Difference between Synthesis, Analysis, Conversion and Reaction in Chemistry

During a chemical reaction, substances are converted into other substances. There are basically two basic types of possible transformations: synthesis (combination of substances) and analysis (decomposition of substances).

Synthesis

During a synthesis, individual elements are assembled together into a new compound. A new chemical compound is created.

\[\mathrm{ 2 H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2 H_2 O }\]

Example: An example of a synthesis is the connection of the elements hydrogen H and oxygen O to water, for example in the oxyhydrogen test.

Analysis

The analysis disassembles an existing chemical compound into its elements. The chemical substance is thus decomposed into its components.

\[\mathrm{ 2 H_2 O \rightarrow O_2 + 2 H_2 }\]

Example: An example of an analysis is the decomposition of water into oxygen O and hydrogen H, for example by electrolysis.

Conversion

Conversions in chemistry are a mixture of syntheses and analyzes, both, decompositions and combinations occur together within one reaction.

In a simple conversion, an element react with a compound, creating another element and a new compound. In a dual conversion, two compounds react with each other in a way that two new compounds are formed.

\[\mathrm{ CH_4 + 2 O_2 \rightarrow CO_2 + 2 H_2O }\]

Example: An example of a double conversion is the combustion of methane CH₄ and oxygen 0₂. When these two compounds are burned, the new compounds carbon dioxide and water are formed.