There are six main types of reactions Synthesis Decomposition Combustion Single Replacement (Single Displacement) Double Replacement (Double Replacement) Neutralization
Synthesis A combination of two or more substances to form a larger substance. A + B AB Examples: Hydrogen + Oxygen Water Sodium + Chlorine Sodium Chloride
Decomposition The breaking apart of one substance into two or more parts. AB A + B Examples: Water Hydrogen + Oxygen Calcium carbonate calcium oxide + carbon dioxide
Combustion A special form of decomposition which involves a reaction between a hydrocarbon (has C and H) and oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water vapor. Example: Methane + oxygen carbon dioxide + water
Single Replacement or Single Displacement An element in a compound is replaced by a free element. A + BC AC + B Examples: Potassium + water potassium hydroxide + hydrogen Lead (II) sulfide + iron iron (II) sulfide + lead
Double Replacement or Double Displacement Two elements switch places with each other. AB + CD AD + CB Examples: Zinc chloride + sodium bromide zinc bromide + sodium chloride copper (II) sulfate + silver nitrate silver sulfate + copper (II) nitrate
Neutralization A special form of double replacement in which an acid and a base form salt and water. Examples: Hydrochloric acid + sodium hydroxide sodium chloride + water phosphoric acid + calcium hydroxide calcium phosphate + water