Aim: What are the different types of chemical reactions

Types of Chemical Reactions There are 4 main kinds of reactions that occur between elements and compounds. Each of these chemical reactions follow a specific format from reactants to products. If you recognize the format you will be able identify the type of reaction.

SYNTHESIS REACTIONS Also called combination reactions. General Equation Format A + B  AB ***These reactions will only have ONE product*** Example: 2H2 + O2  2H2O This reaction represents the “Synthesis of Water”

DECOMPOSITION REACTIONS Also called analysis reactions. General Equation Format AB  A + B ***You can recognize this because it only has ONE reactant*** Example: CH4  C + 2H2 This reaction is known as the “Decomposition of Methane”

SINGLE REPLACEMENT Often yield such gases as H2 when it involves an acid. AB + C  AC + B *** Notice these reactions have a compound and an element as a reactant and product*** Example: Mg + 2HCl  MgCl2 + H2

DOUBLE REPLACEMENT AB + CD  AD + CB Two elements in two different compounds switch or replace one another. Often occurs in aqueous solutions of ionic compounds. AB + CD  AD + CB *** These reactions will have two compounds on the reactant and product sides.*** Example: 3NaCl + AlPO4  Na3PO4 + AlCl3

Summary- There are 4 Basic Types of Reactions Synthesis Decomposition Single replacement Double replacement