Lithium nitrate

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Formula = LiNO₃
MolarMass = 68.946 g/mol
Appearance = White to light yellow solid
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MeltingPtC = 255
BoilingPt = 873 °C (decomposes)
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Lithium nitrate is an inorganic compound with the formula LiNO3. This deliquescent colourless salt is an oxidizing agent used in the manufacture of red-colored fireworks and flares.

Upon thermal decomposition, LiNO₃ gives lithium oxide (Li₂O), nitrogen dioxide, and oxygen::4 LiNO₃ → 2 Li₂O + 4 NO₂ + O₂Other group I nitrates decompose differently, forming the nitrite salt and oxygen. Because of its relatively small size, the lithium cation is very polarizing, which favors the formation of the oxide.

When placed in a flame, lithium salts (not just the nitrate) give off a bright red glow.

Reaction with Heat

$\{4LiNO\}\_\{3(s)\}\{\; ightarrow\}\_\{(heat)\}\; \{2Li\}\_\{2\}\{O\}\_\{2\}\; +\{4NO\}\_\{2(g)\}+\; \{O\}\_\{2(g)\}$

References

External links

* [http://ull.chemistry.uakron.edu/erd/chemicals1/7/6673.html Hazardous Chemical Database]