Li_2CO_3 decomposes readily whereas other carbonates are not. Why?

1.	Li_2CO_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 1270 K 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 + Delta to Li_2 O + CO_2 uarr` This is DUE to the large size differnece between `Li^+` and `CO_3^(2-)` which makes the crystal lattice unstable.

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