Predicting the Products of Chemical

Reactions

Classify the reaction

If it is combustion of a hydrocarbon, the products
are H
2
O and CO
2


If it is synthesis, write a compound that contains
both elements. (remember to balance the
charges for ionic compounds)

If it is decomposition, then attempt to break it
into two elements or compounds.


If it is single replacement, then replace the single element
with the corresponding element in the compound.
A metal will replace the cation in the compound
A non-metal will replace the anion in the compound
Remember to take into account the charges on the cation
and anion and write the formula correctly!

If it is double replacement, then the cation and anions
switch places.
It is helpful to separate each compound into their cation
and anionic parts with their charges.
Then switch places, and criss cross charges to find the
correct formulas

Diatomic Molecules!

When they are not in compound form, they exist as
diatomic molecules:

H
2
N
2
O
2
F
2
Cl
2 ,
Br
2 ,
I
2







A + B Synthesis/Combination
Example:
Na(s) + Cl
2
(g)

2 elements indicates synthesis
Write Charges for each then write compound
Na
+
Cl
-
NaCl
Balance Reaction
NaCl 2 2
AB Decomposition
A single reactant indicates a decomposition reaction.
Separate to elements (remember diatomics!) or less
complex compounds
Balance
Examples:
MgO

NH
4
OH
Mg
+ O
2
2
NH
3
+ H
2
O
2
AB + C Single Displacement
AB is an ionic compound and C is an element.

If element is a metal, it replaces the cation.
CuSO
4
+ Zn

If element is a non-metal, it replaces the anion.
LiI + F
2


Remember correct charges and diatomics!
Then balance at the end.
Cu + ZnSO
4
I
2
+ LiF
2 2
AB + CD Double Displacement
AB and CD are both ionic compounds.
Separate each compound & write their charges.
Switch places and re-write new compounds.
Example:
Pb(NO
3
)
2
+ KI

Pb
2+
NO
3
-
K
+
I
-
Pb
2+
I
-
K
+
NO
3
-
Balance at the end


PbI
2
+ KNO
3
2 2
C
x
H
y
+ O
2
Combustion
Can also be C
x
H
y
O
z
A hydrocarbon reacting with oxygen indicates
a combustion reaction.
Products will be CO
2
and H
2
O
Balance

2C
4
H
10
+ 13 O
2


8CO
2
+ 10 H
2
O