Double displacement reaction occurs between:

Correct option is B

The correct answer is: (B) Ionic compounds

• A double displacement reaction, also known as a double replacement or metathesis reaction, primarily occurs between ionic compounds. In this reaction, the cations and anions of two ionic compounds swap places, forming two new ionic compounds.

An example of a double displacement reaction is when silver nitrate (AgNO₃) reacts with sodium chloride (NaCl), forming silver chloride (AgCl) and sodium nitrate (NaNO₃):

AgNO₃ (aq) + NaCl (aq) → AgCl (s) + NaNO₃ (aq)

Since ionic compounds dissociate into ions in solution, the cations and anions are free to swap partners, making them ideal for double displacement reactions.

Explanation booster:

• Covalent compounds: Double displacement reactions do not typically occur between covalent compounds because they do not dissociate into ions in solution. In covalent compounds, atoms share electrons, and the mechanism for ion exchange in double displacement reactions does not apply.
• Both ionic and covalent compounds: Double displacement reactions generally occur with ionic compounds, not covalent compounds. Therefore, this option is incorrect.
• Neither ionic nor covalent compounds: This is incorrect because double displacement reactions are characteristic of ionic compounds, so this option does not apply.

Key Points:

• Double displacement reactions occur between ionic compounds.
• The ions in ionic compounds are free to swap places, which is the basis of double displacement reactions.
• Covalent compounds do not undergo double displacement reactions.