Combination Reaction Definition

Stylized combustion graphic
Some combustion reactions are combination reactions.

Jose A. Bernat Bacete, Getty Images

By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Updated on July 08, 2019

A combination reaction is a reaction where two reactants are combined into one product. A combination reaction is also known as a synthesis reaction. The reaction has the following general form:

X + Y → XY

Combination Reaction Examples

Recognize a combination reaction by examining the number of reactants and products. In this reaction, two reactants become a single product. Combination reaction may occur between two elements, two compounds, or between a compound and an element.

The burning of carbon in the presence of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide is a combination reaction:

C + O2 → CO2

Magnesium oxide combines with carbon dioxide to form magnesium carbonate in a combination reaction:

MgO + CO2 → MgCO3

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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Combination Reaction Definition." ThoughtCo, Sep. 7, 2021, thoughtco.com/definition-of-combination-reaction-604935. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2021, September 7). Combination Reaction Definition. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-combination-reaction-604935 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Combination Reaction Definition." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-combination-reaction-604935 (accessed November 26, 2022).