Precipitation Reactions

Definition

• Precipitation reactions are a type of double displacement reactions that create an insoluble solid (also known as a precipitate) from two aqueous solutions.
• The aqueous solutions are the reactants and the precipitate (+ another aqueous solution) are the products.
• However, precipitates do not always form when two aqueous solutions are combined. For example, form nothing.

Formula

The general form of the reaction follows the below.

Solubility Rules

• Nitrates () are soluble
• Group 1 and ammonium () compounds are soluble
• Chlorides (), bromides (), and iodides are soluble except with and
• Sulfates
• Hydroxides