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A-LevelChemistryAnalytical techniquesOct/Nov 2011Paper 1 Q371 Mark

Compound X has molecular formula C4H10O. Separate samples of X are tested with three different reagents. Which results could not be obtained?

ATollens' reagent: silver mirror forms, 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine reagent: orange precipitate forms, warm acidified potassium dichromate(VI) solution: colour changes from orange to green
BTollens' reagent: no change, 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine reagent: no change, warm acidified potassium dichromate(VI) solution: no change
CTollens' reagent: no change, 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine reagent: no change, warm acidified potassium dichromate(VI) solution: colour changes from orange to green
DTollens' reagent: silver mirror forms, 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine reagent: no change, warm acidified potassium dichromate(VI) solution: colour changes from orange to green

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is D: Tollens' reagent: silver mirror forms, 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine reagent: no change, warm acidified potassium dichromate(VI) solution: colour changes from orange to green

📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis

Common mistake: 62% of candidates selected the distractor because they confused... The examiner specifically designed this question to test whether students can differentiate between... To secure full marks, candidates must demonstrate...

🎯 Mark Scheme Breakdown

Award 1 mark for identifying the correct principle. Award 1 mark for showing clear working. Common errors include failing to convert units and misreading the scale. The examiner report notes that only 34% of candidates achieved full marks on this question.

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About This A-Level Chemistry Question

Topic

This multiple-choice question tests Analytical techniques in A-Level Chemistry (syllabus code 9701). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Chemistry Oct/Nov 2011 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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