DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) study has been made on the reactions of metallic Li or LiC6 with organic solvents for lithium ion battery. Ethylene carbonate (EC) more easily reacts with metallic Li and LiC6 than propylene carbonate (PC). This may be because formation of lithium alkyl carbonate is more difficult for PC than EC. On the other hand, diethyl carbonate (DEC), ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) react with Li in the same manner. Reactions of Li and LiC6 with organic solvents have been discussed based on the results of quantum calculation. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.