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A-LevelChemistryChemical bonding9701/43 · May/June 2020 · Q113 Marks

An aqueous solution of cobalt(II) contains the [Co(H2O)6]2+ complex ion.

  1. (a)(i)Define the term complex ion.[1]
  2. (a)(ii)Samples of [Co(H2O)6]2+ are reacted separately with aqueous sodium hydroxide and with an excess of aqueous ammonia. Give the following information about these reactions. • the reaction of [Co(H2O)6]2+ with aqueous sodium hydroxide colour and state of the cobalt-containing species ionic equation type of reaction • the reaction of [Co(H2O)6]2+ with an excess of aqueous ammonia colour and state of the cobalt-containing species ionic equation type of reaction[6]
  3. (b)When concentrated hydrochloric acid is added to a solution containing [Co(H2O)6]2+, a blue solution of [CoCl4]²– is formed and the following equilibrium is established. [Co(H2O)6]2+ + 4Cl- ⇌ [CoCl4]2- + 6H2O Use Le Chatelier's principle to suggest the expected observations when silver nitrate solution is added dropwise to the blue solution of [CoCl4]2-. Explain your answer.[2]
  4. (c)The [Co(NH3)3Cl3] complex shows stereoisomerism. Complete the three-dimensional diagrams to show the two isomers of [Co(NH3)3Cl3]. Suggest the type of stereoisomerism. [Diagram showing two 'Co' central atoms with bonds for ligands][2]
  5. (d)(i)Compound X, C6H18N4, is a tetradentate ligand. [Figure showing structure of Compound X with formula H₂N–CH₂CH₂–NH–CH₂CH₂–NH–CH₂CH₂–NH₂] Suggest why one molecule of X can form four dative bonds.[1]
  6. (d)(ii)C6H18N4 reacts with aqueous cobalt(II) ions, [Co(H2O)6]²⁺, in a 1:1 ratio to form a new complex ion. Construct an equation for this reaction.[1]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [1] (a)(i) (a molecule or ion) formed by a (central) metal atom / ion surrounded by / bonded to (one or more) ligands
  2. [6] (a)(ii) M1: blue ppt/solid
  3. [6] (a)(ii) M2: [Co(H2O)6]2+ + 2OH- → Co(OH)2 + 6H2O OR [CO(H2O)6]2+ + 2OH- → [Co(H2O)4(OH)2] + 2H2O
  4. [6] (a)(ii) M3: precipitation/ acid-base
  5. [6] (a)(ii) M4: blue solution
  6. [6] (a)(ii) M5: [Co(H2O)6]2+ + 6NH3 → [Co(NH3)6]2+ + 6H2O
  7. [6] (a)(ii) M6: ligand exchange/displacement/substitution/replacement
  8. [2] (b) • solution turns blue → pink
  9. [2] (b) • a white ppt. of AgCl forms
  10. [2] (b) • equilibrium shifts to the left/ [Cl] decreases
  11. [2] (b) Two correct responses = 1 mark Three correct responses = 2 marks
  12. [2] (c) [Diagrams for cis/trans isomers]
  13. [2] (c) geometric ALLOW cis-trans
  14. [2] (c) Two correct responses = 1 mark Three correct responses = 2 marks
  15. [1] (d)(i) each nitrogen / the four nitrogen's has a lone pair of electrons (to the metal ion)
  16. [1] (d)(i) Two correct responses = 1 mark
  17. [1] (d)(ii) [Co(H2O)6]2+ + C6H18N4 → [Co(C6H18N4)]2+ + 6H2O OR [Co(H2O)6]2+ + C6H18N4 → [Co(C6H18N4)(H2O)2]2+ + 4H2O

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About this question

Topic
Chemical bonding, A-Level Chemistry (syllabus 9701). Structured question, 13 marks.
Source
A-Level Chemistry, May/June 2020 Paper 4 Variant 3, question 1.

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