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TYPES OF CHEMICAL REACTIONS

There are literally thousands of different chemical reactions. It would be impossible to memorize them
all. However, most chemical reactions fit into four major categories. Understanding these categories of
reactions can help you predict how compounds will react and what products will form.

1. Synthesis

A synthesis is a type of chemical reaction in which two or more different substances (elements or
compounds) combine and form one compound. Synthesis means “putting together”. You can recognize a
synthesis reaction because two or more reactants form only one product. The general format of a
synthesis reaction is shown below.

A + B à AB
For example, hydrogen (H2) reacts with oxygen (O2) to form water (H2O):

2. Decomposition

In a decomposition reaction, one compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances. Notice
that decomposition is the reverse of synthesis. You can recognize a decomposition reaction because one
reactant forms two or more products. The general format of a synthesis reaction is shown below.

AB à A + B
For example, water (H2O) decomposes into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) when exposed to electricity:
3. Displacement (or Replacement)

In a displacement reaction (also called “replacement”) an atom or group of atoms replaces part of a
compound. There are two types of displacement reactions.

In a single-displacement reaction, one element replaces another element in a compound. In this type
of reaction, an element and a compound react and form a different element and a different compound.
Many times, a visible precipitate is formed.

In a double-displacement reaction, the positive ions in two compounds switch places, forming two
new compounds. In this type of reaction, two compounds react and form two new compounds. Many
times, a visible precipitate is formed. The general format of a displacement reaction is shown below.

(SINGLE) A + BC à AC + B
(DOUBLE) AB + CD à AC + BD
For example, the reaction between iron (Fe) and copper sulfate (CuSO4) is an example of a single
displacement reaction:

4. Combustion

Combustion is a chemical reaction in which a substance combines with oxygen and releases energy.
This energy usually is released as thermal energy and light energy. For example, burning is a common
combustion reaction. The general format of a combustion reaction is shown below.

A + O2 à AO

For example, the burning of fossil fuels, like methane (CH4) produces thermal and light energy as well as
carbon dioxide (CO2) and water vapor (H2O):
 REVIEW: TYPES OF CHEMICAL REACTIONS
1. Read the definitions below. Then write the key term for each one in the left column.

a. _________________________ A reaction in which one element replaces another in a compound.

b. _________________________ A reaction in which two or more substances combine to form a new

compound.

c. _________________________ A reaction in which a substance reacts with oxygen to produce

thermal and light energy

d. _________________________ A reaction in which the positive ion on one compound replaces the
positive ion of another compound.

e. _________________________ A reaction in which one substance breaks down into two more
substances.

2. Examine the diagram and identify what type of chemical reaction each set of symbols represent.

a. _________________________ +

b. _________________________ + +

c. _________________________ +
d. _________________________
+ +

3. Classify each chemical reaction by writing the reaction type in the blank to the left. Then, balance
the reaction using the MeNOH method.

a. _________________________ ___ Al + ___ O2 à ___ Al2O3

b. _________________________ ___ HgO à ___ Hg + ___ O2

c. _________________________ ___ NaOH + ___ H2SO4 à ___ Na2SO4 + ___ H2O

d. _________________________ ___ Fe + ___ O2 à ___ Fe2O3

e. _________________________ ___ Pb(NO3)2 + ___ K2(CrO4) à ___ PbCrO4 + ___ KNO3

f. _________________________ ___ H2 + ___ N2 à ___ NH3

g. _________________________ ___ Fe + ___ CuCl2 à ___ FeCl2 + ___ Cu

h. _________________________ ___ KClO3 à ___ KCl + ___ O2

i. _________________________ ___ Mg + ___ HCl à ___ H2 + ___ MgCl2

j. *_________________________ ___ C3H5(NO3)3 à ___ CO2 + ___ N2 + ___ H2O + ___ O2