Summary General Chemistry Notes on Chemical Properties of Lithium, Lithium’s Reactivity and Occurrence
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General chemistry
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Introduction to Lithium’s Medical Use The pharmacological history of lithium illustrates the scientific and medical
communities’ efforts to utilize the properties of this element for human health benefits.
Interest in Uric Acid By the mid-1800s, there was significant interest among medical professionals in theories
linking uric acid to various diseases. This led to a focus on treatments that could address uric acid levels in the body.
Discovery and Popularity of Lithium Carbonate The discovery that lithium carbonate solutions could dissolve uric
acid resulted in its therapeutic use. Consequently, preparations containing lithium carbonate gained popularity as
potential remedies for ailments associated with high uric acid levels.
Commercial Exploitation The reputation of lithium as a cure-all extended beyond medicine; nonmedical companies
began incorporating it into soft drinks, aiming to capitalize on its perceived health benefits.
Decline in Popularity As interest in uric acid theories waned, lithium’s prominence in medical discussions
diminished.
Re-emergence in the 1940s In the 1940s, a resurgence occurred when doctors recommended salt-restricted diets for
patients with cardiac issues. During this time, lithium chloride was marketed as a substitute for sodium chloride
(table salt), marking a new chapter in its application.
Toxicity and Withdrawal from Market
Lithium is known to be toxic at relatively low concentrations. In the late 1940s, medical literature documented
several severe poisoning incidents and multiple fatalities linked to minor lithium overdoses. As a result, U.S.
companies voluntarily withdrew all lithium salts from the market.
Introduction of Lithium for Mania Treatment
During this period, Australian psychiatrist John Cade proposed using lithium salts as a treatment for mania. His
clinical trials demonstrated significant success, marking the first effective medical treatment for a mental illness.
Consequently, lithium carbonate became widely prescribed in Europe for managing manic behavior.
FDA Approval in the United States
It wasn’t until 1970 that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved lithium carbonate for treating
manic illnesses, solidifying its role in psychiatric medicine.
Chemical Properties of Lithium
Lithium (Li) is an alkali metal and, under standard conditions, is recognized as the least dense solid element with a
specific gravity of approximately 0.53.
1. Lithium’s Reactivity and Occurrence Lithium is an extremely reactive element, which means it does not exist in its
elemental form in nature. Instead, it is found only in various salt compounds. This high reactivity is due to its
position in the alkali metals group of the periodic table, where elements tend to lose their outermost electron easily.
2. Medical Significance of Lithium Medical scientists pay attention to lithium because of its therapeutic properties,
particularly in treating mood disorders such as bipolar disorder. The element has been shown to stabilize mood
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