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.