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A-LevelChemistryOrganic synthesis9701/22 · May/June 2021 · Q58 Marks

S is a secondary alcohol with molecular formula C4H10O. [Reaction scheme diagram] S C4H10O step 1 PBr3 T C4H9Br step 2 U C4H9CN step 3 dilute acid V In step 1, the secondary alcohol S reacts with PBr3 to produce T, which has molecular formula C4H9Br.

  1. (a)Draw the displayed formula of S.[1]
  2. (b)(i)Give the systematic name of T.[1]
  3. (b)(ii)Name the type of reaction that occurs in step 1.[1]
  4. (b)(iii)State the reagent(s) and conditions for step 2.[2]
  5. (b)(iv)Step 3 involves heating C4HCN with dilute acid to form V. Complete the equation for this reaction. .....C4HCN + ...H+ + .H₂O →[2]
  6. (b)(v)An unlabelled sample contains either S, T or U. The sample produces the infrared spectrum shown. [Figure of IR spectrum] Explain how this spectrum confirms that the unknown sample contains U. In your answer identify one relevant absorption in the infrared spectrum and the bond that corresponds to this absorption in the region above 1500cm-1.[1]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [1] displayed formula of butan-2-ol structure with O—H shown
  2. [1] 2-bromobutane
  3. [1] substitution
  4. [1] M1 NaCN or KCN
  5. [1] M2 ethanolic AND heat (under reflux)
  6. [1] (1)C4H9CN + (1)H+ + 2H2O → (1)C4H9CO2H + (1)NH4+ ✓ ✓ correct organic product showing carboxylic acid functional group M1 C4H9CO2H / C4H9COOH
  7. [1] M2 balanced equation with a C5H10O2 or equivalent structure as product
  8. [1] 2200–2250 (cm⁻¹ due to) C≡N / triple bond between C and N.

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About this question

Topic
Organic synthesis, A-Level Chemistry (syllabus 9701). Structured question, 8 marks.
Source
A-Level Chemistry, May/June 2021 Paper 2 Variant 2, question 5.

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