Lithium nitrite, LiNO₂

The monohydrate, LiNO₂,H₂O, is obtained by the interaction of lithium chloride and silver nitrite, and also by that of lithium sulphate and barium nitrite. It forms colourless, deliquescent needles, very soluble in water. At 0° C. its density is 1.615, and between 21° C. and 31° C. 1.671. Its molecular volume is 63.44. Under the influence of sunlight it decomposes, with formation of the red nitride. Oswald also prepared a colourless, deliquescent semi-hydrate, and proved that the colourless anhydrous salt becomes hydrated through the action of the moisture of the atmosphere.