Learning Materials
Features
Discover
For millennia, all the way back to Ancient Egypt, alchemists have been attempting to synthesize gold from more common metals like lead. While their attempts always failed, the scientists of today have been able to do the impossible: make gold (though in a very, very expensive way).
Millions of flashcards designed to help you ace your studies
Sign up for freeWhat is the basic structure for a synthesis reactions?
True or False: A synthesis can form an element or compound
True or False: Synthesis reactions only have 2 reactants
True or False: Synthesis reactions only make one (unique) product
Which of the following is NOT a synthesis reaction?
Which of the following is NOT possible for synthesis reaction?
What is the basic structure for a synthesis reactions?
True or False: A synthesis can form an element or compound
True or False: Synthesis reactions only have 2 reactants
True or False: Synthesis reactions only make one (unique) product
Which of the following is NOT a synthesis reaction?
Which of the following is NOT possible for synthesis reaction?
Achieve better grades quicker with Premium
Geld-zurück-Garantie, wenn du durch die Prüfung fällst
Did you know that StudySmarter supports you beyond learning?
Review generated flashcards
Start learning or create your own AI flashcards
Team Synthesis Reaction Teachers
Fig. 1: For many centuries, alchemists have been searching for ways to synthesize gold. Wikimedia Commons.
In 1980, Glenn Seaborg was able to "steal" protons and neutrons from bismuth, which did produce several thousand atoms of gold. However, this method was much too expensive for gold to be made this way.
While he was able to make gold, he didn't "synthesize" it in the traditional sense. In this article, we will be learning all about the synthesis reaction. After reading this article, you'll see why the alchemists dream of synthesizing gold was always destined to fail.
A synthesis reaction (also called a combination reaction) is a reaction where two or more elements or compounds combine to form a new compound.
A key characteristic about synthesis reactions is that they only make one unique product. However, there can be multiple of that product produced.
As discussed in the intro, it is impossible to (traditionally) synthesis gold. Why? Because it is an element. When elements react, they will always form compounds.
There are ways for elements to combine to form other elements, but these methods are different from your typical reaction. For example, the sun fuses hydrogen nuclei into helium atoms by essentially smashing the nuclei together at very high temperatures.
All synthesis reactions follow this basic formula:
$$A + B \rightarrow AB$$
The basic structure is two (or more) elements and compounds combining to create one product.
Fig. 2: Synthesis reactions can be carried out in a chemical laboratory. Wikimedia Commons
Let's look at some examples, shall we?
Let's have a look at some synthesis reaction examples to fully understand what synthesis reactions are and how they are represented.
First up, let's look at the synthesis of salt:
$$2Na_{(s)} + Cl_{2\,(g)} \rightarrow 2NaCl_{(s)}$$
As you can see, we have two elements (chlorine is naturally diatomic) forming one. Even though chlorine is a gas, it still forms a solid product. Synthesis reactions (and all reactions for that matter) don't always form a product of the same state as the reactants, so keep your eyes on the states listed in the equation.
Now let's look at a more complex example:
Here we have two compounds forming a product instead of elements. As long as one product is formed, it is a synthesis reaction, whether it is formed from elements or compounds.
$$CaO_{(s)} + H_2O_{(l)} \xrightarrow {heat} Ca(OH)_{2\,(aq)}$$
As a side not, the (aq) on Ca(OH)2 means "aqueous". This means that the compound is dissolved in water. Usually, but not always, reactions that contain water will produce aqueous products.
Also, "heat" is written above the arrow to show heat is required for the reaction to proceed.
Let's look at one last example:
$$2N_{2\,(g)} + 4H_2O_{(l)} + O_{2\,(g)} \rightarrow 2NH_4NO_{3\,(s)}$$
The above reaction has 3 reactants instead of 2. While two-reactant synthesis reactions are more common, it's important to keep in mind that these reactions can have more than 2 reactants.
Characteristics of a synthesis reaction
Synthesis reactions are pretty easy to spot when you know what to look for. As a summary, here are the characteristics of a synthesis reaction:
Synthesis reactions in Organic Chemistry
When you read up on synthesis reactions, you might encounter a different type used in Organic Chemistry.
In organic chemistry, a synthesis reaction involves taking one simple compound and transforming through a series of steps to get a much more complex compound. While they are similar, they have some key differences, such as the fact that Organic Synthesis reactions are multiple steps a nd that they can produce side products.
Synthesis reactions can often be confused with another reaction called single replacement.
In a single-replacement reaction, an element will displace another element present in a compound, "swapping" with it.
A general single-replacement reaction looks like this:
$$A + BC \rightarrow AB + C$$
The lone element essentially "kicks out" the like element (i.e. metals swap with metals, non-metals swap with non-metals).
Below is an example:
$$Zn_{(s)} + CuCl_{2\,(s)} \rightarrow ZnCl_{2\,(s)} + Cu_{(s)}$$Here the zinc is swapping with the copper (both are Transition Metals).
Single replacement reactions are similar to synthesis reactions, since they involve 2 reactants coming together to form a new product. The key difference is that two products are formed instead of one. Also, this process involves swapping with synthesis involves only combining.
| Reaction | Representation | Example | Keyword |
| Synthesis reaction | $$A + B \rightarrow AB$$ | $$2Na_{(s)} + Cl_{2\,(g)} \rightarrow 2NaCl_{(s)}$$ | Combination |
| Replacement reaction | $$A + BC \rightarrow AB + C$$ | $$Zn_{(s)} + CuCl_{2\,(s)} \rightarrow ZnCl_{2\,(s)} + Cu_{(s)}$$ | Swap |
$$A + B \rightarrow AB$$
Synthesis reactions are separate from single replacement reaction
In a single-replacement reaction, an element will displace another element present in a compound, "swapping" with it.
Sign up for free to gain access to all our flashcards.
What is the meaning of synthesis reaction?
A synthesis reaction is a chemical reaction in which two or more reactants combine to produce a single product:
A + B → AB
What is an example of a synthesis reaction?
An example of a synthesis reaction is the production of salt (NaCl) from sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl):
2 Na(s) + Cl2 (g) → 2NaCl(s)
How do you solve synthesis chemical equations?
A synthesis chemical equation always follows the same reaction structure, and thus always has the following general equation:
A + B → AB
Sometimes AB can be represented as C (A + B → C), but it's the same concept: a synthesis chemical equation.
What are the characteristics of a synthesis reaction?
The characteristics of a synthesis reaction are:
Are synthesis reactions the same as a single replacements?
No, synthesis reactions and single replacement reactions are different types of reactions. Synthesis reactions consist of two or more reactants combining to produce a new product (A + B → C).
In the case of a single replacement, one of the reactants displaces an element in the other reactant, producing two products: the new compound with the replacement, and the element that was "kicked out" of the original reactant (A + BC → AB + C).
At StudySmarter, we have created a learning platform that serves millions of students. Meet the people who work hard to deliver fact based content as well as making sure it is verified.
Lily Hulatt is a Digital Content Specialist with over three years of experience in content strategy and curriculum design. She gained her PhD in English Literature from Durham University in 2022, taught in Durham University’s English Studies Department, and has contributed to a number of publications. Lily specialises in English Literature, English Language, History, and Philosophy.
Get to know Lily
Gabriel Freitas is an AI Engineer with a solid experience in software development, machine learning algorithms, and generative AI, including large language models’ (LLMs) applications. Graduated in Electrical Engineering at the University of São Paulo, he is currently pursuing an MSc in Computer Engineering at the University of Campinas, specializing in machine learning topics. Gabriel has a strong background in software engineering and has worked on projects involving computer vision, embedded AI, and LLM applications.
Get to know Gabriel
Vaia is a globally recognized educational technology company, offering a holistic learning platform designed for students of all ages and educational levels. Our platform provides learning support for a wide range of subjects, including STEM, Social Sciences, and Languages and also helps students to successfully master various tests and exams worldwide, such as GCSE, A Level, SAT, ACT, Abitur, and more. We offer an extensive library of learning materials, including interactive flashcards, comprehensive textbook solutions, and detailed explanations. The cutting-edge technology and tools we provide help students create their own learning materials. StudySmarter’s content is not only expert-verified but also regularly updated to ensure accuracy and relevance.
Learn moreSave explanations to your personalised space and access them anytime, anywhere!
Sign up with Email Sign up with AppleBy signing up, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and the Privacy Policy of Vaia.
Already have an account? Log in
Sign up to highlight and take notes. It’s 100% free.
Explanations 
Textbooks 
Exams 
GCSE 
IGCSE 
AS 
A Level 
International A Level 
University Admissions Tests 
Flashcards 
Vaia AI 
Notes 
Study Plans 
Study Sets 
Find a job 
Find a degree 
Student Deals 
Magazine 
Mobile App 
