In the synthesis reaction 2Na + Cl2 -> NaCl, what does this demonstrate?

The reaction 2Na + Cl2 -> NaCl demonstrates chemical synthesis, which occurs when two or more reactants combine to form a single product. In this case, sodium (Na) and chlorine gas (Cl2) react together to form sodium chloride (NaCl), commonly known as table salt. This type of reaction is characterized by the direct combination of elements or simpler compounds to create a more complex compound.

Chemical synthesis is an essential concept in chemistry, particularly in understanding how different substances can be formed through reactions. The formation of NaCl from elemental sodium and chlorine gas illustrates this principle clearly, as it involves the transformation of two distinct and reactive elements into a stable compound. This contrasts with other types of reactions such as decomposition, which involves breaking down a compound into simpler components, or neutralization, which typically involves the reaction between an acid and a base to produce salt and water.