A.

Classifying Reactions
- Reactions classified by type of reactant or number of reactants and
products
- Some general types of chemical reactions are synthesis reactions,
decomposition reactions, single-replacement reactions, double-
replacement reactions, and combustion reactions.
1. Synthesis
a. A synthesis reaction is a reaction in which 2 or more substances
react to form a single substance
b. A+B AB
c. Example = NaCl and H
2
O
2. Decomposition
a. Opposite of synthesis, decomposition is a reaction in which a
compound breaks down into 2 or more simpler substances
b. Water + electricity, limestone lime
3. Single Replacement
a. A single-replacement reaction is a reaction in which one
element takes the place of another in a compound
b. A + BC B + AC
c. Copper + silver nitrate silver + copper (II) nitrate
d. Potassium + water hydrogen + potassium hydroxide
4. Double Replacement
a. A double replacement reaction is a reaction in which 2
different compounds exchange positive ions
b. AB + CD AD + CB
c. Lead (II) nitrate + potassium iodide
5. Combustion
a. A combustion reaction is one in which a substance reacts
rapidly with oxygen, often producing heat and light
b. Ie burning of natural gas
c. Methane burning produces carbon dioxide, water, heat&light
d. Formation of water = synthesis of water, combustion of
hydrogen, etc.
e. Classifications overlap
B. Reactions as Electron Transfers
- The discovery of subatomic particles enabled scientists to classify
certain chemical reactions as transfers of electrons between atoms.
- An oxidation-reduction reaction or redox reaction is a reaction in which
electrons are transferred from one reactant to another.
1. Oxidation
a. Synthesis in which a metal combines with oxygen
b. 2Ca + O
2
2CaO
i. Ca Ca
2+
+ 2e

c. Any process in which an element loses electrons during a
chemical reaction is oxidation
2. Reduction
a. Synthesis in which an element gains electrons
b. Always occurs with oxidation (when 1 element loses, other gains
electrons)
c. Dont always involve complete electrons transfers can be
partially gained
Summary: Some general types of chemical reactions are synthesis reactions, decomposition
reactions, single-replacement reactions, double-replacement reactions, and combustion
reactions.The discovery of subatomic particles enabled scientists to classify certain chemical
reactions as transfers of electrons between atoms.
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