Chemical Reaction Type Identifier Online Tool
Instantly determine the type of any chemical reaction: combustion, synthesis, decomposition, single replacement, double replacement, and more. Free, smart tool for students, teachers, and chemistry lovers.
Chemical Reaction Type Identifier
Understanding Reaction Types
🔥 Combustion
What is it? A rapid reaction between a substance (fuel) and an oxidant (usually oxygen) to produce heat and light. Complete combustion of hydrocarbons yields CO₂ and H₂O.
How to identify: Look for O₂ as a reactant and (for hydrocarbons) CO₂ and H₂O as products. Example: CH₄ + O₂ → CO₂ + H₂O
🔁 Single Displacement
What is it? One element replaces another element in a compound.
How to identify: Pattern: A + BC → AC + B (or BA + C). An element and a compound react to form a new element and a new compound. Example: Zn + CuSO₄ → ZnSO₄ + Cu
🔁 Double Displacement
What is it? The positive and negative ions of two ionic compounds exchange places to form two new compounds.
How to identify: Pattern: AB + CD → AD + CB. Two compounds react to form two different compounds. Example: AgNO₃ + NaCl → AgCl + NaNO₃
➕ Synthesis (Combination)
What is it? Two or more simple substances combine to form a more complex substance.
How to identify: Pattern: A + B → AB. Multiple reactants, single product. Example: 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O
➖ Decomposition
What is it? A complex substance breaks down into two or more simpler substances.
How to identify: Pattern: AB → A + B. Single reactant, multiple products. Example: 2H₂O₂ → 2H₂O + O₂
🧬 Acid-Base Neutralization
What is it? An acid reacts with a base to produce a salt and water. This is a specific type of double displacement.
How to identify: Look for an acid (starts with H, e.g., HCl) and a base (contains OH, e.g., NaOH) reacting to form H₂O and a salt. Example: HCl + NaOH → NaCl + H₂O
⚗️ Precipitation
What is it? Two soluble ionic compounds react in solution to form an insoluble solid (precipitate). This is a specific type of double displacement.
How to identify: Look for two aqueous reactants forming at least one solid product (often indicated by (s)). Example: Pb(NO₃)₂(aq) + 2KI(aq) → PbI₂(s) + 2KNO₃(aq)
⚡ Redox (Oxidation-Reduction)
What is it? Reactions involving the transfer of electrons between chemical species, resulting in a change in oxidation states.
How to identify: Many reactions are redox. Look for changes in oxidation states, or free elements becoming part of compounds (or vice-versa). Combustion and single displacement are always redox. Example: Mg + O₂ → MgO (Mg is oxidized, O is reduced)
How to Use This Tool
1. Input Equation
Enter the chemical equation in the text field. You can use "→" or "=" for the reaction arrow.
2. Analyze
Click the "Analyze Reaction" button. The tool will try to identify the type of reaction.
3. View Results
The identified reaction type and a brief explanation will be displayed below.
4. Use Examples
Click "Show Examples" to see pre-filled equations. Clicking an example will auto-fill and analyze it.