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A-LevelChemistryCarbonyl compoundsOct/Nov 2014Paper 1 Q371 Mark

Propanal will react with hydrogen cyanide to form 2-hydroxybutanenitrile. A suitable catalyst for this reaction is sodium cyanide. NaCN CH₃CH₂CHO + HCN CH₃CH₂CH(OH)CN Which statements about the reaction of propanal with hydrogen cyanide are correct? 1 The CN⁻ ion attacks the propanal molecule to form an intermediate ion. 2 The product of the reaction has a chiral carbon atom. 3 The CN⁻ ion is a stronger electrophile than the HCN molecule.

A1, 2 and 3 are correct
B1 and 2 only are correct
C2 and 3 only are correct
D1 only is correct

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The correct answer is B. This question tests the candidate's understanding of carbonyl compounds within the Chemistrysyllabus. The examiner's mark scheme requires...

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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...

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About This A-Level Chemistry Question

This multiple-choice question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Chemistry (9701) Oct/Nov 2014 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2. It tests the topic of Carbonyl compounds and is worth 1 mark.

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