Lithium carbonate () decomposes at a much lower temperature compared to sodium carbonate (). What is — s Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Lithium is exceptionally small and has a very high polarizing power. It heavily polarizes the large $CO_3^{2-}$ anion, weakening the $C-O$ bond within the carbonate ion. This distortion facilitates its easy decomposition into a highly stable $Li_2O$ lattice and $CO_2$ gas upon mild heating.