A-LevelChemistryOrganic synthesisOct/Nov 2012Paper 1 Q241 Mark

But-2-ene-1,4-diol is converted in two steps through an intermediate X into ketobutanedioic acid. [Figure 24.1] What could be the reagent for step 1 and the intermediate X?

Q: What topic does this question test?

This question tests Organic synthesis in A-Level Chemistry (syllabus code 9701). It is worth 1 mark.

Areagent for step 1: cold acidified KMnO4, X: HOCH2CH2CH(OH)CH2OH

Breagent for step 1: hot acidified KMnO4, X: OHCCH(OH)CH2CHO

Creagent for step 1: steam and concentrated H2SO4, X: HOCH2CH(OH)CH2CH2OH

Dreagent for step 1: warm acidified K2Cr2O7, X: HO2CCH=CHCO2H

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is C: reagent for step 1: steam and concentrated H2SO4, X: HOCH2CH(OH)CH2CH2OH

📋 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 Organic synthesis in A-Level Chemistry (syllabus code 9701). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Chemistry Oct/Nov 2012 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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