The lithium content and other properties of F2-G5 giants in the Hertzsprung Gap

As stars of 2-5 solar mass evolve across the Hertzsprung Gap they should first deplete their surface lithium by convective dilution and then, when convection penetrates deeper, begin to bring CN processed material to their surfaces. To investigate this process we have observed 52 giants, 25 of which have known C/N ratios, for their Li abundances. After eliminating four stars that may actually be dwarfs and including the two components of Capella analyzed by Pilachowski and Sowell we have compared our (Li/Fe) ratios with models of Swenson. For stars showing v sin i greater than 50 km/s we find (Li/Fe) to be uneffected by mixing for B - V less than 0.7 as predicted. For stars cooler than B - V = 0.7 both v sin i and (Li/Fe) drop to smaller values. For the sharp lined stars (v sin i less than 50 km/s) we find a drop in Li between B - V = 0.45 and 0.60 which cannot be understood in terms of dilution by convection. Various possible causes of such an early depletion or dilution of surface Li are discussed including diffusion at the base of the convection zone, mass loss possibly enhanced by pulsation, and magnetic activity as in the magnetic A and B type stars. The models of Richer & Michaud (1993) with diffusion point toward a satisfactory solution. A few giants with low v sin i values stand out with much higher than expected (Li/Fe) values despite their cool effective temperatures. We do not understand why those stars have not depleted their lithium as have most giants of similar color. The correlation of (N/C) with (Li/Fe) follows expectations in so far as almost all stars with enhanced (N/C) have depleted their Li as well.