Question

Why is `Cl_2 + KI -> KCl + I_2`? not a synthesis reaction?

Answer 1

Not Synthesis. It is a Single Displacement.

Explanation:

Synthesis reactions are defined as following:

`"Element " + " Element" ->Compound`

However, single displacement reactions are defined as following:

`"Element " + Compound -> Compound + " Element"`

Which is the case of the reaction in question:

`underbrace(Cl_2)_("Element") + underbrace(KI)_(Compound)->underbrace(KCl)_(Compound) + underbrace(I_2)_("Element")`

The balanced equation is:

`Cl_2+2KI->2KCl+I_2`

Here is a video about the type of chemical reactions:
Lab Experiment #3: Types of Chemical Reactions.