Question

"$L{i}_{2}C{O}_3$ and $N{a}_{2}C{O}_3$ are thermally stable."
Answer whether the above statement is true or false.
If true enter 1, else enter 0.

Answer 1

Alkali Carbonates are stable to heat except that $L{i}_{2}C{O}_3$ is unstable. Thermal stability increases moving down the group.

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 a large carbonate ion, leading to the formation of more stable lithium oxide.
Therefore, lithium carbonate decomposes at a low temperature while a stable sodium carbonate decomposes at a high temperature.

$L{i}_{2}C{O}_3$ on heating gives $L{i}_{2}O$ + $C{O}_2$.