Types of Chemical Reactions

Chapter 14 Section 3
Objectives:

• Describe 4 types of chemical reactions

• Classify a chemical equation as one of 4 types of

chemical reactions
Chemical Reactions:

• Reactions can be classified based on what occurs

during the reaction
• 4 types:
▫ Synthesis
▫ Decomposition
▫ Single-displacement
▫ Double-displacement
 Synthesis Reactions:
• 2 or more substances combine to form one new
compound

• Example: 2Na + Cl2 2NaCl

http://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/Science/sciber00/8th/matter/images/SYNTHES.GIF
 Decomposition Reactions:
• A single compound breaks down to form 2 or
more simpler substances

• Example: H2CO3 H2O + CO2

http://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/Science/sciber00/8th/matter/images/decompos.gif
 Single-Displacement Reactions:
• When an element replaces another element that
is part of a compound
• Products are a new compound and a different
element
• Example: Zn + 2HCl ZnCl2 + H2

http://students.ed.uiuc.edu/ljgriffi/project/grifunit3/1REPLACE.GIF
Reactivity of Elements:
• In a single-displacement reaction, a more
reactive element can displace a less reactive
element in a compound

• Elements in Group 1 are the most reactive metals

• Very few nonmetals are involved in these types

of reactions (only Group 17)
 Double-Displacement Reactions:
• Ions from 2 compounds exchange places

• One of the products is often a gas or precipitate

• Example: NaCl + AgF NaF + AgCl

http://students.ed.uiuc.edu/ljgriffi/project/grifunit3/DBLREP.GIF
Quick Quiz:
• Two reactants exchange ions to form two new
compounds. What kind of reaction is this?

• One element takes the place of another element

in a compound. What kind of reaction is this?

• The following is the reaction for the explosion of

nitroglycerin:
4C3H5(NO3)3 12CO2 + 10H2O + 6N2 + O2
What kind of reaction is this?
Reference:
• Holt Science and Technology: Physical Science.
New York: Henry Holt & Co, 2007. Print.