Types of Chemical Reactions

There are many different types of reactions which include

• Corrosion of metals. Eg. The rusting of iron

Iron + water + oxygen  rust

4 Fe(s) + 6 H₂O(l) + 3 O₂(g) 4 Fe(OH)₃(s)

Iron(III) hydroxide, Fe(OH)₃ then dehydrates to produce Fe₂O₃.nH₂O(s) or rust

• Combustion: Eg. The burning of fossil fuels

Methane + oxygen Carbon dioxide + water

CH₄(g) + O₂(g)  CO₂(g) + 2H₂O(l)

• Acid and base : Eg. Hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide.

Hydrochloric acid + sodium hydroxide  Sodium chloride + water

HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq)  NaCl(aq) + H₂O(l)

• Acid and carbonate: Eg. Vinegar and bicarb of soda
• Acid and active metal: This type of reaction is also called a single displacement reaction. Eg. The dissolving of magnesium ribbon in hydrochloric acid.
• Precipitation: This type of reaction is also called a double displacement reaction. Eg. Mixing colorless lead nitrate and potassium iodide to yellow produce lead iodide.
• Decomposition: Eg. Hydrogen peroxide being broken down into water and oxygen
• Synthesis: Eg. The burning of magnesium in air to produce magnesium oxide.
• Displacement: Eg. The production of copper wool by from steel wool being placed into a solution of copper sulphate.
• Redox (Reduction/ Oxidation): Eg. Making a battery.
• Condensation: Eg. Glucose and Fructose producing sucrose
• Dehydration: Eg. Adding concentrated sulphuric acid to sugar
• Substitution: Eg. Bromine reacting with octane in the presence of UV light.
• Addition: Eg. Adding bromine to cyclohexene
• Polymerisation: Eg. making Nylon, polyethylene
• Fermentation: Eg. The making of wine
• Exothermic: Eg. The thermite reaction is used to weld rail tracks together. The reaction is so hot molten iron is produced!
• Endothermic: Eg. An ice pack. Mix the contents inside the packet and the mixture becomes cold