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A-LevelChemistryOrganic synthesis9701/41 · Oct/Nov 2018 · Q711 Marks

Chlorobenzene and phenol both show a lack of reactivity towards reactants that cause the breaking of the C–X bond (X = Cl or OH). A student suggested that phenol can be prepared from benzene by the method shown. [Figure showing reaction scheme: benzene → step 1 → nitrobenzene → step 2 → phenylamine → step 3 (NaNO₂(aq)/HCl(aq), 5°C) → K → step 4 → phenol]

  1. (a)Explain why. [3][3]
  2. (b)When phenol is reacted with bromine dissolved in an inert solvent, two isomeric bromophenols, C6H4BrOH, are formed. Suggest structures for these products. Name each compound. [Two boxes for structure and two lines for name] [2][2]
  3. (c)(i)Suggest reagents and conditions for each of the following steps. step 1 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... step 2 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... step 4 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... [3][3]
  4. (c)(ii)Deduce the structure for K and draw its structural formula in the box. [1][1]
  5. (c)(iii)Name the mechanism for step 1. [1][1]
  6. (c)(iv)Write an equation for step 2. Use [H] for the reducing agent in this equation. [1][1]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [1] M1 C-X/C-Cl/ C-O bond is stronger (in chlorobenzene / phenol)
  2. [1] M2 p-orbital/lone pair on Cl/ O(H) / X (in chlorobenzene / phenol)
  3. [1] M3 electrons of the (Cl/ O / electronegative atom) AND overlap / delocalise with π-electron cloud / delocalise into ring
  4. [1] structure and name correct [for both 2-bromophenol and 4-bromophenol]
  5. [1] step 1 conc. HNO3 + H2SO4 (and temperare 50–55 °C)
  6. [1] step 2 Sn + HCl AND one of conc.HCl + heat
  7. [1] step 4 H2O warm / heat
  8. [1] [Diagram of benzenediazonium chloride, C6H5N2⁺Cl⁻]
  9. [1] step 1 electrophilic substitution
  10. [1] C6H5NO2 + 6[H] → C6H5NH2 + 2H2O

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About this question

Topic
Organic synthesis, A-Level Chemistry (syllabus 9701). Structured question, 11 marks.
Source
A-Level Chemistry, Oct/Nov 2018 Paper 4 Variant 1, question 7.

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