It is a white hygroscopic crystalline material. It is soluble in water, and slightly soluble in ethanol.

Lithium hydroxide is used in for purification of gases and air. It is used as a heat transfer medium, as a storage- , and as a for . It is also used in , manufacturing other lithium compounds, and specially for (which is used as a general purpose lubricating due to its high resistance to water and is useful at both high and low temperatures). Lithium hydroxide ( enriched in ) is used to alkalize the reactor coolant in for corrosion control.