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

See Examples For:

double decomposition

Friable, calcareous matter is here abundant, and the case of the apparent double decomposition of the shells and salt on San Lorenzo, should not be forgotten.

From Geological Observations on South America by Charles Darwin

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 William McPherson

This enters into double decomposition with the salt, as shown in the first equation under the Solvay process.

From An Elementary Study of Chemistry by William McPherson

Further he prepared a large number of substances, including the chlorides and other salts of lead, tin, iron, zinc, copper, antimony and arsenic, and he even noted some of the phenomena of double decomposition.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 1 "Gichtel, Johann" to "Glory" by Various

When salt is added to a potassium soap double decomposition occurs, the potassium soap being transformed to a sodium soap and the potassium uniting with the chlorine to form potassium chloride.

From Soap-Making Manual A Practical Handbook on the Raw Materials, Their Manipulation, Analysis and Control in the Modern Soap Plant. by E. G. Thomssen