2.4 Types of Chemical Reactions

chemistry

Synthesis

Synthesis reactions are also known as formation reactions.

Definition: A synthesis reaction is when two or more reactants (usually elements) join to form a compound.

    • A + B --> AB where A and B represent elements

The elements may form ionic compounds, like these:

    • Sodium metal and chlorine gas combine to form sodium chloride.
2Na + Cl2-->2NaCl
    • Magnesium metal reacts with oxygen gas to form magnesium oxide.
2Mg + O2-->2MgO


Or the elements may form covalent compounds, like this:

    • Nitrogen gas and oxygen gas join to form dinitrogen monoxide.