What are the two main types of chemical reactions?

The classification of chemical reactions can be broadly understood through two main types: synthesis and decomposition.

In a synthesis reaction, two or more simple substances combine to form a more complex product. This is often represented by the general equation A + B → AB, where A and B are reactants that combine to form the product AB. Synthesis reactions are fundamental in creating a wide variety of compounds in both organic and inorganic chemistry, such as the formation of water (H₂O) from hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂).

On the other hand, decomposition reactions involve the breakdown of a complex substance into two or more simpler products. The general representation of a decomposition reaction is AB → A + B, where the compound AB is broken down into its constituent elements or simpler compounds. This type of reaction is significant in processes such as the breakdown of substances in metabolism or the thermal decomposition of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) into calcium oxide (CaO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂).

While the other options include essential types of chemical reactions, they are more specialized subsets. For instance, combustion and oxidation pertain specifically to reactions involving oxygen and the release of energy, while neutralization and precipitation refer to specific types of reaction interactions typically