Thermal Stability of Nitrates

Thermal Stability of Nitrates

When heated all group 1 and group 2 nitrates decompose to nitrites or oxides and give off nitrogen dioxide (brown fumes) or oxygen.group 1 (except lithium): metal nitrate → metal nitrite + oxygengroup 2 and lithium: metal nitrate → metal oxide + nitrogen dioxide + oxygen

Decomposition of Nitrates

Group 2 nitrates decompose more easily than group 1 nitrates because the metal ion has a 2+ charge. Lithium nitrate behaves like a group 2 nitrate because Li⁺ is very small.When the cation is smaller and has a higher charge density it polarises the nitrate ion more, weakening its bonds, so the nitrate decomposes more easily.