Assignment #3- Chemical Reactions

Arpita Rathod
NBCC
Chemistry 112
10/22/2023
Part A: Online Chemical Reactions Demonstrations

1. Synthesis Reaction
:
a.

Recognition of a Synthesis/Formation Reaction:

A synthesis (or formation) reaction is a type of chemical reaction in which two or more simple
substances combine to form a more complex substance. They are generally represented as:

A+B AB

Where A and ( B ) are simple substances, and AB is the complex substance formed.

b.

Balanced Synthesis Reactions:

1) 4Fe + 3O2 2Fe2O3

2) 2Ag + Cl2 2AgCl
3) O2+ 2Mg 2MgO
4) Zn + S ZnS

c.

Description of Demonstrated Reactions:

1) Iron and Oxygen Reaction:

When iron reacts with oxygen, it forms iron(III) oxide. The reaction produces a reddish-brown
compound commonly known as rust. The equation for the reaction is 4Fe + 3O2 2Fe2O3. This
reaction can be exothermic, especially if it is initiated with a spark or flame.

2) Silver and Chlorine Reaction:

Silver reacts with chlorine to form silver chloride. The product, silver chloride, is a white,
powdery substance. The balanced chemical equation for this reaction is 2Ag + Cl2 2AgCl
This is an exothermic reaction.

2. Decomposition:

a.

Recognition of a Decomposition Reaction:

A decomposition reaction occurs when a single compound breaks down into two or more
simpler products. Generally, this type of reaction can be represented as:
AB A+ B

Where AB is a complex substance and A and B are the simpler substances formed.

b.
Balanced Decomposition Reaction:

1) 2H2O 2H2 + O2
2) Na2CO3 Na2O + CO2
3) C12H22 O11 12C + 11H2O
4) 2H2O2 2H_2O + O2

c.
Specific Name for the First Reaction:

The specific name for the decomposition of water is "Electrolysis of Water". When electricity
is passed through water, it breaks down into hydrogen and oxygen gases.

d.
Description of Demonstrated Reactions:

• Decomposition of Water (Electrolysis):

2H2O 2H2 + O2

▪ Description: When an electric current is passed through water, it breaks down into
hydrogen and oxygen gases.

▪ Catalysts/Nonreactive substances: In the electrolysis of water, the water often contains

an electrolyte like a bit of salt, acid, or base to enhance its conductivity. Pure water is a
poor conductor of electricity, but the addition of an electrolyte allows ions to move
freely, facilitating the process.
▪ Electrodes: Typically, inert electrodes such as platinum or graphite are used. Hydrogen
gas forms at the cathode (negative electrode) and oxygen gas forms at the anode
(positive electrode).
▪ Energy Requirement: This reaction requires an external energy source, typically in the
form of an electrical current. Therefore, the process is **endothermic**, meaning it
absorbs energy.

• Decomposition of Sodium Carbonate:

Na2CO3 Na2O + CO2

▪ Description: Upon heating, sodium carbonate decomposes to produce sodium oxide and
carbon dioxide gas.
 ▪ Catalysts/Nonreactive substances: There isn't typically a catalyst used for this
decomposition; however, the process does require heating. The decomposition usually
happens in the absence of moisture.
▪ Energy Requirement: Since this reaction requires heating to proceed and does not
release energy in the form of light or heat on its own, it's generally considered
endothermic. The compound absorbs energy in the form of heat to break down into
simpler products.

e.
Elephant Toothpaste:

The term "elephant toothpaste" is colloquially used to describe the exothermic decomposition
reaction of hydrogen peroxide when catalysed by substances like potassium iodide or yeast. In
this reaction, the rapid evolution of oxygen gas produces a large foamy substance that
resembles a large amount of toothpaste being squeezed out, enough for an "elephant". The foam
is usually a result of soap being added to the mixture, which captures the oxygen gas, creating
bubbles.

3. Single Replacement:

a.

How to Recognize a Single Replacement Reaction :

A single replacement reaction, also known as a single displacement reaction, is a type of

chemical reaction in which one element is replaced by another in a compound. It generally
takes the form:

A + BC AC + B

or

A + BC AB + C

where element "A" replaces either element "B" or "C" in the compound "BC".

b.

Difference Between Cation and Anion Replacement:

▪ Cation Replacement : In this type of single replacement reaction, a metal (cation)

replaces another metal in a compound. This is typically represented by:

Metal1 + Metal2X Metal1X + Metal2

For instance, when zinc reacts with copper chloride, zinc replaces copper, resulting in zinc
chloride and copper.
 ▪ Anion Replacement**: In this type, a non-metal (anion) replaces another non-metal in
a compound. It's represented by:

Nonmetal1 + XNonmetal2 Nonmetal1Nonmetal2 + X

For example, when chlorine reacts with sodium bromide, chlorine replaces bromine,
resulting in sodium chloride and bromine.

c.

Fully Balanced Single Replacement Reactions:

1) Zn + 2HCl H2 + ZnCl 2
2) Cl2 + 2NaBr 2NaCl + Br2
3) 3CuCl2 + 2Al 6Cu + 2AlCl3
4) Mg + 2AgNO3 2Ag + Mg(NO3)2
5) Zn + CuCl2 ZnCl2 + Cu
6) Br2 + 2KI 2KBr + I2

d.

Detailed Description of the Three Demonstrated Reactions :

1) Zinc and Hydrochloric Acid :

▪ Reactants: Zinc (Zn) and Hydrochloric acid (HCl).

▪ Products: Hydrogen gas (H_2) and Zinc chloride (ZnCl2).
▪ Description: When zinc reacts with hydrochloric acid, it displaces the hydrogen,
producing hydrogen gas and zinc chloride. The evolution of hydrogen gas is a sign of
the reaction.
▪ Energy: Typically, this reaction is exothermic and releases heat.

2) Chlorine and Sodium Bromide:

▪ Reactants: Chlorine (Cl_2) and Sodium bromide (NaBr).

▪ Products: Sodium chloride (NaCl) and Bromine (Br2).
▪ Description: Chlorine, being more reactive than bromine, displaces bromine from
sodium bromide to produce sodium chloride and bromine. The change in color (due to
the formation of bromine) can be an observable sign.
▪ Energy: The reaction is generally exothermic.

3) Copper Chloride and Aluminum:

▪ Reactants: Copper chloride (CuCl2) and Aluminum (Al).

▪ Products: Copper (Cu) and Aluminum chloride (AlCl3).
▪ Description: Aluminum, being more reactive than copper, displaces copper from copper
chloride. The formation of solid copper can be an observable sign.
▪ Energy : Typically, this reaction is exothermic.
4. Double Replacement:

a.
Recognizing a Double Replacement Reaction:

Double replacement reactions, also known as metathesis reactions, can be recognized by the
exchange of parts between two compounds. Typically, the cations (positive ions) of two ionic
compounds "switch places." The general form can be represented as:

AY + BX BY + AX

Where A and B are cations and Y and X are anions. One of the products is usually an insoluble
solid called a precipitate, a gas, or water. The formation of a solid precipitate is a key sign of a
double replacement reaction.

b.
Balanced Double Replacement Reactions :

1. 2AgNO3 + K2CrO4 2 KNO3 + Ag2CrO4

2. 2KI + Pb(NO3)2 PbI2 + 2KNO}3
3. 2NaCN + H2SO4 Na2SO4 + 2HCN
4. Ca(OH)2 + 2HCl CaCl2 + 2H2O

c.
Precipitate Formed:

For the reactions demonstrated:

1. For the reaction between AgNO3 and K2CrO}4

▪ Precipitate: Ag2CrO4 - Silver Chromate.
▪ It is exothermic

2. For the reaction between 2KI and Pb(NO3)2

▪ Precipitate: PbI2 – Lead (II) Iodide.

▪ It is endothermic

5. Combustion:

a.

A combustion reaction is characterized by the reaction of an element or compound with oxygen.

It often results in the release of heat (exothermic). When hydrocarbons (compounds containing
carbon and hydrogen) combust, they react with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide (CO₂) and
water (H₂O). Typically, the signs of a combustion reaction are the presence of oxygen as one
of the reactants and the release of energy in the form of heat or light (often as flames).
b.

The reaction 2 Mg + O₂ → 2 MgO qualifies as both a combustion and a synthesis reaction for
the following reasons:

▪ Combustion: Magnesium (Mg) reacts with oxygen (O₂) to produce magnesium oxide
(MgO), releasing heat in the process. The presence of oxygen and the release of energy
indicate that this is a combustion reaction.
▪ Synthesis: In a synthesis reaction, two or more simple substances combine to form a
more complex substance. Here, the elements magnesium and oxygen combine to form
the compound magnesium oxide. Thus, it also qualifies as a synthesis reaction.

c.

The 2 fully balanced combustion reactions from the video are:

1. CH4 + 2O2 2H2O + CO2 - Typically exothermic, as methane (CH₄) combusts to

produce water and carbon dioxide, releasing heat.
2. C5H12 + 8O2 6H_2O + 5CO_2 \) - Also typically exothermic, as the hydrocarbon
(in this case, pentane, or C₅H₁₂) combusts with oxygen to produce water and carbon dioxide,
releasing heat.

d.

methane (CH₄) reacting with oxygen to produce water and carbon dioxide in an exothermic
reaction. This can be observed as a flame when methane is burned in the presence of oxygen.
Part B: Application Questions

1.
The term "BRINCLHOF" (often pronounced as "Brinklehoff") is an acronym used to
remember the seven elements that naturally exist as diatomic molecules. These
elements, when found in their pure, uncombine form, exist as molecules made up of
two atoms. The term "BRINCLHOF" stands for:

B - Bromine (Br₂)
R - (There isn't an element starting with R in the acronym; it just helps in
pronunciation)
I - Iodine (I₂)
N - Nitrogen (N₂)
Cl - Chlorine (Cl₂)
H - Hydrogen (H₂)
O - Oxygen (O₂)
F - Fluorine (F₂)

Each of these elements, when isolated and not combined with any other element,
naturally exists as a diatomic molecule.

2.
1. Double Displacement Reaction:

▪ CH}3COOH (acetic acid) + NaHCO3 (sodium bicarbonate) CH3COONa

(sodium acetate) + H2CO3 (Carbonic acid)

▪ CH3COOH + NaHCO3 3COONa + H2CO3

2. Decomposition Reaction of Carbonic Acid:

▪ H2CO3 (carbonic acid) H2O(water) + \CO2 (carbon dioxide gas)

▪ H2CO3 H2O + CO2

The carbon dioxide gas produced in the second reaction is what leads to the
effervescence or bubbling commonly observed in the "volcano" demonstration.

3. (Please refer attached hand notes)

a. Chromium (III) hydroxide and nitric acid react.

Cr(OH)3 + 3HNO3 Cr(NO3)3 + 3H2O

b. Bromine reacts with iron (II) chloride.

2Br2 + 3FeCl2 3FeBr2 + 6Cl2

 c. Titanium (IV) iodide decomposes.

TiI4 Ti + 2I2

d. Rubidium and Sulfur react.

2Rb + S Rb2S

e. Heptanol is burned in oxygen.

The general formula for heptanol is C7H16OH When burned in oxygen, it will form carbon
dioxide and water.

C7H16OH + 11O2 7CO2 + 8H2O

3. (Please refer attached hand notes)

a.

Bubbles of hydrogen gas and aqueous nickel (III) chloride are produced when metallic nickel
is dropped into hydrochloric acid.

Ni + 2HCl NiCl2 + H2

(Note: It's nickel (II) chloride that's formed here.)

b.

Solid silver oxide can be heated to give silver and oxygen gas.

2Ag2O 4Ag + O2

c.

Solid tetraphosphorus decoxide reacts with water to produce phosphoric acid.

P4O10 + 6H2O 4H3PO4

d.

Bubbling nitrogen gas through a solution of magnesium bromide gives elemental bromine
and a solution of magnesium nitride.

3MgBr2 + 2N2 2NBr3 + 3Mg3N2

(Note: This reaction is not typical and would need specific conditions to occur.)
e.

Solid selenium crystals react with fluorine gas to form solid selenium difluoride.

Se + 2F2 SeF4

f.

A solution of barium bromide is poured into a solution of sodium sulfate.

BaBr2 + Na2SO4 BaSO4 + 2NaBr

g.

Passing an electric current through melted crystals of beryllium bromide decomposes it into
its representative elements.

BeBr2 Be + 2Br

h.

Cobalt (III) carbonate decomposes into cobalt (III) oxide and carbon dioxide when heated.

Co2 (CO3)3 2Co2O3 + 3CO2

(Note: Cobalt(III) carbonate decomposing to form cobalt(III) oxide is not a typical reaction.
Cobalt(II) oxide would be more typical.)

i.

Heating palladium (III) hydroxide gives palladium (III) oxide and water.

2Pd(OH)3 Pd2O3 + 3H2\O

j.

Vanadium (V) nitride reacts with oxygen in a single replacement reaction.

2VN + O2 2VO + N2

(Note: The typical behavior for vanadium nitride reacting with oxygen is not well-
established. The equation above is based on the general understanding of single replacement
reactions.)
 References

Combustion , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgHDzTH_GyU

Decomposition , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ocQhkHw_MM

Double Replacement , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hVKb4ROjZw

Fukui, K. (1981). The path of chemical reactions - the IRC approach. Accounts of Chemical

Research, 14(12), 363–368. https://doi.org/10.1021/ar00072a001

Hackh, I. W. D. (1928). Chemical reactions and their equations: A Guide for Students of

Chemistry.

Keeler, J., & Wothers, P. (2003). Why chemical reactions happen. Oxford University Press.

NBCC 2023, Chemistry 112, Week #7 - Chemical Equations and Reactions

Laganà, A., & Parker, G. A. (2018). Chemical reactions: Basic Theory and Computing.

Springer.

Schukat, G., Tichter, A. M., & Fanghänel, E. (1987). Synthesis, Reactions and selected

Physico-Chemical properties of 1,3- and 1,2- tetrachalcogenafulvalenes. CRC Press.

Single Replacement , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hVKb4ROjZw

Synthesis Reaction , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhlWTZwDHM8

Walker, D. (2007). Chemical reactions. Evans Brothers.

Wolny, P. (2011). Chemical reactions. The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.