In a synthesis reaction, two or more reactants combine to form what?

In a synthesis reaction, two or more reactants combine to form a new compound. This type of reaction is characterized by the merging of simpler substances, which can be elements or simpler compounds, into a more complex entity. The process often involves the formation of chemical bonds and results in a substance that has distinct properties compared to the reactants.

For example, when hydrogen gas reacts with oxygen gas under the right conditions, they combine to form water, which is a new compound with unique characteristics differing from its individual elements. This illustrates how synthesis reactions lead to the formation of a single, distinct product rather than a mixture or multiple products, which is the key aspect of this reaction type. The focus on creating a new compound emphasizes the transformation that occurs in the reactants during the reaction process.