Which of the following reaction is correct?

Options

A. `2LiNO_(3) overset Delta to 2NaNO_(2)+O_(2)`
B. `4LiNO_(3)overset Delta to2Li_(2)O+2N_(2)O_(4)+O_(2)`
C. `2LiNO_(3) to 2Li+2NO_(2)+O_(2)`
D. `4LiNO_(3) overset Delta to 2Li_(2)O+4NO_(2)+O_(2)`

Answer

To determine which of the given reactions is correct regarding the thermal decomposition of lithium nitrate, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the decomposition of alkali metal nitrates
Alkali metal nitrates generally decompose upon heating. For most alkali metals, the decomposition products are typically metal oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and oxygen gas. However, lithium is an exception due to its small ionic size.

**Hint:** Recall the general behavior of alkali metal nitrates upon thermal decomposition.

### Step 2: Identify the decomposition products of lithium nitrate
When lithium nitrate (LiNO3) decomposes, it does not follow the same pattern as other alkali metal nitrates. Instead, it decomposes to form lithium oxide (Li2O), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and oxygen gas (O2).

**Hint:** Consider the unique properties of lithium compared to other alkali metals.

### Step 3: Analyze the provided reactions
Now, we will analyze each of the four reactions given in the question:

1. **First Reaction:** Produces NO2 - This is incorrect as it does not include Li2O or O2.
2. **Second Reaction:** Produces Li2O and N2O4 - This is incorrect because N2O4 is not a product of lithium nitrate decomposition.
3. **Third Reaction:** Produces LiNO2 and O2 - This is incorrect as it does not represent the correct decomposition products.
4. **Fourth Reaction:** Produces Li2O, NO2, and O2 - This is correct as it matches the expected products of lithium nitrate decomposition.

**Hint:** Carefully compare each reaction with the known products of lithium nitrate decomposition.

### Step 4: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the fourth reaction is the correct one. Therefore, the correct reaction for the decomposition of lithium nitrate is:

**LiNO3 → Li2O + 2NO2 + 1/2 O2**

### Final Answer
The correct reaction is the fourth option: **Li2O, NO2, and O2.**

---