With a valence charge of +1, lithium is one of the most chemically active elements known. It reacts so readily with oxygen that it must be stored under gasoline, kerosene, or in an inert gas environment. How is it that this soft, silvery-white metal from group IA on the periodic table, discovered in 1817 by J. A. Arfvedson, has been able to benefit our society? Through its many compounds, lithium has had a profound influence in technological developments, and advancements in the medical field.
Lithium has incredible advantages in the treatment of ailments from headaches to alcoholism. Incidents of self-mutilation and other aggressive behaviour in mentally handicapped people, as well as the number of cases requiring disciplinary action in prisons were greatly reduced after lithium carbonate treatment was initiated. Lithium is used in patients undergoing treatment for leukaemia to prevent severe side effects of chemotherapy. When lithium carbonate was used in the treatment of anorexia nervosa, after 1-4 years, weight gains of 30% and improved moods were noted. Manic depression, a condition in which the patient alternates moods between periods of extreme happiness and extreme depression, has also been treated with lithium carbonate. In the treatment of acute depression, lithium provides an alternative treatment for patients who cannot take other medications. Currently, there is interest in using lithium in AIDS therapy.
Lithium works in the body by affecting neurotransmitters, which are the chemical messengers of nerve impulses. Lithium salts have been shown to stimulate immunity and interrupt the cycle of viral replication, leading to the possible treatment of herpes simplex, AIDS and other viral diseases. It is an effective treatment which benefits patients of all ages.
The technological uses of lithium include its use as an anode in high-voltage batteries because of its low weight, and because its sole valence electron is removed from the atom easily. Lithium cells are available for low (e.g. silver chloride cell), normal (e.g. lithium-sulphur dioxide system), and high (e.g. lithium chloride secondary cell) temperature uses.
The development of high-energy or high-power-density lithium batteries has received much attention. Space and defence programs, as well as electric-vehicle propulsion are potential areas of application. Lithium batteries can replace alkaline batteries in electronic watches, calculators and cameras. The highly reliable lithium copper sulfide cell, which operates at about 1.5 volts, is available in many sizes, and lasts more than five years, and has proven ideal for cardiac pacemakers.
Lithium ion batteries are being developed for use in everything from missile launchers and satellites to cellular phones, laptop computers, portable radios and electric vehicles. Much stronger than conventional batteries, they are also much safer. They contain no toxic materials, no free liquids (their electrolyte is a solid polymer), no gas pressure, and emit no heat. They do not explode or leak when exposed to short circuits, nail punctures, water immersion, over-charge or high pressures.
Lithium is often used as a radiation shield around nuclear reactors because it can absorb neutrons. Plastics, synthetic rubber, and high-temperature lubricants also use lithium in their preparation.
Lithium - highly reactive - highly versatile. This element can be used to power satellites in space and save lives when used in cardiac pacemakers, to treat psychiatric disorders and viral diseases. The Chemistry Hall of Fame should be proud to induct lithium for its widespread use in science and technology.
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