Lithium nitrate
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| Lithium nitrate | |
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| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | LiNO3 |
| Molar mass | 68.946 g/mol |
| Appearance | White to light yellow solid |
| Melting point |
255 °C, 528 K, 491 °F |
| Boiling point |
873 °C (decomposes) |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Causes irritation |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox disclaimer and references |
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Lithium nitrate is an oxidizing agent used in the manufacture of red-colored fireworks and flares. It is deliquescent. The lithium cation being so small, makes it very polarizing, which explains why it is the least thermally stable group I nitrate.
Thermal decomposition occurs to give lithium oxide (Li2O), Nitric Oxide gas (NO2) and oxygen (O2):
- 4 LiNO3(s) → 2 Li2O(s) + 4 NO2(g) + O2(g)
This decomposition differs from the other group I nitrates, which decompose to form a nitrite and oxygen.
When held up to a flame, lithium nitrate makes the flame turn bright red. This compound is neutral.
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