if there were no observable changes (color, temperature, etc.) with the compounds mixed (MgSO4 and (NH4)2CO3). Is that simply a synthesis reaction?

Question

if there were no observable changes (color, temperature, etc.) with the compounds mixed (MgSO4 and (NH4)2CO3). Is that simply a synthesis reaction?

In: 0

Answer 1

This would more than likely be a double replacement reaction. The reaction you described can effectively be split up into 4 parts:

1. Magnesium (Mg+)
2. Sulfate (SO4-)
3. Ammonium (NH4+)
4. Carbonate (CO3 2-)

As it stands, magnesium and sulfate combine to form magnesium sulfate and ammonium carbonate is the other compound. These are your reactants. If a reaction took place (there’s no guarantee it would) then a double-replacement reaction would occur. This would give Magnesium Carbonate (Mg2CO3) and Ammonium Sulfate (NH4SO4) as your products.

A synthesis reaction involves 2 reactants combining to form a single product. The combination of Hydrogen and Oxygen to form water is an example of a synthesis reaction.