Grease – Lithium Hydroxide (Lithium 12-hydroxystearate)

Lithium 12-hydroxystearate (Cl8H35Li03) is a chemical compound classified as lithium soap. In chemistry “soap” refers to salts of fatty acids. Lithium 12-hydroxystearate is a white solid. Lithium soaps are a key component of many lubricating greases. Lithium 12-hydroxystearate exhibits high oxidation stability and a dropping point up to around 200 °C. Most greases used today in motor vehicles, aircraft, and heavy machinery contain lithium stearates, mainly lithium 12-hydroxystearate. Greases can be made with the addition of several different metallic soaps. Some greases are prepared from sodium, barium, lithium, and calcium soaps. Lithium soap greases are preferred for their water resistance and their oxidative and mechanical stability. Depending on the grease, they also have good performance at high or low temperatures.