double decomposition

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. a reaction whose result is the interchange of two parts of two substances to form two new substances, as AgNO 3 + NaCl → AgCl + NaNO 3 .

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double decomposition British  

noun

1. Also called: metathesis.  a chemical reaction between two compounds that results in the interchange of one part of each to form two different compounds, as in AgNO 3 + KI → AgI + KNO 3

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Etymology

Origin of double decomposition

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

It will be readily seen that a knowledge of valence is also of very great assistance in writing the equations for reactions of double decomposition.

From An Elementary Study of Chemistry by McPherson, William

Between calcium carbide and water vapour a double decomposition occurs chemically identical with that between carbide and liquid water; but the physical effect of the reaction and its practical bearings are considerably modified.

From Acetylene, the Principles of Its Generation and Use A Practical Handbook on the Production, Purification, and Subsequent Treatment of Acetylene for the Development of Light, Heat, and Power by Leeds, F. H. (Frank Henley)

This law involves the existence of general combining weights just in the same way as the law of neutrality with double decomposition of salts involves the law of the combining weights of acids and bases.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 3 "Electrostatics" to "Engis" by Various

Lithopone, probably the whitest of pigments, results from the double decomposition of zinc sulphate and barium sulphide, thereby forming a molecular combination of zinc sulphide and barium sulphate.

From Paint Technology and Tests by Gardner, Henry A.

Mr. Robiquet, however, has shown, that the pretended codeate, is a muriate of morphia, formed by double decomposition between the muriate of soda, employed by Mr. Robinet in his analysis, and meconate of morphia.

From North American Medical and Surgical Journal, Vol. 2, No. 3, July, 1826 by Bache, Franklin