Types of Precipitation Reactions

There are various types of Precipitation Reactions i.e.,

• Double Displacement Reactions
• Acid-Base Reaction
• Redox Reaction

Let’s discuss these types in detail.

Double Displacement Precipitation Reactions

Double displacement Type reactions, is also known as metathesis reactions, it involves in exchange of ions between two compounds, and results in formation of two different compounds. Precipitation occurs when one of the product formed is insoluble. These type of reactions are observed in the laboratory and these are useful for separating and identifying specific or required ions in the given solution.

Let’s consider an example for Precipitation Reaction which is double displacement reaction as well.

Potassium bromide reacts with silver nitrate to form silver bromide precipitate and potassium nitrate.

KBr + AgNO₃ → Ag Br ↓ +KNO₃

Acid-Base Precipitation Reaction

Acid-base reactions involve the transfer of hydrogen ions between reactants. Formation of an insoluble compound will sometimes occur when a solution containing a particular cation (a positively charged ion) is mixed with another solution containing a particular anion (a negatively charged ion). The solid that separates is called a precipitate.

Let’s consider an Example for Acid-Base Precipitation.

Calcium chloride reacts with Sodium carbonate to produce Calcium carbonate as precipitate and Sodium chloride

CaCl₂ + Na₂CO₃ →CaCO₃ ↓ +2NaCl

Redox Precipitation Reaction

Redox (reduction-oxidation) type precipitation reactions involve the transfer of electrons between the reacting ones. Redox Type Precipitation Reactions results in formation of precipitate, where one of the compound is oxidized (it means loses electrons) and other one is reduced (it means gains electrons). Redox type precipitation reactions are useful in process like wastewater treatment and in preventing from corrosion.

Let’s consider an Example for Redox Precipitation Reaction.

Silver nitrate reacts with Sodium hydroxide to produce Silver oxide precipitate and Water.

AgNO₃ +NaOH →Ag₂O ↓ + H₂O

Also Read,

• Types of Chemical Reactions
• Characteristics of Chemical Reactions

Precipitation Reaction is a chemical reaction in which dissolved substances react to form one or more solid products. Precipitation reactions help in identifying the presence of different ions present in a particular solution. In Precipitation Reaction, the ions of two different aqueous solutions react with each other to form an insoluble solid. This solid substance is called a precipitate and it settles at the bottom of the container. Precipitation acts as a major component in the water cycle and is responsible for depositing fresh water on the planet. Precipitation Reactions can be represented in chemical equations, which play an important role in various chemical processes. Students first read about Precipitation Reactions in Class 10.

In this article, we will learn about the Precipitation Reaction as well as the applications, Precipitation Reaction in Real Life, chemical reactions and also provide a step-by-step guide to help you easily understand Precipitation Reaction. So, let’s start with the definition of Precipitation Reaction.