DECOMPOSITION

By: Ryan Carlo G. Magpantay

Definition: Since Decomposition reactions are the reverse of Synthesis reactions, you might ask if the Synthesis categories apply, just in reverse. The answer is YES. Decomposition reactions are reactions that break apart a single reactant into elements or simpler compounds. In many cases, energy input or a catalyst is required for decomposition reactions to occur. A decomposition reaction is a type of chemical reaction where one reactant yields two or more products Significance: Decomposition reactions are used when heating up like for example CaCO3 to make carbon dioxide. This practice is widely used in todays chemical. In the Chemistry Industry, decomposition reactions are applied to make high-purity hydrogen by electrolyzing water.

Important notes to remember:

1st none of these equations are BALANCED!!! 2nd make sure to write correct formulas 3rd DO NOT just copy the subscripts from the reactants over into the products.

The general form for decomposition is

AB

A+B

TYPES OF DECOMPOSITION a.) Metallic Chlorates

Example:

metallic chloride + Oxygen

2 KClO3 b.) Metallic oxide

Example:

2 KCl + 3 O2 Metal + Oxygen

2 CrO

2 Cr + O2 Metallic oxide + Carbon dioxide

c.) Metallic Carbonates

Example:

BeCO3

BeO + CO2 Metal Carbonate + H2O + CO2

d.) Metallic Hydrogen Carbonate

Example:

2 NaHCO3 e.) Metallic Nitrates

Example:

Na2CO3 + H2O + CO2 Metallic Nitrite + Oxygen

Sr(NO3)2

Sr(NO2)2 + O2

f.) Electrolysis (Decomposition of water (H2O) into oxygen (O2) and hydrogen gas (H2) due to
an electric current being passed through the water.)
Example:

H2O

electric current

2 H2 (g) + O2 (g)

g.) Hydrolysis Reaction (Breaking the bond of a compound and H2O, therefore, making it the
compound anhydrous.)
Example:

BaCl2 * 2H2O

BaCl2 + H2O