They are used widely in industry for production of a number of commodity and specialty chemicals. These reactions are common in nature and are responsible for the formation of coral reefs in ocean waters and kidney stones in animals.

Many reactions of this type involve the exchange of ions between ionic compounds in aqueous solution and are sometimes referred to as double displacement, double replacement, or metathesis reactions. Precipitation Reactions and Solubility RulesĪ precipitation reaction is one in which dissolved substances react to form one (or more) solid products. The following sections of this chapter (section 6.2-6.4) will provide an introduction to three of the most prevalent types of chemical reactions: precipitation, acid-base, and oxidation-reduction. Faced with a wide range of varied interactions between chemical substances, scientists have likewise found it convenient (or even necessary) to classify chemical interactions by identifying common patterns of reactivity. When they exchange blows with their fists or feet, we say they are fighting. When two humans exchange information, we say they are communicating.

Humans interact with one another in various and complex ways, and we classify these interactions according to common patterns of behavior.

Predict the solubility of common inorganic compounds by using solubility rules.

Recognize and identify examples of precipitation reactions.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Precipitate chemistry examples