The thermal decomposition of alkali metal nitrates generally yields the corresponding metal nitrite — s Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Due to its high polarizing power (similar to Magnesium), Lithium behaves anomalously. While $NaNO_3$ and $KNO_3$ decompose to nitrites, $LiNO_3$ decomposes completely to form lithium oxide ($Li_2O$), nitrogen dioxide (brown gas, $NO_2$), and oxygen gas ($O_2$).