Chemistry+Behind+It+All

 Chemistry is the bases of all matter and even life itself. In order for life to pursue its destiny, many different types of chemical reactions occur in specific and sometimes nonspecific sequences, which combine to allow multiple functions to happen, both good and bad. With each passing day, trillions of these reactions take place whether an individual notices or not. Some of the names these reactions are comprised of are synthesis, single displacement, double displacement, and combustion. One of the most commonly used and observed reactions that occur in both nature and in industries is the decomposition reaction. From the lab, all the way to the inside of a plant, the decomposition reaction plays a key role in preserving life and creating new substances.

The main function of a decomposition reaction is to “break- down” a chemical compound into less complex substances. The fundamental equation AB → A + B represents the bases for a decomposition reaction where “AB” is a compound and “A” + “B” are entities of the initial compound itself. If a chemical compound undergoes a decomposition reaction by means of heat, the name “Thermal Decomposition” is given to the reaction. The source of heat for this reaction may come from light, friction or other resources where heat energy is present.

Within the field of medicine, the use of thermal decomposition had made history in 1772 when Joseph Priestley, an English scientist, formed nitrous oxide. This compound was used as an anaesthetic to subside pain during surgeries and other forms of medical treatments. The ability for nitrous oxide to alter the activity of neurotransmitters in the brain made it possible to complete longer and complex medical procedures without it causing pain. In order to create the anaesthetic, Priestley added thermal energy to ammonium nitrate, which broke down into nitrous oxide and water.

The method of using thermal decomposition to create new products is heavily used in many different manufacturing companies and labs. The production of oxygen gas by means of thermal decomposition is a common practice among many scientists. By heating potassium chlorate; potassium chloride and a high yield of oxygen gas is produced. The oxygen gas can then be captured and used for further experiments.

The knowledge of decomposition reactions within the industry is crucial. Not only are these reactions useful for creating desirable products, but can also be an obstacle in preserving materials that undergo decomposition naturally. Nitroglycerin, for example decomposes into nitrogen gas, carbon monoxide gas, water vapor and oxygen gas when exposed to small amounts of heat, friction or impact. The unstable structure of this compound suggests why this is true. As nitroglycerin decomposes, massive amounts of energy is also released (an explosion) which has to be avoided until the substance needs to be used. With this knowledge of decomposition reactions, scientists have been able to develop procedures and special storage facilities to minimize this explosion from occurring.

The inconvenience of decomposition reactions do not always have to be extreme such as the nitroglycerin example. Another common inconvenient decomposition reaction is the break-down of hydrogen peroxide. If this compound is not placed in a cool area and kept away from oxygen, the solution will undergo a decomposition reaction resulting in oxygen gas and water. The products of this reaction do not render itself useful as a disinfecting agent any longer.

For the purpose of demonstrating a decomposition reaction, the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is useful by mixing it with potassium iodide. This will cause an instant yield of oxygen gas and water. The potassium iodide acts as a catalyst which increases the rate of the reaction considerably. If a chemical compound undergoes a decomposition reaction by means of a catalyst, the name “Catalytic Decomposition” is given to the reaction.

One of the most important processes that industries use in today’s world is electrolysis. By placing two oppositely charged electrodes and an electric charge through an ionic substance, the separation of ionic compounds can occur. When this takes place, the name “Electrical Decomposition” is given to the reaction. A simplistic example of electrolysis shows the decomposition of water. When the electric current is active, hydrogen gas and oxygen gas is produced. This generally would not occur naturally if it was not for the assistance of the added energy from the electric current. The process of electrolysis has been a tremendous help in discovering new elements throughout history. Calcium, barium, fluorine, sodium and magnesium never would have been discovered if it had not been for this study of science.

In order for natural cycles, photosynthesis, fermentation and cellular respiration to occur, the break-down of specific compounds is needed. During photosynthesis, water is brought into a photosynthetic membrane called the thylakoid. This membrane contains “light-gathering pigment molecules” that acts as an energy amplifier which takes light from the sun. Once this energy is directed at the water molecules, a form of thermal decomposition occurs. The breakdown of water in this case yields oxygen gas (used for cellular respiration) and H+ ions (used for the electron transport chain). Bacteria and fungi also use decomposition to carry out life functions. A very common example of this is the process fermentation. This process involves the break-down of glucose molecules into ethanol and carbon dioxide.Yeast is used significantly around the world for the purpose of creating alcohol and carbon dioxide from glucose molecules. Without fermentation, bread, alcoholic beverages and soy sauce could not be manufactured.

Since the beginning of time, science has progressed society and civilization rapidly. The study of matter and the interactions between molecules that make up every piece of the universe has helped our understanding of what, where, why, when and how events happen. Studying the science of decomposition reactions only covers a small fraction of what can be looked upon. By observing thermal, electrical and catalytic decomposition reactions, many of the answers scientists search for have been answered and new discoveries have happened as well. Decomposition reactions are not the only sequences of chemical production, but the value of these reactions are priceless. In order for life to proceed, decomposition reactions must occur.