Key Concepts

• Double replacement reactions involve the exchange of ions between two compounds.
• Precipitation, gas formation, or weak electrolyte formation typically drives double replacement reactions.
• The products of a double replacement reaction are two new compounds.

Examples of Double Replacement Reactions

One common example of a double replacement reaction is the reaction between silver nitrate (AgNO₃) and sodium chloride (NaCl) to form silver chloride (AgCl) and sodium nitrate (NaNO₃):

AgNO₃ + NaCl → AgCl + NaNO₃

Steps to Identify Double Replacement Reactions

1. Identify the cations and anions in the reactants.
2. Check if the cations and anions switch partners to form new compounds.
3. Determine if a precipitate, gas, or weak electrolyte is formed as a result of the reaction.

Application of Double Replacement Reactions

Double replacement reactions are commonly used in industries to produce various compounds, such as the production of insoluble salts, the formation of weak electrolytes, and the synthesis of chemical compounds.