NEETChemistrys Block Elements
Why is lithium carbonate (Li 2 CO 3 ) less stable to heat compared to other alkali metal carbonates?
Options
- ALithium carbonate is inherently less stable due to its composition.
- BLithium carbonate is more stable to heat than other alkali metal carbonates.
- CLithium carbonate decomposes into Li 2 O and CO 2 when heated due to its small size polarizing CO 3 2- ions.
- DLithium carbonate does not undergo any thermal decomposition.
Correct answer
C. Lithium carbonate decomposes into Li 2 O and CO 2 when heated due to its small size polarizing CO 3 2- ions.
Step-by-step solution
Lithium carbonate (Li 2 CO 3 ) is less stable to heat because lithium ions, being very small in size, polarize the carbonate ion (CO 3 2-), leading to the formation of more stable lithium oxide (Li 2 O) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) when heated.