Skip to main content
A-LevelChemistryOrganic synthesis9701/23 · May/June 2021 · Q412 Marks

1,3-dichloropropan-2-ol can be made by reacting M. [Figure showing M reacting to form 1,3-dichloropropan-2-ol]

  1. (a)(i)Give the systematic name of M.[1]
  2. (a)(ii)Name the functional group present in M that changes during this reaction.[1]
  3. (a)(iii)State a suitable reagent for this reaction.[1]
  4. (b)Separate samples of 1,3-dichloropropan-2-ol and 3-chloropropane-1,2-diol are heated with excess acidified Cr2O72- until there is no further reaction. In each reaction, a different organic product, Q or R, is made. [Figure showing structures of 1,3-dichloropropan-2-ol and 3-chloropropane-1,2-diol leading to Q and R] Q and R are tested separately with 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine solution, 2,4-DNPH, and sodium carbonate solution, Na2CO3(aq). Complete the table to give any relevant observations. If no reaction occurs, write 'no visible change'. [Table with reagent, observation with Q, observation with R][4]
  5. (c)Citric acid can be made from M in a four-step reaction. [Figure showing a 4-step reaction sequence from M to citric acid] Complete the table for each step of the reaction sequence to identify: • the reagents and conditions required • the type of reaction. [Table with step, reagent and conditions, type of reaction][5]

This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.

Mark scheme

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

  1. [1] 4(a)(i) 1,3-dichloropropan(-2-)one
  2. [1] 4(a)(ii) carbonyl / ketone
  3. [1] 4(a)(iii) NaBH4 OR LiAlH4
  4. [1] 4(b) M1 red / orange / yellow AND precipitate / solid / crystals
  5. [1] M2 red / orange / yellow AND precipitate / solid / crystals
  6. [1] M3 no visible change
  7. [1] M4 fizz / effervescence
  8. [1] 4(c) M1 HCN and (trace) KCN / NaCN
  9. [1] M3 Addition
  10. [1] M2 KCN/NaCN in ethanol / alcohol
  11. [1] M4 Substitution
  12. [1] M5 type of reaction for step 2 AND step 4

Write your answer and get it marked

On Oracle Prep you can write or photograph your own answer and have it marked by AI against this mark scheme, with feedback on what you missed.

Sign up free →

About this question

Topic
Organic synthesis, A-Level Chemistry (syllabus 9701). Structured question, 12 marks.
Source
A-Level Chemistry, May/June 2021 Paper 2 Variant 3, question 4.

Questions and mark schemes are from past examination papers and remain the copyright of the exam board. How Oracle Prep builds its content

Related Chemistry questions

© 2026 Oracle Prep