Question

Thermal decomposition of lithium nitrate gives:

• A. LiO$_2$, O$_2$, NO$_2$
• B. Li$_2$O, O$_2$, N$_2$O
• C. Li$_2$O, O$_2$, N$_2$
• D. Li$_2$O, O$_2$, NO$_2$

Hint:

Thermal decomposition of lithium nitrate produces \( NO_2 \), unlike heavier alkali metal nitrates which form nitrites.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Phase 1: Lithium Nitrate Thermal Decomposition
The decomposition reaction for lithium nitrate is represented as: \[4LiNO_3 \rightarrow 2Li_2O + 4NO_2 + O_2\]Phase 2: Product Identification
Lithium nitrate decomposes yielding lithium oxide (\( Li_2O \)), nitrogen dioxide (\( NO_2 \)), and oxygen (\( O_2 \)).
The observation of \( NO_2 \) and \( O_2 \) indicates a unique decomposition pathway relative to other nitrates.
Therefore, the correct designation is (D).