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Question

Which of the following metal carbonates decompose on heating?

A
Li2CO3
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B
Na2CO3
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C
K2CO3
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D
MgCO3
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Solution

The correct options are
B Li2CO3
D MgCO3
Lithium carbonate and magnesium carbonate are thermally unstable. They decompose on heating. Properties of Li are similar to Mg because of diagonal relationship.
Li2CO3Li2O+CO2
MgCO3MgO+CO2
Li2CO3 and MgCO3 are salts of weak acid (CO2) with weak bases LiOH and Mg(OH)2. On the other hand, NaOH and KOH are much stronger bases and can hold the CO2 easily. Thus, sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate are thermally stable. They do not decompose on heating.

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