Chemical properties are any of the properties of matter that may only be observed and measured by performing a
chemical change or chemical reaction. Chemical properties cannot be determined by touching or viewing a sample; the structure of the sample must be altered for the chemical properties to become apparent.
Examples of Chemical Properties
Here are some examples of chemical properties.
- reactivity with other chemicals
- toxicity
- coordination number
- flammability
- enthalpy of formation
- heat of combustion
- oxidation states
- chemical stability
- types of chemical bonds that will form
Uses of Chemical Properties
Scientists use chemical properties to predict whether a sample will participate in a chemical reaction. Chemical properties may be used to classify compounds and find applications for them. Understanding a material's chemical properties helps in its purification, separation from other chemicals or in identification in an unknown sample.
