Lithium nitrite (LiNO₂) is the lithium salt of nitrous acid, a colorless, hygroscopic solid soluble in water and alcohols, used as a corrosion inhibitor in mortar and in the production of explosives. Lithium nitrate (LiNO3) is a white, crystalline, hygroscopic powder, a lithium salt of nitric acid, and is used as an electrolyte additive in rechargeable lithium-sulfur batteries, acting as an oxidizing agent.