1. Predicting Products of
Reactions
Single and Double Replacement
Reactions

2. Single Replacement Reactions
• A single element replaces another element in a compound.
• A + BC AC + B
• 2Na + FeCl2 2NaCl + Fe
• 3F2 + 2AlBr3 2AlF3 + 3Br2
• Requires the use of the Activity Series
• Activity Series of Metals
– Can be used on tests (list only)
– Metals replace those metals below them on the series
• Activity Series of Halogens
– Halogens replace those halogens below them on the Periodic
Table

3. Activity Series
lithium
potassium
strontium
calcium
sodium
magnesium
aluminum
zinc
chromium
iron
cadmium
cobalt
nickel
tin
lead
Hydrogen
antimony
arsenic
bismuth
copper
mercury
silver
paladium
platinum
gold

4. • Each element on the list replaces from a compound any of the elements below it. The
larger the interval between elements, the more vigorous the reaction.
• The first five elements (lithium - sodium) are known as very active metals and they
react with cold water to produce the hydroxide and hydrogen gas.
• The next four metals (magnesium - chromium) are considered active metals and they
will react with very hot water or steam to form the oxide and hydrogen gas.
• The oxides of all of these first metals resist reduction by H2.
• The next six metals (iron - lead) replace hydrogen from HCl and dilute sulfuric and
nitric acids. Their oxides undergo reduction by heating with H2, carbon, and carbon
monoxide.
• The metals lithium - copper, can combine directly with oxygen to form the oxide.
• The last five metals (mercury - gold) are often found free in nature, their oxides
decompose wit mild heating, and they form oxides only indirectly.

5. Double Replacement Reactions
• Also known as metathesis reactions
• Two compounds in aqueous solutions exchange
ions when a substance forms that leaves the
reaction
– Production of a molecule such as water
– Production of a gas
– Production of a precipitate
• Preciptiate – a solid (insoluble compound) that forms during
a reaction and settles to the bottom of the reaction vessel
• Requires knowledge of solubility rules in order to
recognize precipitates