Decomposition of LiNO3 I have a doubt about decomposition of alkali metals.
Why does $\ce{LiNO3}$ decompose to give $\ce{Li2O}$ and $\ce{NO2}$ where as other alkali metals decompose to give corresponding nitrite and oxygen?
Have you checked Wikipedia?


  Upon thermal decomposition, $\ce{LiNO3}$ gives lithium oxide ($\ce{Li2O}$),
  nitrogen dioxide, and oxygen:
  
  $$\ce{4 LiNO3 → 2 Li2O + 4 NO2 + O2}$$
  
  Other group I nitrates decompose differently, forming the nitrite salt and oxygen. Because of its relatively small size, the lithium
  cation is very polarizing, which favors the formation of the oxide.