see guide(s) below)/ and use the evacuation information shown under PUBLIC SAFETY. /Aluminum chloride, anhydrous/

Table: Table of Isolation and Protective Action Distances for Lithium amide (when spilled in water) [Table#1906]

Table of Water-Reactive Materials Which Produce Toxic Gases

Table: Materials Which Produce Large Amounts of Toxic-by-Inhalation (TIH) Gas(es) When Spilled in Water [Table#1907]

/GUIDE 139: SUBSTANCES - WATER-REACTIVE (EMITTING FLAMMABLE AND TOXIC GASES)/ Fire or Explosion: Produce flammable and toxic gases on contact with water. May ignite on contact with water or moist air. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Some are transported in highly flammable liquids. Containers may explode when heated. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard.

/GUIDE 139: SUBSTANCES - WATER-REACTIVE (EMITTING FLAMMABLE AND TOXIC GASES)/ Health: Highly toxic: contact with water produces toxic gas, may be fatal if inhaled. Inhalation or contact with vapors, substance, or decomposition products may cause severe injury or death. May produce corrosive solutions on contact with water. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution.

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for LITHIUM AMIDE (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

UN 1412; Lithium amide

IMO 4.3; Lithium amide

49 167 22; Lithium amide, powdered

Dangerous When Wet Poison