Types of Reactions
There are so many different reactions that happen inside and outside the human body that chemists have tried to organize them into 5 major groups
Synthesis Reactions Two or more substances combine to form a more complex substance (synthesis) 2 or more reactants Only one product
Synthesis reactions A + B AB
Synthesis Reactions A and B may be elements or compounds AB is always a compound N 2 + 3H 2 2NH 3 Produces ammonia to be used in many things, like fertilizer, nylon and plastic.
Examples 2Mg + O 2 → 2MgO S + O 2 → SO 2 2Na + Cl 2 → 2NaCl
Decomposition Reactions A complex substance breaks down into simple substances (opposite of synthesis) 2 or more products Only 1 reactant.
Decomposition reactions AB A + B
Decomposition Reactions AB is always a compound A & B may be elements or compounds 2HgO Hg + O 2 Bleaching hair, antiseptic, rocket fuel
Examples 2HgO → 2Hg + O 2 CaCO 3 → CaO + CO 2
Single Replacement Reactions An uncombined element replaces another element that is in a compound. 1 of the reactants must be an uncombined element and the other an ionic compound. 1 of the products must be an uncombined element and the other an ionic compound.
Single Replacement Reactions A + BC AC + B
Single Replacement Reactions Zn + H 2 SO 4 ZnSO 4 + H 2
Double Replacement Reactions Two compounds exchange positive ions. All reactants and products are ionic. Will only occur if at least 1 compound is removed from solution. by precipitation One product is water One product is a gas that bubbles away
Double Replacement Reactions AB + CD AD + CB
Double Replacement Reactions 2NaOH + H 2 SO 4 Na 2 SO 4 + 2HOH
Combustion Reactions A substance burns in the presence of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. C 3 H O 2 3 CO 2 + 4H 2 O Propane burns (with the help of oxygen) to produce carbon dioxide and water
Combustion Reaction Be careful not to confuse combustion reactions with single replacement reactions.
Let’s practice!!!!! 3Mg + 2FeCl 3 2Fe + 3MgCl 2 2Fe + 3F 2 2FeF 3 SO 3 + H 2 O H 2 SO 4 2HI H 2 + I 2 Li 2 CrO 4 + BaCl 2 2LiCl + BaCrO 4 CH 4 + 2O 2 CO 2 + 2H 2 O 2Al 2 O 3 4Al + 3O 2