What type of reaction is represented by the equation A + B → AB?

The reaction represented by the equation A + B → AB is classified as a synthesis reaction. In this type of reaction, two or more reactants combine to form a single product. Here, the substances A and B come together to create a new compound, AB. This process is characterized by the formation of a more complex substance from simpler ones, which aligns perfectly with the definition of a synthesis reaction.

Synthesis reactions are fundamental in chemistry because they illustrate how elements and simpler compounds can create new materials, which is essential in various chemical processes and applications, from industrial manufacturing to biological systems. In the context of the equation, the emergence of the product AB indicates that a new chemical bond has formed between A and B, further validating the classification as a synthesis reaction.