Thermal Decomposition of Sodium Nitrate

2NaNO3 → 2NaNO2 + O2

Aperçu

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.

Participants

Rôle Substance Coefficient État
Réactif Sodium Nitrate NaNO₃ 2 (s)
Produit Oxygen O 1 (g)
Produit Sodium Nitrite NaNO₂ 2 (s)

Exemple du quotidien

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

Importance industrielle

Sodium nitrate is used in fertilizers, food preservation, heat transfer fluids in solar power plants, and as an oxidizer in fireworks.

Propriétés

Type
Decomposition
Réversible
Non
Énergie
Endothermique
ΔH
83,0 kJ/mol

Réactions associées

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.