Types of Reactions

Chemical reactions are the backbone of the chemical industry, transforming raw materials into
valuable products. Understanding the different types of reactions is crucial for chemical engineers to
design and optimize efficient processes. Some of them are as follows-

1.Combination Reaction:

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Two or more reactants combine to form a single product.
General Equation: A + B → C
Example: 2H₂ (g) + O₂ (g) → 2H₂O (g) (Hydrogen and oxygen combine to form water)

2. Decomposition Reaction:

A single reactant breaks down into two or more simpler products.

General Equation: AB → A + B
Example: CaCO₃ (s) → CaO (s) + CO₂ (g) (Calcium carbonate decomposes into calcium oxide and
carbon dioxide)

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3. Single Displacement Reaction:

A more reactive element displaces a less reactive element from its compound.
General Equation: AB + C → AC + B
Example: Fe + CuSO₄ (aq) → FeSO₄ (aq) + Cu (s) (Iron displaces copper from copper sulfate
solution)

4. Double Displacement Reaction:

These reactions are also known as Precipitation Reactions.

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Ions from two different compounds exchange partners, often resulting in a precipitate (insoluble
solid).
General Equation: AB + CD → AD + CB
Example: AgNO₃ (aq) + NaCl (aq) → AgCl (s) + NaNO₃ (aq) (Silver nitrate and sodium chloride
react to form silver chloride precipitate and sodium nitrate solution)

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5.Redox Reactions:

Electrons are transferred between reactants, changing their oxidation states.

General Equation: A₂⁺ + B → A⁺ + B⁺
Example: 2Mg (s) + O₂ (g) → 2MgO (s) (Magnesium reacts with oxygen to form magnesium
oxide, with magnesium losing electrons to oxygen)

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 Types of Reactor and their design
Reactors are the workhorses of the chemical industry, where the magic of transforming raw
materials into valuable products happens. Choosing the right type of reactor is crucial for optimal
efficiency, yield, and safety in any chemical process. They are classified as:

1.Batch Reactor:

Design: Closed vessel where reactants are added and the reaction proceeds to completion before
the products are removed. Simple and versatile, but not ideal for continuous production.
Examples: Stirred tank reactors, autoclaves, fermentation tanks.

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2.Continuous stirred tank reactor:

Design: Reactants flow continuously through the reactor, allowing for steady production. More
efficient for large-scale processes.
Stirred Tank Reactors (CSTR): Well-mixed vessels for uniform reaction conditions (good for
second-order reactions)

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3. Plug flow reactor:

Design: Reactants flow continuously through the reactor, allowing for steady production. More
efficient for large-scale processes.
Tubular Reactors: Long, narrow tubes for plug flow behavior (ideal for first-order reactions)

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