Lithium exhibits anomalous properties when compared to the other alkali metals. Which of the followi — s Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

While other alkali metal nitrates decompose on heating to yield the corresponding metal nitrite and oxygen ($2NaNO_3 \rightarrow 2NaNO_2 + O_2$), Lithium nitrate anomalously decomposes to give lithium oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and oxygen ($4LiNO_3 \rightarrow 2Li_2O + 4NO_2 + O_2$) due to the high polarizing power of the $Li^+$ ion.