Define Synthesis in Chemistry
The synthesis in chemistry refers to how complex chemical entities or compounds are formed from smaller and simpler units. Generally, synthesis reactions can be demonstrated, such as
In this complex synthesis reaction example, A and B are some smaller groups that bind together to form a larger compound. That's why synthesis chemical reaction are called combination reactions as well.
To simplify synthesis reactions, we divide definition of synthesis reaction into three main types such as
Synthesis in chemistry in which two elements react to form a new compound. Such as this synthesis reaction equation:C + O2 → CO2
Synthesis by compounds where two simple compounds react together to form a larger one such as2CaO + 2H2O → 2Ca(OH)2
Synthesis in which one element and one compound react to form a new compound such as2CO + O2 → 2CO2
Related: Complete demonstration of metal displacement reaction in an aqueous medium.
Besides the nature of reactants, organic synthesis reactions can also be divided based on the number of products.
The reactions in which only one product is formed are known as simple synthesis or direct combination reactions. All the examples mentioned above represent single synthesis chemical reactions.
Another very common example of a simple synthesis reaction is the rust formation. The synthesis equation example of this reaction is:
On the other hand, the chemical reactions in which two or more products are formed are called complex synthesis reactions.
The most common example of a complex synthesis reaction is the formation of glucose by photosynthesis. The complex synthesis reaction example are as follows
Related: Sodium react with chlorine to form sodium chloride NaCl. Learn more about the reaction of sodium and chlorine and what happens when they react with each other.
Importance of synthesis in chemistry
The organic synthesis reactions are used greatly for the manufacturing of substances required for daily life.
Besides synthesizing essential products, the chemists also synthesize naturally-existing compounds in the lab to understand their nature and structure.
Similarly, synthesis allows chemists to form chemical compounds that don't exist in nature to elevate the living standards and for research purposes.
The main goal of synthesis is to produce final products in larger quantities in a shorter time. Moreover, almost all kinds of chemical compounds undergo synthesis reactions.
However, organic compounds possess the highest potential to perform complex compounds by synthesis reactions. Click on to learn about balancing complex chemical equations.
Process of synthesis
As we know, chemical compounds are formed by the combination of multiple atoms of different elements.
These elements are joined with each other by chemical bonds in a compound. During the chemical synthesis, the existing bonds are broken down, and new bonds are formed.
We can't say that a complex chemical compound can form just in a single-step reaction.
Instead, forming a complicated chemical compound involves a series of individual reactions, which begins from the decomposition of reactants and ends with forming the desired product.
In each step, usually, a single bond is formed or broken down on either side.
Synthesis Reaction Example:
An example of a organic synthesis reaction is as follows
It is an overall synthesis reaction example where two complicated compounds are reacting together to form different end products. The mechanism for this reaction comprises of two steps such as
Related: Complete guide for balancing redox reaction in basic solution.
Planning the pathway of a synthesis reaction
As stated before, the synthesis of a complex chemical compound comprises multiple steps. That's why predicting the right procedure or the exact mechanism is quite difficult.
To sort out this confusion, the chemists plan the entire synthesis route by visualizing the final product.
From the end product, the chemists predict the path in a backward direction - moving from the end product towards the starting materials.
During the formation of lab-generated compounds, the synthesis routes are formulated based on the availability and cost of starting materials, the power required to proceed further, and the price for purifying the final product.
Chemists also get help from their knowledge of the nature of functional groups to determine the highly favored and beneficial pathway.
Related: Find useful chemistry calculator on this website like this redox reaction calculator with steps. The free calculators can help you learn quickly while practicing online.
Things that should be considered while planning the pathway of synthesis
- Go with the reaction route, which alters only one part of the compound at one time. It reduces the formation of multiple intermediates.
- Since many reactions are occurring side by side during the synthesis reaction, they can compete. Resultantly, many side products can be formed, which lowers the yields of the desired product. Thus, go with the reaction route, which yields the product in large amounts.
- Formation of side products can be useful and problematic depending upon the nature of the by-product. A side product is only useful if it is commercially valuable. On the other hand, if it is of no value and adds to the cost of separation and purification, try to change the route to suppress its formation.
Related: Learn more about the working of spectrophotometer and capillary electrophoresis from our blogs.
The rules of balancing chemical equations for synthesis reactions are just the same as for other chemical reactions.
Synthesis reactions are one of those chemical reactions which are greatly used in the labs for the production of highly essential products. These reactions are very useful for equation balancing process. The balanced chemical equation calculator can help you a lot in learning and calculating equations.
Either the synthesis reactions occur naturally, or within a lab-controlled environment, its products are always formed in larger quantities e.g protein synthesis in DNA structure present in a human body.
Also find what are endothermic reactions and exothermic reactions and what is general chemical equation for such reactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in synthesis reactions?
In synthesis reactions, two elements make a compound like A + B → AB
Can two elements be used as reactants for a synthesis reactions?
Yes, two elements can be used as reactants for a synthesis reactions because it happens when you combine two or more things to get a single product.
Can synthesis reactions be redox reactions?
Yes, synthesis reactions can be redox reactions because it involve a change in oxidation number for one or more reactant elements.
What is another name for synthesis reactions?
Another name for synthesis reaction is combination reaction. It is because in this reaction, multiple reactants form a single product.
Can synthesis reactions be endothermic?
Synthesis reactions are usually exothermic because it release energy in the form of heat and light.
What are products of synthesis reactions?
In case of sodium chloride (NaCl), the reactants of sodium (Na) and chloride (Cl) combine to make a product which is sodium chloride (NaCl).