Thermal Decomposition of Sodium Nitrate
2NaNO3 → 2NaNO2 + O2
Overview
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
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reactant | Sodium Nitrate NaNO₃ | 2 | (s) |
| Product | Oxygen O | 1 | (g) |
| Product | Sodium Nitrite NaNO₂ | 2 | (s) |
Everyday Example
Sodium nitrate is used as a food preservative (curing salt) in processed meats like bacon and hot dogs.
Industrial Importance
Sodium nitrate is used in fertilizers, food preservation, heat transfer fluids in solar power plants, and as an oxidizer in fireworks.
Properties
- Type
- Decomposition
- Reversible
- No
- Energy
- Endothermic
- ΔH
- 83.0 kJ/mol
Related Reactions
Cracking of Octane (Thermal Cracking)
Decomposition of Ammonium Nitrate
Decomposition of Barium Peroxide
Decomposition of Calcium Carbonate (Calcination)
Decomposition of Calcium Hypochlorite
Decomposition of Carbonic Acid
Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide
Decomposition of Iron(II,III) Oxide (Direct Reduction)
Decomposition of Nitroglycerin
Decomposition of Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
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.