The general types of chemical reactions

Several general types of chemical reactions can occur based on what happens when going from reactants

to products. The more common types of chemical reactions are as follows:

Combination chemical reactions

Combination reactions, two or more reactants form one product. The reaction of sodium and chlorine to

form sodium chloride,

and the burning of coal (carbon) to give carbon dioxide,

are examples of combination reactions.

Decomposition chemical reactions

Decomposition reactions are really the opposite of combination reactions. In decomposition reactions, a

single compound breaks down into two or more simpler substances (elements and/or compounds).

The decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen gases,

and the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to form oxygen gas and water,

are examples of decomposition reactions.

Single displacement chemical reactions

In single displacement reactions, a more active element displaces (kicks out) another less active element

from a compound. For example, if you put a piece of zinc metal into a copper(II) sulfate solution, the zinc

displaces the copper, as shown in this equation:

The notation (aq) indicates that the compound is dissolved in water in an aqueous solution. Because

zinc replaces copper in this case, its said to be more active. If you place a piece of copper in a zinc

sulfate solution, nothing will happen.

Double displacement chemical reactions (metathesis reactions)

In double displacement reactions, or metathesis reactions, two species (normally ions) are displaced.

Most of the time, reactions of this type occur in a solution, and either an insoluble solid (precipitation

reactions) or water (neutralization reactions) will be formed.

- Pecipitation reaction

If you mix a solution of potassium chloride and a solution of silver nitrate, a white insoluble solid is

formed in the resulting solution. The formation of an insoluble solid in a solution is called precipitation.

Here is the molecular equation for this double-displacement reaction:

The white insoluble solid thats formed is silver chloride.

- Neutralization reaction The other type of double-displacement reaction is the reaction between

an acid and a base. This double-displacement reaction, called a neutralization reaction, forms

water. Take a look at the mixing solutions of sulfuric acid (auto battery acid) and sodium

hydroxide (lye).
Here is the molecular equation for this reaction:

Combustion chemical reactions

Combustion reactions occur when a compound, usually one containing carbon, combines with the oxygen

gas in the air. This process is commonly called burning. Heat is the most-useful product of most

combustion reactions.

Heres the equation that represents the burning of propane:

Propane belongs to a class of compounds called hydrocarbons, compounds composed only of carbon and

hydrogen. The product of this reaction is heat.

Combustion reactions are also a type of redox reaction.

Redox reactions (reduction-oxidation reactions)

Redox reactions, are reactions in which electrons are exchanged: