A homologous series of lithium alkyl mono- and dicarbonate salts was synthesized as model reference compounds for the frequently proposed components constituting the electrolyte/electrode interface in Li-ion batteries. The physicochernical characterization of these reference compounds in the bulk state using thermal analyses and X-ray photoelectron, nuclear magnetic resonance, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies establishes a reliable database of comparison for the studies on the surface chemistry of electrodes harvested from Li-ion cells.