Basic Types of Reaction

Synthesis (also called Addition, Composition and Combination)

     Atoms and or molecules are combined to make ONE more complex molecule.

A  +  B --> AB

Fe  +  S -->  FeS

metal oxide + water --> metal hydroxide

nonmetal oxide + water --> oxyacid

Decomposition (also called Analysis)

     A complex molecule is broken into simpler molecules and or atoms

AB --> A + B

KClO3 --> KCl  +  O2

metal chlorate --> metal chloride + oxygen

metal carbonate --> metal oxide + carbon dioxide

Single Replacement

     A single element replaces one component of a compound.  A metal must always replace a metal and a nonmetal must replace a nonmetal.  A single replacement replacement is a type of redox reaction where electrons are transfered from one atom to another.

A  + BX --> AX + B

K + CsCl --> KCl + Cs

X + AY --> AX  + Y

Cl2  +  MgBr2 --> MgCl2  +  Br2

Double Replacement (also called Ionic and Precipitation Reactions)

     Ionic compounds switch "partners."  Remember that a neutral compound must have a cation combined with an anion.

AX  +  BY --> AY  +  BX

CuCl  +  NaS --> CuS  +  NaCl