K2O(s) + H2O(l) → 2KOH(aq) Classify this reaction as a synthesis reaction, neutralization reaction, redox reaction, or none of the above.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: Synthesis reaction
Explanation:
The chemical reaction:
K₂O(s) + H₂O(l) → 2KOH(aq)
demonstrates the formation of a single product from two reactants. In this case, potassium oxide (K₂O), a basic oxide, reacts with water (H₂O) to form potassium hydroxide (KOH), a strong base. The resulting potassium hydroxide dissolves in water, producing an aqueous solution.
This reaction is best classified as a synthesis reaction. A synthesis reaction, also known as a combination reaction, involves two or more simple substances combining to form a more complex compound. In this case, the two simple substances—potassium oxide and water—combine to form potassium hydroxide.
This is not a neutralization reaction, because there is no acid involved. Neutralization reactions occur when an acid and a base react to form salt and water. In the present reaction, only a basic oxide and water participate, without the presence of any acidic species.
It is also not a redox reaction. A redox (reduction-oxidation) reaction involves a transfer of electrons, where one element undergoes oxidation (loss of electrons) and another undergoes reduction (gain of electrons). In the reaction above, all elements retain their oxidation states throughout the process. Potassium remains at +1, oxygen at -2, and hydrogen at +1, indicating no change in oxidation states and therefore no redox activity.
The formation of potassium hydroxide from potassium oxide and water serves as a typical example of a synthesis process involving metal oxides. Basic metal oxides generally react with water to form metal hydroxides, and this pattern helps in identifying such reactions as synthesis. Additionally, such reactions demonstrate the characteristic behavior of alkali metal oxides, which are highly reactive with water and readily form alkaline solutions.
