Class 11 Chemistry - Chapter The s Block Elements NCERT Solutions | Why is Li2CO3 decomposed at a lower temp

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11th Chemistry - Chapter The s Block Elements. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 1, Question 14: why is li2co3 decomposed at a lower temperature wh....
Question 14

Why is Li2CO3 decomposed at a lower temperature whereas Na2CO3 at higher temperature?

Answer

As we move down the alkali metal group, the electropositive character increases. This causes an increase in the stability of alkali carbonates. However, lithium carbonate is not so stable to heat. This is because lithium carbonate is covalent. Lithium ion, being very small in size, polarizes large carbonate ion, leading to the formation of more stable lithium oxide.

Li2CO  LiO2 +  CO2

Therefore, lithium carbonate decomposes at a low temperature while a stable sodium carbonate decomposes at a high temperature.

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