Synthesis and Decomposition Reactions

Synthesis
● A synthesis reaction is when two more substances react to produce a new compound
○ Also called combination reactions
○ The general chemical equation for a synthesis reaction is: A + B → AB
● There are three types of synthesis reactions
○ Two elements forming a binary compound
○ An element and compound form a new compound
○ Two compounds forming a new compound

Two-Element Synthesis
● This can happen between a univalent (only has one charge) metal + nonmetal because ionic
compounds can be formed by using their pure elements
● This can also happen between a multivalent metal + nonmetal because metals can have
multiple charges
○ This means that a multivalent metal is capable of making different compounds with the
same nonmetal
○ Ex. If Cu reacts with Cl, two products are possible (copper can have a charge of +1 or +2)

● Two-element synthesis can also happen between two nonmetals

○ Normally, group 1 elements give up electrons to form ionic compounds (hydrogen is an
exception because it usually forms molecular compounds)
○ The products during synthesis between two nonmetals are difficult to predict because:
■ There are no charges to help you determine the chemical formula
■ Nonmetals can bond in different ratios (Ex. C and O can make CO 2 or CO)
● Since there can be different products, reaction conditions determine what product will occur
○ Reaction conditions are environmental conditions that influence the rate of reaction

Compound + Element Synthesis

● An element and a compound are the reactants and it results in a new compound (reactant)

Compound + Compound Synthesis

● Synthesis can happen between compounds such as oxides
○ Reacting compounds involved in this synthesis reaction are usually small (water or
oxides) because the product is a larger compound
● Oxides are binary (composed of two elements) compounds that are made up of oxygen and
another element
● Oxides may form when elements react with oxygen in the air
 ○ Sometimes this requires heat/water to happen
■ Ex. rust forms when iron reacts with air in the presence of water
● There are two types of oxides: acidic oxides and basic oxides

Acidic Oxides
● Acidic oxides are also called nonmetallic oxides
○ They are made up of nonmetals and oxygen (molecular compounds)
○ Acidic oxides react with water to make acids in a synthesis reaction
■ Ex. CO2(g)+H2O (l) makes H2CO3 (carbonic acid)
● Acidic oxides have negative environmental effects
○ They can cause ocean acidification (not good for the environment)
○ Carbon dioxide in the air reacts with water in oceans which makes carbonic acid
■ The carbonic acid inhibits the ability of corals to build reefs
■ Organisms that create calcium carbonate shells are also affected
● Acidic oxides can also lead to acid rain and affect air quality
○ SO2 and SO3 from volcanoes and the combustion of fossil fuels react with water in the
atmosphere to produce acid rain
■ This can also harm the lungs and impact breathing
○ NO and NO2 produced by vehicles in combustion lead to smog and air pollution

Basic Oxides/ Metallic Oxides

● Basic oxides are ionic compounds (only group 1 and 2 metals + oxygen)
● Basic oxides react with water to make bases (metal hydroxides)
○ For example, sodium hydroxide is written as Na 2O(s) + H2O(l) → 2NaOH, where you state
the name of the metal and then add hydroxide at the end

Decomposition Reactions
● Decomposition is a reaction by which a compound breaks down into two or more products
● Decomposition often needs energy (electrical, heat/thermal, light)
○ Energy can be included as a reactant or above the reactions arrow
○ Energy can also be completely omitted from the reactions
● There are four types of decomposition reactions:
○ Decomposition of Binary Compounds
○ Decomposition of Carbonate
○ Decomposition of Hydroxides
○ Decomposition of Nitrates

Decomposition of Binary Compounds

● Binary compounds decompose into their two elements
○ Don't forget which elements are monatomic or diatomic
○ Ex. _AlBr3 → _AL + _Br2 to
Decomposition of Carbonate
● Anything that has a carbonate polyatomic ion is a carbonate
● Carbonates decompose into carbon dioxide and metal oxides
○ Ex.

Decomposition of Hydroxides
● Hydroxides are ionic compounds that have a cation and a hydroxide ion
● Hydroxides decompose into water and metal oxides
○ Ex.

Decomposition of Nitrates
● Nitrates are ionic compounds with a cation and a nitrate (polyatomic ion)
● Nitrates decompose into oxygen gas and metal nitrites
○ Ex.