Which of the folowing compounds liberates oxygen on heating?

Options

A. `Li_(2)CO_(3)`
B. `LiOH`
C. `LiNO_(3)`
D. `NaOH`

Answer

To determine which of the given compounds liberates oxygen upon heating, we will analyze each compound one by one:

1. **Lithium Carbonate (Li2CO3)**:
- When lithium carbonate is heated, it decomposes according to the reaction:
\[ \text{Li}_2\text{CO}_3 \rightarrow \text{Li}_2\text{O} + \text{CO}_2 \]
- In this reaction, lithium oxide (Li2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are produced. No oxygen gas (O2) is liberated.
- **Conclusion**: Lithium carbonate does not liberate oxygen on heating.

2. **Lithium Hydroxide (LiOH)**:
- Upon heating, lithium hydroxide decomposes as follows:
\[ \text{LiOH} \rightarrow \text{Li}_2\text{O} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \]
- This reaction produces lithium oxide (Li2O) and water (H2O), but again, no oxygen gas (O2) is released.
- **Conclusion**: Lithium hydroxide does not liberate oxygen on heating.

3. **Lithium Nitrate (LiNO3)**:
- When lithium nitrate is heated, it decomposes according to the reaction:
\[ 2 \text{LiNO}_3 \rightarrow \text{Li}_2\text{O} + 2 \text{NO}_2 + \text{O}_2 \]
- Here, lithium oxide (Li2O), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and oxygen gas (O2) are produced. This is the only compound among the four that releases oxygen gas upon heating.
- **Conclusion**: Lithium nitrate liberates oxygen on heating.

4. **Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)**:
- Sodium hydroxide does not decompose to liberate oxygen gas upon heating. It primarily remains stable and does not produce oxygen.
- **Conclusion**: Sodium hydroxide does not liberate oxygen on heating.

### Final Answer:
The compound that liberates oxygen on heating is **Lithium Nitrate (LiNO3)**.