The key difference between acid base reaction and precipitation reaction is that acid base reactions include the neutralization of an acid from a base or vice versa whereas precipitation reactions include the formation of a precipitate after the completion of the reaction.
There are different types of chemical reactions such as combination reactions, decomposition, single displacement and double displacement reactions, combustion, redox reactions, etc. Acid base and precipitation reactions are such two types.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is an Acid Base Reaction
3. What is a Precipitation Reaction
4. Side by Side Comparison – Acid Base Reaction vs Precipitation Reaction Reaction
5. Summary
What is an Acid Base Reaction?
An acid base reaction is a chemical reaction in which an acid reacts with a base or vice versa. Here, a neutralization occurs; acid neutralizes the base or vice versa; therefore, we can call it a neutralization reaction as well. Further, the end product of these reactions are salts made of the anions of acid and cations of the base plus water molecules. In this reaction, bond breaking and bond formation may occur.
Moreover, the acid base reaction may occur in two ways: if the reaction occurs between a strong acid and a strong base, then it is essentially a quantitative reaction. That means; the reaction proceeds until acid and/or base is completely consumed. However, if the reaction occurs between a weak acid and/or a weak base, there will be an equilibrium. But, this type of reaction is not quantitative because a weak acid or a weak base is a buffer solution.
For example, the reaction between HCl and NaOH is quantitative because HCl is a strong acid and NaOH is a strong base.
HCl(aq) + Na(OH)(aq) → H2O + NaCl(aq)
But, the reaction between adenine and hydrogen phosphate is not quantitative because hydrogen phosphate is a weak acid. Then the equilibrium is as follows:
AH + HPO42− ⇌ A− + H2PO−4
What is a Precipitation Reaction?
A precipitation reaction is a type of chemical reaction in which a precipitate forms at the end of the reaction. Here, the reactants are two soluble salts. These salts combine with each other to give an insoluble salt we call the precipitate. Further, the precipitate can exist in two different ways: as a suspension or a solid mass which sinks to the bottom of the container.
If it is a suspension, we can separate it from the reaction mixture via centrifugation, decantation or filtration. The remaining liquid after the separation of the precipitate is called supernatant.
What is the Difference Between Acid Base Reaction and Precipitation Reaction?
Acid base and precipitation reactions are two types of chemical reactions. The key difference between acid base reaction and precipitation reaction is that acid base reactions include the neutralization of an acid from a base or vice versa whereas precipitation reactions include the formation of a precipitate after the completion of reaction. The process of an acid base reaction includes the combination of anions and cations to form a salt and water, while the process of precipitation reaction includes the formation of an insoluble salt from soluble salts.
Summary – Acid Base Reaction vs Precipitation Reaction
In summary, the acid base and precipitation reactions are two types of chemical reactions. The key difference between acid base reaction and precipitation reaction is that acid base reactions include the neutralization of an acid from a base or vice versa whereas precipitation reactions include the formation of a precipitate after the completion of the reaction.
Reference:
1. Helmenstine, Anne Marie. “Definition of Precipitation Reaction.” ThoughtCo, Jan. 22, 2019, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Chemical precipitation diagram” By ZabMilenko – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia