Synthesis Reactions Definition

A synthesis reaction is a reaction where two or more reactants combine to give a larger and more complex
product. It is a type of change where two or more elements or compounds combine to form a single new product.

A + B →→ AB

It is also called combination reaction where two species combine to give a single product.
Synthesis of Chemical Reaction
In synthesis of chemical reaction, there is formation of bonds. It is one of the most common types of reactions
and many chemical compounds are synthesized through these reactions.
For example,
Synthesis of Sodium Chloride: Sodium metal (Na) combines with chlorine gas (Cl2) to synthesize sodium
chloride (NaCl).
2 Na (s) + Cl2 (g) →→ 2 NaCl (s)
Synthesis of Iron(II) Sulphide: It is combination of iron (Fe) and sulphur (S)
8 Fe (s) + S8 (s) →→ 8 FeS (s)
Synthesis of Ammonia: Atmospheric nitrogen (N2) is reacted with hydrogen (H2) to synthesize ammonia.
N2 (g) + 3 H2 (g) →→ 2 NH3 (g)
Another important synthesis reaction is formation of water, Oxygen gas (O2) and hydrogen gas (H2) combines
to give a complex compound water (H2O)

H2 (g) + O2 (g) →→ H2O (l)

Synthesis Reaction Examples

There are numerous synthesis reactions occurring. For example, during the formation of sulphuric acid
(through contact process), number of products such as sulphur dioxide, sulphur trioxide and sulphuric acid are
synthesized.

Formation of Sulphur Dioxide: Sulphur dioxide is synthesized by combination of sulphur and Oxygen.
S + O2 (g) →→ SO2( g)

Formation of Sulphur Trioxide: When sulphur dioxide (SO2) combines with oxygen (O2), sulphur trioxide is
formed.
SO2 (g) + O2 (g) →→ SO3(g)

Formation of Sulphuric Acid: Sulphur trioxide is treated with water to form sulphuric acid.

SO3 (g) + H2O (l) →→ H2SO4 (l)

Formation of Calcium Hydroxide: Calcium hydroxide is formed by combination of calcium oxide (CaO) and
water (H2O).

CaO (s) + H2O (l) →→ Ca(OH)2 (s)

Sodium Chlorate Synthesis: Oxidation of sodium chloride forms sodium chlorate.

NaCl (s) + 3O2 (g) →→ NaClO3

One of the natural reactions that occurs in the nature is oxidation of metals, which is also the first step towards
corrosion. For example in oxidation of iron,

Fe (s) + O2 (g) →→ Fe2O3 (s)

Oxidation of Aluminium:

Al (s) + O2 (g) →→ Al2O3 (s)

Synthesis of Lithium Chloride: Lithium metal combines with chlorine to form lithium chloride.

2 Li (s) + Cl2 (g) →→ 2 LiCl (s)