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	lithium

Crystal Structure

Here is some information about the solid state crystal structure of b-Li. Information about a second form, a-lithium is also available.

Solid state structure of lithium metal (a-form).

CrystalMaker file
Mac/PCMolecule file
Chem3D file
Chime users file

Comments

The body-centred cubic (bcc) structure is the most stable form for lithium metal at 298 K (25°C). This form is also know as b-Li. The closest Li-Li separation is 304 nm. A second form, called a-Li is most stable at low temperatures.

In the bcc lattice, every lithium atom is surrounded by eight other lithium atoms organised into a cubic array (see above Figure in which the atom coloured red is surrounded by eight lithium atoms coloured dark grey).

One way to visualize the bcc lattice is as two interlocked cubic infinite arrays of atoms. In the above Figure, the dark grey cube is part of one of these cubic arrays while the interlocked light gray cube is part of the second.

Transitions

The b form is stable at room temperature and converts to the a form at low temperatures.

Reference

M.R.Nadler and C.P.Kempfer, Anal. Chem., 1959, 12, 2109.

Links to further information

• a-lithium
• Further information on bcc lattices
• A lecture course (undergraduate level) on the solid state (outside WebElements)
• Further information on crystallography (outside WebElements)