Thermal Decomposition
The breakdown of a compound into simpler substances brought about solely by heating.
Formula / equation
AB →(Δ) A + B
Unit
°C
In depth
The temperature required reflects the lattice or bond energy that must be overcome, so it rises down a group as the cation becomes larger and less polarising. Thermal decomposition of carbonates, nitrates and hydroxides forms a systematic and highly testable pattern in inorganic chemistry.
Examples in the real world
CaCO₃ decomposes near 900 °C but Na₂CO₃ resists; 2Pb(NO₃)₂ → 2PbO + 4NO₂ + O₂ with brown fumes.