4 (CH3)3CCHO is used in the synthesis of some antibiotics. (a) (i) Give the name of (CH3)3CCHO. (ii) State the hybridisation of the carbon atom labelled with an asterisk, *. [Figure 4.1] (b) Two reaction sequences are shown. [Figure 4.2] (i) Reaction 1 is an oxidation reaction. Identify the reagent(s) and conditions for reaction 1.
- (a)(i)Give the name of (CH3)3CCHO.[1]
- (a)(ii)State the hybridisation of the carbon atom labelled with an asterisk, *.[1]
- (b)(i)Reaction 1 is an oxidation reaction. Identify the reagent(s) and conditions for reaction 1.[1]
- (b)(ii)A, (CH3)3CCO2H, is a solid at room temperature. B, CH3CO2(CH2)2CH3, is an isomer of A. B is a liquid at room temperature. Explain the difference in the physical states of A and B, with reference to any intermolecular forces that may exist.[3]
- (b)(iii)Give the balanced equation for the reaction of (CH3)3CCHO with NaBH4 to form S. Use [H] to represent an atom of hydrogen provided by NaBH4.[1]
- (b)(iv)Draw the structure of the organic molecule T that reacts with A, (CH3)3CCO2H, in reaction 2, to form U. Suggest a catalyst for reaction 2. catalyst[2]
- (c)(i)X, Y and Z are all isomers of (CH3)3CCHO. A summary of some of the reactions and properties of X, Y and Z is shown in the table. [Figure 4.3] X and Y each contains a carbonyl group. Complete the table with the expected observations for the reactions of X and Y with 2,4-DNPH.[1]
- (c)(ii)Identify the functional group present in Y that causes the recorded observation with Fehling’s solution.[1]
- (c)(iii)Y has a chiral centre and exists as a pair of optical isomers. State what is meant by the term chiral centre.[1]
- (c)(iv)Draw the optical isomers of Y using the conventional three-dimensional representation.[2]
- (c)(v)Z, C5H10O, has a branched carbon chain. It shows geometrical isomerism. Complete the table with the bond responsible for each of the principal absorptions seen in the infra-red spectrum of Z. principal absorptions in infra-red spectrum | bond responsible 3200–3600 cm–1 1630 cm–1 1050 cm–1[1]
- (c)(vi)Draw the skeletal formula of Z.[3]
- (c)(vii)X contains a carbonyl group. X reacts with HCN, in the presence of a small amount of NaCN, to form (C2H5)2C(OH)CN as shown. X + HCN → (C2H5)2C(OH)CN Draw the mechanism of the reaction of X with HCN. • Draw the structure of X and the intermediate. • Include all charges, partial charges, lone pairs and curly arrows.[3]
- (c)(viii)State the role of NaCN in the reaction in (c)(vii).[1]
This question uses a diagram from the original paper, which isn't shown here. Open the full paper from the past papers archive to see it.
Mark scheme
Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2019). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.
- [1] 4(a)(i) (2,2-)dimethylpropanal
- [1] 4(a)(ii) sp2
- [1] 4(b)(i) acidified potassium dichromate[(VI)] AND heat under reflux
- [3] 4(b)(ii) M1: A has H-bonding (between molecules) M2: B only has dipole-dipole / VdW forces (between molecules) M3: H-bonding is stronger / requires more energy to overcome
- [1] 4(b)(iii) (CH3)3CCHO + 2[H] → (CH3)3CCH2OH
- [2] 4(b)(iv) M1: Structure of T: HO-CH(CH3)CH2CH3 (or CH3CH(OH)CH3) M2: H2SO4 / sulfuric acid
- [1] 4(c)(i) orange / red / yellow precipitate (for both X and Y)
- [1] 4(c)(ii) Aldehyde
- [1] 4(c)(iii) has a carbon / atom attached / bonded to four different atoms / groups / groups of atoms / chains
- [2] 4(c)(iv) M1: Correct 3D representation (of one enantiomer) M2: Correct 3D representation of drawn enantiomer (for the other enantiomer)
- [1] 4(c)(v) 3200–3600 cm–1: RO–H / O–H; 1630 cm–1: C=C; 1050 cm–1: C–O (Award one mark for all correct.)
- [3] 4(c)(vi) M1: skeletal alkene group AND C5 structure M2: one alcohol group M3: branched chain AND capable of geometrical isomerism (Skeletal formula showing C=C and -OH on C5 chain, branched, with cis/trans possibility). Possible example: HO-CH=C(CH3)CH2CH3 or similar that satisfies criteria.
- [3] 4(c)(vii) M1: Correct structure of X (e.g., ketone or aldehyde with two ethyl groups attached to carbonyl carbon) and correct dipole on C=O. X is (C2H5)2CO. M2: curly arrow from C=O bond to O AND intermediate with CN attached and -ve charge on the O. M3: curly arrow from lone pair on CN- to C(=O) in X AND curly arrow from lone pair in the intermediate to H+.
- [1] 4(c)(viii) catalyst
Write your answer and get it marked
On Oracle Prep you can write or photograph your own answer and have it marked by AI against this mark scheme, with feedback on what you missed.
Sign up free →