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A-LevelChemistryCarboxylic acids and derivatives9701/23 · May/June 2025 · Q514 Marks

W is a colourless liquid. [Fig. 5.1]

  1. (a)(i)Deduce the empirical formula of W.[1]
  2. (a)(ii)Two different reagents are each added to separate samples of W as shown in Table 5.1. Complete Table 5.1.[4]
  3. (b)(i)Deduce the number of sigma (ơ) bonds and pi (π) bonds present in Z. number of σ bonds ................................................... number of π bonds ...................................................[2]
  4. (b)(ii)W reacts with LiAlH₄ to produce Y. Draw the structure of Y.[1]
  5. (b)(iii)Identify the role of LiAlH₄ when it reacts with W.[1]
  6. (b)(iv)Suggest the reagent and conditions required when W is converted into Z.[1]
  7. (b)(v)Fig. 5.3 shows the structure of Z. Fig. 5.4 is the infrared spectrum of Z. Identify the bond and functional group responsible for each of the absorptions labelled A, B, C and D in Fig. 5.4. A ................................................... B ................................................... C ................................................... D ...................................................[2]
  8. (b)(vi)Z is used to produce addition polymer Q. Draw the repeat unit of polymer Q.[1]
  9. (c)Poly(ethene) is an addition polymer made from ethene. Explain why ethene reacts with electrophiles but poly(ethene) does not.[1]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2025). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [1] C₂H₃O
  2. [4] Na: fizz/bubbles etc/OR solid / Na disappears / dissolves structural formula of organic product when reagent is added to W: CH₂=C(CH₃)COONa OR CH₂=C(CH₃)CO₂⁻Na⁺ Br₂ in the dark: brown to colourless / decolourise structural formula of organic product when reagent is added to W: CH₂BrCBr(CH₃)COOH
  3. [2] number of σ bonds = 14 number of π bonds = 2
  4. [1] [Structure of CH₃CH(OH)CH₃]
  5. [1] reducing agent
  6. [1] methanol / CH₃OH AND concentrated) (sulfuric) acid (catalyst)
  7. [2] A C-H alkane B C=O ester C C=C alkene D C-O ester 2 points = 1 mark, all 4 points = 2 marks
  8. [1] [Structure of polymer repeat unit: -[CH₂-C(CH₃)(COOCH₃)]-]
  9. [1] ethene pi bond is a region of (high) electron density (above and below the C-C (sigma) bond)

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About this question

Topic
Carboxylic acids and derivatives, A-Level Chemistry (syllabus 9701). Structured question, 14 marks.
Source
A-Level Chemistry, May/June 2025 Paper 2 Variant 3, question 5.

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