The 5 Types of

Chemical Reactions
1. Synthesis Reactions
Also known as Combination reaction

It is a chemical change in which two or more

substances react to forma new singular
substance.

The product is a compound in this form of

reaction.

You can tell this reaction has occurred because

on the reactant side there are multiple
substances, while on the product side there is
only one product.
Synthesis Reaction
A+ B AB
2. Decomposition Reactions
When a single compound (the reactant) breaks
down into two or more simpler products.

This type of reaction can be identified by:

It is the exact opposite of a synthesis

reaction; if you know one you know them
both.

There is always one reactant. If you see one

reactant thats a compound and several
products, a decomposition reaction has
occurred.
Decomposition Reaction
AB A+B
3. Single Replacement Reactions
A chemical change where one element replaces
a second element in compound

This reaction is identifiable by its symmetry.

On the reactant side there is a single element
and a compound, as there is on the product
side

No reaction will occur if the most reactive

element is already in the compound
Single Replacement Reaction
A + BC AC + B
4. Double Replacement Reactions

A chemical change where there is an exchange

of positive ions between two compounds

May also be called double-displacement

reactions

Generally occurs in aqueous solution

Often produces a precipitate,a gas, or a

molecular compound, water for example.
Double Replacement Reactions

AB + CD AD + BC
5. Combustion Reactions

A chemical change where an element or a compound

reacts with oxygen.

This will often yield energy in the form of heat and

light.

Oxygen is ALWAYS going to be on the reactant side

of the equation. This is the main indicator that a
combustion reaction has occurred.
 Combustion Reaction

CH4 + O2 CO2 + H2O + energy

Methan Oxygen Carbon Water
e Dioxide

Balanced combustion reaction

CH4 + 2O2 CO2 + 2H2O + energy

 Practice Problems

What type of reaction is this?

AgNO3(aq) + KCl(aq) AgCl(s) + KNO3(aq)

 Practice Problems

What type of reaction is this?

AgNO3(aq) + KCl(aq) AgCl(s) + KNO3(aq)

This is a Double-Replacement reaction. You can tell

this because there are two compounds on each side
of the equation and each compound swapped the
latter of the 2 elements.
 Practice Problems

What type of reaction is this?

Br2(l) + 2NaI(s) 2NaBr(s) + I2(s)

This is a Single-Replacement reaction. You can tell

this because there is a single element on the reactant
side Br2(l). Br2(l) becomes part of the compound on
the product side 2Nabr(s).
 Practice Problems
Fill in the blank:
CH4 + ___ CO2 + H2O
 Practice Problems
Fill in the blank:
CH4 + ___ CO2 + H2O

The answer is O2 because this is a Combustion reaction.

You can identify this as a combustion reaction because:

Oxygen is on the product side, which means it is

most likely on the reactant side as well.

Carbon dioxide was formed, a common product in

combustion reactions.
 Practice Problems

What type of reaction is this?

Br2(aq) + NaCl(aq)
 Practice Problems

What type of reaction is this?

Br2(aq) + NaCl(aq)

This is a trick question! There will be no reaction

because Bromine is less reactive than Chlorine.
Remember, if the most reactive element is already in
the compound, there will be NO chemical reaction.
 Quiz Yourself
Answer the following question with
either: Always, Frequently, or Never

1. In a combustion reaction, oxygen is ________ on

the reactant side.

1. In a synthesis reaction, there are ________ two or

more products.

1. A decomposition reaction ________ requires energy

in the form of heat, light, or electricity.
 Quiz Yourself
Answer the following question with
either: Always, Frequently, or Never

1. In a combustion reaction, oxygen is ALWAYS on

the reactant side.

1. In a synthesis reaction, there are NEVER two or

more products.

1. A decomposition reaction FREQUENTLY requires

energy in the form of heat, light, or electricity.