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A-LevelChemistryHydrocarbons9701/42 · May/June 2019 · Q616 Marks

By reference to the formation of σ and π bonds, describe and explain the shape of a benzene molecule, C₆H₆.

  1. (a)By reference to the formation of σ and π bonds, describe and explain the shape of a benzene molecule, C₆H₆.[3]
  2. (b)(i)2,3-dimethylphenylamine can be prepared from 1,2-dimethylbenzene in two steps as shown. [Figure X.X] Step 1 is catalysed by H₂SO₄. Write an equation to show how H₂SO₄ generates the electrophile during step 1.[1]
  3. (b)(ii)Draw the mechanism of the reaction between this electrophile and 1,2-dimethylbenzene to form M. Include all relevant curly arrows and charges. [Figure X.X][3]
  4. (b)(iii)Write an equation to show how the H₂SO₄ catalyst is reformed.[1]
  5. (b)(iv)For step 2, suggest the reagents and conditions and name the type of reaction. • reagents and conditions • type of reaction[2]
  6. (c)(i)The drug mefenamic acid can be made using 2,3-dimethylphenylamine in an excess of 2-chlorobenzoic acid. [Figure X.X] Deduce the molecular formula of mefenamic acid.[1]
  7. (c)(ii)Name the functional groups, apart from the benzene ring, in mefenamic acid.[1]
  8. (c)(iii)Calculate the maximum mass of mefenamic acid that could be formed from 5.00 g of 2,3-dimethylphenylamine in this reaction. Give your answer to three significant figures. mass of mefenamic acid =[2]
  9. (d)The position of substitution in the electrophilic substitution of arenes can be explained based on the stability of the intermediate cations formed in the first step. The example given involves the bromination of methylbenzene. [Figure X.X] Use this information and your knowledge about the stability of cations to suggest why the CH₃ group directs incoming electrophiles to the 2- and 4-positions in preference to the 3-position.[2]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [1] any three points from: • bond angle = 120° and shape is (hexagonal ring) planar / (trigonal) planar • carbons are sp² hybridised • contains delocalised electrons in the π bonds / system • sp² orbitals between C-H / C-C overlap to form σ bonds • a p orbital from each carbon atom overlap sideways with each other above and below the ring forming π bonds; ALLOW labelled diagrams for bullets 1–5
  2. [1] HNO₃ + H₂SO₄ → HSO₄⁻ + H₂O + NO₂⁺ or HNO₃ + 2H₂SO₄ → 2HSO₄⁻ + H₃O⁺ + NO₂⁺
  3. [1] first curly arrow to N of NO₂⁺
  4. [1] correct intermediate
  5. [1] 2nd curly arrow and H⁺ formed / lost
  6. [1] HSO₄⁻ + H⁺ → H₂SO₄
  7. [1] Sn + conc. HCl (+ heat)
  8. [1] reduction IGNORE redox
  9. [1] C₁₅H₁₅NO₂
  10. [1] amine and carboxylic acid both
  11. [1] amount of 2,3-dimethylphenylamine = 5.00 / 121 = 0.0413 mol
  12. [1] amount of mefenamic acid = 0.0413 mol mass of mefenamic acid = 0.0413 × 241 = 9.96 / 9.95 g 3sf required ECF
  13. [1] 3º carbocations are more stable than 2º carbocations
  14. [1] due to the methyl group acting as an electron donating group (leading to an increase in electron density on the cation stabilising it)

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About this question

Topic
Hydrocarbons, A-Level Chemistry (syllabus 9701). Structured question, 16 marks.
Source
A-Level Chemistry, May/June 2019 Paper 4 Variant 2, question 6.

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