Decomposition Reactions

The result of a combination reaction can be reversed; in other words, a compound can be decomposed into the components from which it was formed. This type of reaction is called a decomposition reaction. Many decomposition reactions occur via oxidation-reduction as illustrated below.


Note: Chlorine is reduced, while oxygen is oxidized.

But many other decomposition reactions do not involve a corresponding oxidation and reduction of the substances as shown below.

Note, that in this example of chemical decomposition, the oxidation states of the elements involved remain constant.