Which of the carbonates given below is unstable in air and is kept in COatmosphere to avoid decomposition.

(i) BeCO3

(ii) MgCO3

(iii) CaCO3

(iv) BaCO3

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1 Answers

(i) Due to least electropositive character or least basicity of Be, BeCO3 is less stable and hence decomposes to give BeO and CO2.
BeCO3 → BeO + CO2
Since the decomposition reaction is reversible, therefore, to increase the stability of BeCO3or to reverse the above equilibrium, BeCO3 is kept in an atmosphere of CO2.  

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