Li_(2)CO_(3) decomposes readily whereas other carbonates are not. Why?

1.	Li_(2)CO_(3) decomposes readily whereas other carbonates are not. Why?
Answer» Solution :The carbonates `(M_(2)CO_(3))` of alkali METALS are remarkably more stable upto 1270K above which they FIRST melt and then decompose to FORM their oxides, whereas `Li_(2)CO_(3)` is less stable and decomposes readily `Li_(2)CO_(3) + /_\ to Li_(2)O + CO_(2)uarr` This is due to the large size difference between `Li^(+)` and `Co_(3)^(2-)` which makes the crystal LATTICE unstable

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