Ch.

8
Types of reactions
I. synthesis (combination) rxn
A + B AB
Key one product
Put one of each element together, check
charges
Ca + O
2

II. Decomposition
AB A + B
Key one reactant
When you write an element by itself-------------
is it diatomic?
Break the cpd down into the elements which
make it up
Mg
3
N
2


III. Single replacement (displacement) rxn
A + BC AC+ B when A is a metal
Check activity series, an element will kick out
any element in the cpd which is below it in the
activity series
Key element + cpd
AC check charges B- diatomic?
Mg + AgCl
Cu + H
2
SO
4


- A + BC BA + C if A is a halogen
Same rules apply, the periodic table is the
activity series for the halogens
Cl
2
+ KBr

IV. Double replacement(displacement) rxn
AB + CD AD + CB
Exchange of positive ions
Key cpd + cpd
Check charges
Usually occurs in aqueous solution
AD or CB will usually be a precipitate
MgCl
2
+ Ba(NO
3
)
2


V. combustion rxn
Hydrocarbon + O
2
CO
2
+ H
2
O
element + O
2
treat as a synthesis rxn
Always assume complete combustion
Incomplete combustion may also form
CH
4
+ O
2