4.

TOPIC: 4.7 TYPES OF CHEMICAL REACTIONS

ENDURING UNDERSTANDING:
TRA-2 A substance can change into another substance through different processes, and the change itself can
be classified by the sort of processes that produced it.
LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
TRA-2.A Identify a reaction as acid-base, oxidation-reduction, or precipitation.
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE:
TRA-2.A.1 Acid-base reactions involve transfer of one or more protons between chemical species.
TRA-2.A.2 Oxidation-reduction reactions involve transfer of one or more electrons between chemical species, as indicated
by changes in oxidation numbers of the involved species. Combustion is an important subclass of oxidation-
reduction reactions, in which a species reacts with oxygen gas. In the case of hydrocarbons, carbon dioxide and
water are products of complete combustion.
TRA-2.A.3 In a redox reaction, electrons are transferred from the species that is oxidized to the species that is reduced.
X THE MEANING OF THE TERMS “REDUCING AGENT” AND “OXIDIZING AGENT” WILL NOT BE ASSESSED ON
THE AP EXAM.
Rationale: Understanding this terminology is not necessary for reasoning about redox chemistry.
TRA-2.A.4 Oxidation numbers may be assigned to each of the atoms in the reactants and products; this is often an
effective way to identify the oxidized and reduced species in a redox reaction.
TRA-2.A.5 Precipitation reactions frequently involve mixing ions in aqueous solution to produce an insoluble or sparingly
soluble ionic compound. All sodium, potassium, ammonium, and nitrate salts are soluble in water.
X ROTE MEMORIZATION OF “SOLUBILITY RULES” OTHER THAN THOSE IMPLIED IN TRA-2.A.5 WILL NOT
BE ASSESSED ON THE AP EXAM.
EQUATION(S):
N/A

NOTES:
There are a few basic types of reactions that we see in chemistry.

Composition Decomposition Single Ionic Double IonicCombustion of a hydrocarbon

(synthesis) Replacement Replacement (or a metal)
A + B → AB AB → A + B A + BC → AC + B AB + CD →AD +
CxHy (with or without O) + O2 →
CB CO2 + H2O
M + O2 → MxOy
Na + Cl2 → NaCl KClO3 → KCl + O2 Mg + HCl → LiCl + AgNO3 → C3H8 + O2 → CO2 + H2O
MgCl2 + H2 LiNO3 + AgCl Mg + O2 → MgO
Double Ionic Replacement includes acid/base neutralization and precipitation reactions.

All of these can be considered RedOx (Oxidation-Reduction) reactions except for double ionic replacement
reactions.

Acid-base reactions involve transfer of one or more protons between chemical species.

According to the Brønsted-Lowry definition, acids are proton donors and bases are proton acceptors. Protons are
hydrogen ions. When a hydrogen ion reacts with a water molecule, hydronium ions form. The terms proton,
hydrogen ions and hydronium ions are often all used
interchangeably in acid-base chemistry.

https://dashboard.dublinschools.net/lessons/resources/screen_s
hot_2015-06-23_at_2.12.40_am_1435040021_md.jpg

1
 4.7

https://dashboard.dublinschools.net/lessons/res
ources/screen_shot_2015-06-
23_at_2.15.27_am_1435040174_lg.jpg

Conjugate Acid - A molecule that can be described as a

base that has gained one proton.
Conjugate Base - A molecule that can be described as an
acid that has lost one proton.
In this example water is acting as the acid and donating
the proton to the ammonia which is a common weak base.

In this example, water is acting as a base and is accepting

the proton.

https://chem.libretexts.org/Courses/can/health/10%3A_
Acids_and_Bases/10.3%3A_Br%C3%B8nsted-
Lowry_Definition_of_Acids_and_Bases

Substances that can act as an acid or a base are called amphoteric.

Acids and Bases are described as being strong or weak. Strong and weak describe the extent that a substance will
dissociate (ionize) in a solution, this is based on the nature of the substance. Strong means that the substance
will completely separate into its ions. Weak means that the substance will only partially separate into its ions.
This is different from the descriptors of concentrated and dilute that refer to the molarity.

pH+ pOH = 14
[H+][OH-] = 1x10-14
-log [H+] = pH (Or replace H+ with OH- and pH with pOH)
10-pH = [H+] (Or replace H+ with OH- and pH with pOH)

Oxidation-reduction reactions involve transfer of one or more electrons between chemical species, as
indicated by changes in oxidation numbers of the involved species. Combustion is an important subclass of
oxidation-reduction reactions, in which a species reacts with oxygen gas. In the case of hydrocarbons, carbon
dioxide and water are products of complete combustion.

In some chemical reactions there is a transfer of electrons between two of the substances. When this occurs, the
reaction is considered a “RedOx” reaction.

Oxidation refers to the LOSS of electrons, while reduction refers to the GAIN of the electrons.

Let’s look at the reaction below:

Cu(NO3)2(aq) + 2 Na (s) → Cu(s) +2 NaNO3 (aq)
It is a single ionic replacement reaction. To see that it is also a redox reaction we will write the net ionic equation
for the reaction.
Overall Ionic Reaction
Cu2+(aq) + 2NO3-(aq) + 2 Na(s) → Cu(s) +2 Na+(aq) + 2 NO3- (aq) Notice:
Net Ionic Reaction In the balanced equation both the #
Cu2+(aq) + 2 Na(s) → Cu(s) +2 Na+(aq) of each atom and the charge is the
same on both sides.

2
 4.7
Notice that the copper ions were changed into copper metal atoms, while the sodium metal was changed into the
sodium ions. The copper must have gained 2 electrons to form the copper metal atoms. This process was
REDUCTION because it gained electrons. Each of the sodium atoms lost one electron to form the sodium ions. This
part of the reaction is called OXIDATION because they lost electrons.

Oxidation numbers may be assigned to each of the atoms in the reactants and products; this is often an
effective way to identify the oxidized and reduced species in a redox reaction.

One way to determine the substance that is oxidized or reduced is to look at the oxidation number. Every particle
has an oxidation number associated with it. The oxidation number compares the number of protons with the
number of electrons assigned to that element. The oxidation number can be the charge on the atom, but
sometimes it is not. Oxidation numbers are a way to track the “ownership” of the electrons. An increase in
oxidation number indicates that oxidation has taken place, while a reduction in the oxidation number shows
reduction.

There are a few rules that you will need to learn in order to assign oxidation numbers.
Oxidation numbers are always written above the element in question.
They always show the charge, + or -, unless it is zero.
They are always written for ONE of the element in question.
The charge is always written first followed by the value.
Oxidation numbers can be fractions.
RULE EXAMPLES
1) Elements always have an oxidation number of zero. 0 0 0
Zn(s) O2 (g) C60(s)
2) Hydrogen in a compound is always +1. 0 +1 -2 +1 -1 -4 +1 +1 -
Exception: *Hydride ion which is -1 1
H2(s) H2 O(l) H Cl(aq) C H4(g) *Na
H
3) Oxygen in a compound is always -2. 0 +1 -2 +4 -2 +6 -2
Exception: **Peroxide ion which is -1. O2 (g) H2 O(l) C O2(g) S O42-(aq)
4) Oxidation numbers for monoatomic ions equal their charge. +1 -2 +3 +1
Group 1 ions are ***ALWAYS +1, Group 2 ions are ***ALWAYS +2, Na+(aq) O2-(aq) Fe3+(aq) Ag+(aq)
Fluorine is -1
5) The oxidation numbers of neutral compounds will always sum to 0. +1 -2
H2 O(l) 2 (+1) + 1 (-2) = 0
6) The oxidation numbers of polyatomic ions will always sum to the +6 -2
charge of the ion. S O42-(aq)
1 (+6)+ 4 (-2) =-2
***well, not always, but always in AP Chemistry.
Combustion reactions are examples of oxidation and reduction reactions. The products of hydrocarbon
combustion are always carbon dioxide and water.

-2 +1 0 +4 -2 +1 -2
C2 H4 + O2 → C O2 + H2O

Looking at the oxidation numbers we can see that oxygen was reduced (and gained electrons) while carbon was
oxidized (and lost electrons).

Precipitation reactions frequently involve mixing ions in aqueous solution to produce an insoluble or
sparingly soluble ionic compound. All sodium, potassium, ammonium, and nitrate salts are soluble in
water.

Precipitation reactions are a subclass of double ionic replacement reactions. They result in an insoluble product.
This often appears cloudy or milky and will settle to the bottom of a test tube. You should be able to predict the
products of a reaction by recombining positive ions with negative ions.

3
 4.7
You will need to memorize that sodium, potassium, nitrate and ammonium ions are always soluble, meaning that
they remain aqueous and are not part of the precipitate.

The general format of a precipitation reaction is:

AB (aq) + CD(aq) → AD (s) + CB (aq)

I DO:
Sodium metal, Na, reacts with a solution of sulfuric acid, H2SO4, to form hydrogen gas, H2, and a solution of sodium
sulfate, Na2SO4.
a) Write and balance the equation
2Na(s) + H2SO4(aq) → H2(g) + Na2SO4(aq)
b) Assign oxidation numbers
0 +1 +6 -2 0 +1 +6 -2
2Na(s) + H2SO4(aq) → H2(g) + Na2SO4(aq)
c) Use the oxidation numbers to determine which substance was oxidized and which was reduced.
2Na(s) was oxidized
H in H2SO4(aq) was reduced
WE DO:
Complete the reaction between nitrous acid, HNO2 and the hydrogen sulfide ion, HS-, then
identify the acid, base, conjugate acid and conjugate base.

YOU DO:
1) Caffeine, C8H10N4O2, acts as a base when it is dissolved in water. Write the equation for this reaction.
Then determine the acid, base, conjugate acid and conjugate base.
C8H10N4O2 + H2O --> C8H11N4O2 + HO
Acid: H2O
Base: C8H10N4O2
Conjugate Acid: C8H11N4O2
Conjugate base: HO

2) Write the reaction that takes place between ammonia, NH3, and acetic acid, HCH3COO. Then determine
the acid, base, conjugate acid and conjugate base.
NH3 + HCH3COO --> NH4 + HCH2COO
Acid: HCH3COO
Base: NH3
Conjugate acid: NH4
Conjugate base: HCH2COO
3) Assign oxidation numbers to the reaction below and determine which substance was oxidized and
which was reduced. +3 -2 +2 -2 0 +4 -2
Fe2O3 + 3 CO → 2 Fe + 3 CO2
Fe was reduced
C was oxidized

4
 4.7
4) Write the conjugate acids and bases for these amphoteric substances.
Conjugate Acid Original Substance Conjugate Base
H3O H2O HO
H2SO4 HSO4- SO4

H2CO3 HCO3- CO3

H2PO3 HPO32- PO3
5) Determine the type or types of reaction for each of the following:

Combustion of Hydrocarbon
Double Ionic Replacement
Single Ionic Replacement

Oxidation/Reduction
Combustion (other)
Decomposition

Precipitation
Composition

Acid/Base
Zn(s) + 2HCl(aq) → ZnCl2(aq) + H2(g)

Mg(s) + O2(g) → MgO(s)

H2O2(aq) → H2O(l) + O2(g)

Hg2(NO3)2(aq) + 2HCl(aq) → HNO3(aq) + Hg2Cl2(s)

HClO4(aq) + NH3(aq) → NH4+(aq) + ClO4-(aq)

C2H5OH(l) + O2(g) → H2O(g) + CO2(g)

6) Acetylene, C2H2, is a fuel used in welding torches. Write the reaction for the combustion of acetylene.
a) Write and balance the equation
C2H2 + 2.5O2 --> H2O + 2CO2
b) Assign oxidation numbers
C: -1 H: +1 O: 0 H: +1 O: -2 C: +4 O: -2

c) Use the oxidation numbers to determine which substance was oxidized and which was reduced.
C was oxidized. O was reduced

7) Equal volumes of equimolar solutions of ammonium iodide, NH4I, and lead (II) acetate, Pb(CH3COO)2,
were combined and a precipitate forms.
a. Write the balanced chemical equation for this reaction, include states of matter.
NH4I(aq) + Pb(CH3COO)2(aq) --> NH4CH3COO(aq) + PbI(s)
b. Draw a molecular model to represent the products in this reaction. Include a key.

Black: PbI
Blue: NH4CH3COO

5
 4.7
Simple Cations: Simple Anions (end in –ide) Organic Polyatomic Anions

Group 1 X1+ Group 17 X1- Acetate CH3COO1-

Group 2 X2+ Group 16 X2- Oxalate C2O42-

Group 13 X3+ Group 15 X3-

Group 14 X4+ Group 14 X4- Polyatomic Anions

Silver Ag1+ Carbonate CO32-

Zinc Zn2+ Hydrogen Carbonate HCO31-

Polyatomic Cations Perchlorate ClO41-

Ammonium NH41+
General Rules for building Chlorate ClO31-
ions Chlorite ClO21-
Hydronium H3O1+
• Per- is always one more O Hypochlorite ClO1-
Selected Transition Metals
than –ate. Same charge.
Chromium (II) Cr2+ • -ite is always one less O than – Chromate CrO42-

Chromium (III) Cr3+ ate. Same charge. Dichromate Cr2O72-

• Hypo- is always one less O Cyanate CNO1-
Copper (I) Cu1+
than –ite. Same charge.
Copper (II) Cu2+ • Adding H+ to an anion makes Thiocyanate CNS1-

Iron (II) Fe2+ the charge 1 more positive. It Hydroxide OH1-

is then called hydrogen ___ or
Iron (III) Fe3+ Peroxide O22-
bi___.
Manganese (II) Mn2+ • Replacing an O with a S in an Iodate IO31-

Manganese (IV) Mn4+ anion keeps the charge the Nitrate NO31-
same, but it is called thio___.
Mercury (I) Hg22+ Nitrite NO21-
Acid Naming Permanganate MnO41-
Mercury (II) Hg2+
• -ate → -ic acid Sulfate SO42-
Lead (II) Pb2+
• -ite → -ous acid
Lead (IV) Pb4+ Sulfite SO32-
• -ide → Hydro-ic acid
Tin (II) Sn2+ Thiosulfate S2O32-

Tin (IV) Sn4+ Phosphate PO43-