The S Block Elements

To determine which nitrate will decompose to give nitrogen dioxide ( ) upon heating, let's first understand the thermal decomposition behavior of alkali metal nitrates.

Theoretical Explanation:

Nitrates of alkali metals (Group 1) typically decompose on heating to form different compounds. Here's what generally happens:

• For most alkali nitrates like sodium nitrate ( ), potassium nitrate ( ), and rubidium nitrate ( ), decomposition results in the formation of the metal nitrite and oxygen gas. The equation for sodium nitrate is as follows:
• However, lithium nitrate ( ) behaves differently due to the small size and high charge density of the lithium ion. On heating, it decomposes to produce lithium oxide ( ), nitrogen dioxide ( ), and oxygen gas. The decomposition of lithium nitrate is given by:
• This is because lithium exhibits properties somewhat similar to the alkaline earth metals, influencing its decomposition behavior.

Conclusion:

Given the options:

• : Does not produce upon decomposition.
• : Does not produce upon decomposition.
• : Does not produce upon decomposition.
• : Decomposes to produce .

The correct answer is LiNO₃ because it is the only nitrate among those listed that decomposes with the liberation of nitrogen dioxide.