Types of Reactions, Predicting Products

This post is about the types of reactions, and predicting products of those reactions!

There are several types of reactions:
Synthesis, Decomposition, Single Replacement, Double Replacement, Combustion, and Neutralization

SYNTHESIS: A + B --> AB

This is just your simple 1+1 = 2. Add two together!

Example: Fe(s) + O2(g) --> Fe2O3

Don't forget to balance!
4Fe(s) + 3O2(g) --> 2FeO3

Don't forget to include the states! If you are confused, check out the solubility table!

DECOMPOSITION: AB --> A + B

When something decomposes, it breaks up. Decomposers break up stuff! So think about breaking up the compound:

Think of that gross pile of worms to remember decomposition.

Example: 1SO2(g) --> 1S(g) + 1O2(g)

SINGLE REPLACEMENT: AB + C --> AC + B

In single replacement, they switch partners. But there are only 3 different elements: A, B and C. Remember to put metals with non-metals. Do not put metals together with metals or vice versa. That would be wrong!

4Al(s) + 3Pb(NO3)4 (aq) --> 4Al(NO3)3 (aq) + 3Pb(s)

Ready to step it up a notch?

DOUBLE REPLACEMENT: AB + CD --> AC + CB

There are four different elements in this reaction, so switch them up! Again, put metals with non-metals.

2Sr(OH)2(aq) + 1Sn(NO3)4(aq) --> 2Sr(NO3)2(aq) + 1Sn(OH)4(s)

Now I have skipped a bit into the next lesson, but more practice for you guys! Moving on!

PREDICTING REACTANTS

When we know the type of reaction, we can predict the products. Just use the ABCD models that are given above.

Let's try it out:

1Al(s) + 3AgNO3(aq) -->

From looking at this, we can see that there are two elements and one compound. What could this be?!
The key word is the compound. Decomposition would have just one compound, and synthesis would have two different elements that would form a compound on the other side of the arrow.

So what could it be? Single replacement, of course!

Trashcat does not like single replacement.

So, if it is single replacement then lets finish it off!

1Al(s) + 3AgNO3(aq) --> 1Al(NO3)3(aq) + 3Ag(s)

That is it for today!

Good luck on the test, make me proud!