There is more than one classification of chemical reactions, so you may be asked to name 4, 5, or 6 main types of chemical reactions. The following are the main types of chemical reactions and provide links to different types of details.

When you study it deeply, you will find that there are millions of known chemical reactions. As an organic chemist or chemical engineer, you may need to know the details of a specific type of chemical reaction, but most reactions can be divided into several categories. The question is to determine how many categories this is. Generally, chemical reactions are grouped according to the main 4 types of reactions, 5 types of reactions, or 6 types of reactions. The following is the general classification.

Four main chemical reactions

The four main types of chemical reactions are quite clear, but there are reaction categories with different names. It's a good idea to be familiar with different names so that you can recognize a response and communicate with people who may have learned it with different names.

Synthetic reaction (also known as a direct chemical reaction)

In this reaction, the reactants combine to form more complex products. There are usually two or more reactants and one product. The general reaction form is: A + B → AB

Decomposition reaction (sometimes called analytical reaction)

In this reaction, a molecule splits into two or smaller parts. There is usually one reactant and multiple products. The general chemical reaction is: AB → A + B

Single displacement reaction (also known as single displacement reaction or substitution reaction)

In this chemical reaction, one reactant ion exchanges with another ion. The general form of reaction is: A + BC → B + AC

Double displacement reaction (also known as double displacement reaction or double decomposition reaction)

In this kind of reaction, both cations and anions exchange positions, according to the general reaction: AB + CD → AD + CB

Five main types of chemical reactions

You just need to add another category: combustion reaction. The alternative names listed above still apply.

Synthetic reaction

Decomposition reaction

Single displacement reaction

Double displacement reaction

Combustion reaction

The general form of the combustion reaction is: hydrocarbon + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water

Six main types of chemical reactions

The sixth chemical reaction is the acid-base reaction.

Synthetic reaction

Decomposition reaction

Single displacement reaction

Double displacement reaction

Combustion reaction

Acid-base reaction

Other major categories

Other major chemical reactions include redox reaction, isomerization reaction, and hydrolysis reaction.