A _____________ reaction is an interaction between two or more compounds that produce an effect that is different from the original starting materials in the end product is greater as a hole in the individual compounds.

• A. Sequential
• B. Catalytic
• C. Composite
• D. Synergistic

Answer: (D)

A synergistic reaction occurs when two or more compounds interact in a way that the overall effect is greater than the sum of the effects of each substance alone. In practice, this means the end result or hazard of the mixture is amplified beyond what would be expected from the individual components. This concept is important for hazmat work because mixtures can become significantly more dangerous than their constituents, such as when an oxidizer and a fuel react in a manner that releases heat, gas, or toxic products more vigorously than either would separately. Other terms describe different ideas: a sequential reaction proceeds in steps, a catalytic reaction is sped up by a catalyst without being consumed, and a composite refers to a material made from two or more constituents without implying a super-additive effect.