In chemical terminology, what is the process of mixing chemicals to form a new compound called?

• A. Filtration
• B. Synthesis
• C. Distillation
• D. Extraction

Answer: (B)

Forming a new substance by combining two or more reactants is called synthesis. In synthesis, elements or simpler compounds join to produce a more complex product, a type of chemical reaction often described as a combination reaction. For example, when two elements or simple compounds react to form a single new compound, the process is synthesis.

Other terms describe different operations that aren’t about making a new compound. Filtration separates a solid from a liquid; distillation separates components based on differences in boiling points; extraction moves a solute from one solvent to another. These are separation or purification steps, not the creation of a new chemical substance.