A ⮂ B+C a. Reactant (substrate) for hydrolysis b. Products of hydrolysis c. Reactants for synthesis d. Product of synthesis

Question

A ⮂ B+C

a. Reactant (substrate) for hydrolysis

b. Products of hydrolysis

c. Reactants for synthesis

d. Product of synthesis

Answer 1

Hi Kayla.

Regarding the chemical equation A ⮂ B + C, the forward and backwards arrows indicate that the reaction can proceed in both directions (it is reversible). Since this reaction can go both ways, what we label as being the products or reactants depends on which direction the reaction is going in. A reactant is the substance that undergoes a change during a reaction. The product is what the reactant(s) turn into.

Hydrolysis means that something is being broken down due to the addition of water. From the left side of the reaction to the right, A is being broken down (or hydrolyzed). What is it being broken down into? The answer to this question will give you the products of the hydrolysis reaction.

Synthesis describes a process where multiple things come together to form one larger component. From right to left, B and C are coming together. What are they coming together to make?. The answer to this question will give you the product of the synthesis reaction.

I hope this helps!