How is it possiable that a reaction can be both synthesis and redox

Question

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Answer 1

An redox (oxidation/reduction) reaction is one in which one element loses electrons and another gains electrons.  

A synthesis reaction is of the form A + B ==> C.

 

Take the example of sodium plus chlorine combining to make sodium chloride.

2Na(s) + Cl2(g) ==> 2NaCl(s)

This is clearly a synthesis reaction (A + B ==>C).  But note that each Na(s) loses an electron to become Na+ and each Cl gains an electron to become Cl-, so this is clearly an oxidation/reduction reaction.

 

So, to answer the question, a redox reaction can also be a synthesis reaction (if there is a giving and taking of electrons), and redox is also single displacement and combustion.  But redox is never double displacement reactions.

 

Hope this makes sense.