Is #X+Y=C+D# a correct chemical equation?

Question

Peyton Adams · Accepted Answer

To begin with, you write #X+Y->C+D#
In stead of an #=# sign.

And then it's easy to see that #CandD# must be the products, and #XandY# the reactants (=the compounds that react).

Wyatt Adkins · Answer

Reactants are on the left side of the equation and products are on the right side of the equation.

Reactants are always written on the left side of a general chemical equation, such as the one you have here, and products are written on the right side. Regarding you, you are aware that #X + Y -> C + D# Compound #X# will react with compound #Y# to form two products, #C# and #D#. Since #X# and #Y# are on the left side of the equation, they will be your reactants. That makes #C# and #D# your products. #underbrace(X + Y)_(color(green)("reactants")) -> overbrace(C + D)^(color(blue)("products"))# The reactants and products will still be on the left and right sides of the equation, even in the case of a reverse reaction. In your situation, you may have #C + D -> X + Y# This time #C# and #D# will react to form #X# and #Y#. Thus keep in mind that a chemical reaction is always expressed as follows. #color(green)("Reactants") -> color(blue)("Products")#

Kai Bowman · Answer

undefined X+Y=C+D is a mathematical expression rather than a chemical equation, so it is not a valid chemical equation.