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SYNTHESIS
SYNTHESIS
SYNTHESIS
A synthesis reaction is one of the four main types of chemical reactions, along with
decomposition, single replacement, and double replacement reactions. Here is the synthesis reaction
definition, examples of the reaction using elements and compounds, a look at how many reactants are
involved, and how to recognize a synthesis reaction.
A synthesis reaction is a chemical reaction that combines two or more simple elements or compounds to
form a more complex product.
A + B → AB
This type of reaction is also called a direct combination reaction or simply a combination reaction. It’s
the type of reaction that forms compounds from their elements. Synthesis reactions also make large
molecules from smaller ones. A synthesis reaction is the opposite of a decomposition reaction, which
breaks complex molecules into simpler ones.
Usually, there are two reactants in a synthesis reaction. They could be two elements, an element and a
compound, or two compounds. However, sometimes more reactants combine to form a product. Here
are examples of synthesis reactions involving three reactants:
Sodium carbonate reacts with water and carbon dioxide to form sodium bicarbonate.
Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2 → 2NaHCO3
But, even in this case, two simpler molecules react to form a more complex one. So, this is the key in
synthesis reaction identification.
Some synthesis reactions form predictable products. If you recognize them, it’s easy to recognize the
reaction type:
Reacting two elements forms a binary compound. For example, hydrogen and oxygen react to
form water.
When two nonmetals react, more than one product is possible. For example, sulfur and oxygen
react to form sulfur dioxide or sulfur trioxide.
Alkali metals react with nonmetals to form ionic compounds. For example, sodium and chlorine
form sodium chloride.
Transition metals react with nonmetals to form more than one possible product. To predict the
product, you need to know the oxidation state (charge) or the metallic cation.
Nonmetal oxides react with water to form acids. For example sulfur dioxide reacts with water to
make sulfurous acid.