Thermal Decomposition of Sodium Nitrate

2NaNO₃ → 2NaNO₂ + O₂

Descripción general

Sodium nitrate decomposes when heated above 380 C to form sodium nitrite and oxygen. This reaction illustrates the general behavior of nitrate salts, which release oxygen upon heating. Sodium nitrate (Chile saltpeter) was historically an important natural source of nitrogen for fertilizers and explosives.

Participantes

Rol	Sustancia	Coeficiente	Estado
Reactivo	Sodium Nitrate NaNO₃	2	(s)
Producto	Oxygen O	1	(g)
Producto	Sodium Nitrite NaNO₂	2	(s)

Ejemplo cotidiano

Sodium nitrate is used as a food preservative (curing salt) in processed meats like bacon and hot dogs.

Importancia industrial

Relevante en fluidos de transferencia de calor en plantas solares de concentración y en conservantes alimentarios.

Propiedades

Tipo: Decomposition
Reversible: No
Energía: Endotérmico
ΔH: 83,0 kJ/mol

Reacciones relacionadas

Decomposition of Ammonium Nitrate Decomposition of Calcium Hypochlorite Decomposition of Carbonic Acid Decomposition of Iron(II,III) Oxide (Direct Reduction) Decomposition of Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Decomposition of Barium Peroxide Decomposition of Sodium Bicarbonate Decomposition of Water (Electrolysis) Thermal Decomposition of Copper(II) Carbonate Cracking of Octane (Thermal Cracking)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Thermal Decomposition of Sodium Nitrate?

The balanced equation is: 2NaNO₃ → 2NaNO₂ + O₂.

What type of reaction is Thermal Decomposition of Sodium Nitrate?

Thermal Decomposition of Sodium Nitrate is a decomposition reaction.

Is Thermal Decomposition of Sodium Nitrate exothermic or endothermic?

Thermal Decomposition of Sodium Nitrate is endothermic (absorbs energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is 83.0 kJ/mol.