Lithium Acetate Anhydrous: A Marvel in Chemistry

Introduction

Lithium acetate anhydrous (chemical formula: C₂H₃LiO₂) is a remarkable compound that combines lithium and acetic acid. It is often abbreviated as LiOAc. Let’s explore its properties, uses, and applications.

Lithium acetate anhydrous properties

Appearance: Crystalline
Molar Mass: 65.98 g/mol
Density: 1.26g/cm³
Melting Point: 286°C (547°F; 559 K)
Solubility in Water:45.0 g/100 mL 1

Uses and Applications

Gel Electrophoresis Buffer:

Lithium acetate serves as a buffer in gel electrophoresis of DNA and RNA. It has lower electrical conductivity, allowing higher speeds during gel runs (5-30V/cm compared to 5-10V/cm). Downstream applications, such as DNA isolation and Southern blot analysis, work well with lithium acetate gels. For smaller DNA fragments (less than 500 bp), borate-based buffers are preferred due to higher resolution 2.

DNA Transformation in Yeast:

Lithium acetate is used to permeabilize the yeast cell wall for DNA transformation. Its beneficial effect is attributed to its chaotropic properties, denaturing DNA, RNA, and proteins 2.

Organolithium Compounds:

Anhydrous lithium acetate is a crucial raw material for synthesizing other organolithium compounds. These compounds find applications in medicine, pesticides, and polymerization reactions 3.

Fun Fact

Did you know that the height of Mount Everest (29,031 feet) is approximately equivalent to stacking 46,449 bananas on top of each other? 🍌🏔️ In summary, lithium acetate anhydrous plays a pivotal role in scientific research, making it a captivating subject for exploration. Whether in the lab or atop the highest peaks, its impact is undeniable. Remember, science is like a grand adventure—full of surprises and discoveries waiting to unfold! 🧪✨

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lithium Acetate Anhydrous serves as a crucial compound in various applications, including chemical synthesis and laboratory procedures. Its hygroscopic nature and ability to form complexes make it valuable in molecular biology, particularly in DNA and RNA precipitation. As a versatile chemical, its significance extends to industries and research, contributing to advancements in diverse fields.