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 .

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of double decomposition

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

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 Thomssen, E. G.

In the case of separation from solutions, either by crystallization or by precipitation by double decomposition, the temperature, the concentration of the solution, and the presence of other ions may modify the form obtained.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 1 "Châtelet" to "Chicago" by Various

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

The author, in 1915, during a series of experiments on the relative germicidal action of hypochlorites, attempted to prepare the ammonium salt by double decomposition of bleach and ammonium oxalate solutions.

From Chlorination of Water by Race, Joseph

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)