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A-LevelChemistryOrganic synthesis9701/52 · Oct/Nov 2019 · Q113 Marks

Many organic reactions performed in the laboratory require heating under reflux. 4-nitromethylbenzene can be converted directly to 4-aminobenzaldehyde by heating it under reflux with an excess of solution A. Solution A is an aqueous alkaline mixture of Na₂S•9H₂O and S₈. Ethanol is used as a solvent for the reaction. [Figure showing reaction scheme from 4-nitromethylbenzene to 4-aminobenzaldehyde with solution A] The apparatus for this reaction is shown in the diagram. [Figure showing reflux apparatus with reflux condenser, round-bottomed flask, tap funnel, solution A, 4-nitromethylbenzene dissolved in ethanol]

  1. (a)(i)Show, using a labelled arrow, where the cooling water enters the reflux condenser.[1]
  2. (a)(ii)After the complete addition of solution A to the solution in the round-bottomed flask, a vigorous exothermic reaction takes place. What should be done to control the vigorous exothermic reaction during the addition of solution A?[1]
  3. (a)(iii)The mixture is heated to increase the rate of reaction. This is carried out under reflux. Other than to increase the rate of reaction, explain why a reflux process is used for heating the mixture.[1]
  4. (a)(iv)A student suggests that placing a bung in the top of the condenser would improve the experiment. Comment on whether the student is correct. Explain your answer.[1]
  5. (b)(i)Once the reaction is complete, the round-bottomed flask is removed from the set-up on page 2 and included in a new set-up for distillation. The distillation process separates the substances in the mixture in the flask. Complete and label the diagram to show how the apparatus could be set up for distillation. [Figure showing a round-bottomed flask][2]
  6. (b)(ii)The mixture in the round-bottomed flask is heated until all of the first substance distils off. The heating is then stopped. After distillation a hot solution remains in the round-bottomed flask. The table shows some data relevant to the experiment. substance | melting point/°C | boiling point/°C ---|---|--- [Figure for 4-aminobenzaldehyde] CHO, H₂N | 72 | 138 H₂O | 0 | 100 CH₃CH₂OH | -114 | 78 Use the data to identify the liquid that is first distilled off. Explain your answer.[1]
  7. (b)(iii)4-aminobenzaldehyde is soluble in hot water, but not in cold water. Starting with the hot solution in the round-bottomed flask, suggest how pure crystals of 4-aminobenzaldehyde can be obtained.[2]
  8. (c)Under acidic conditions, 4-aminobenzaldehyde (C₇H₇NO) forms a solid compound with molecular formula C₁₄H₁₂N₂O. 2C₇H₇NO → C₁₄H₁₂N₂O + H₂O A student carries out two experiments according to the method on page 2 to make C₇H₇NO. In Experiment 1, the student obtains 6.00 g of solid. In Experiment 2, the student uses the same method as in Experiment 1 but adds acid to neutralise the alkali in the mixture in the flask after heating under reflux. The same quantities of reagents are used in Experiment 1 and Experiment 2. Suggest how the mass of solid obtained in Experiment 2 compares to that of Experiment 1. Explain your answer.[2]
  9. (d)4-aminobenzaldehyde can be reacted with a halogenoalkane to form 4-(dimethylamino)benzaldehyde, compound D. [Figure showing reaction scheme from 4-aminobenzaldehyde + halogenoalkane to compound D] Some data is given that is relevant to this reaction. halogenoalkane | boiling point /°C | carbon-halogen bond energy /kJ mol⁻¹ ---|---|--- CH₃Cl | -97 | 340 CH₃Br | 4 | 280 CH₃I | 43 | 240 Give two reasons why CH₃I is the preferred halogenoalkane in the conversion of 4-aminobenzaldehyde to compound D.[2]

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. [1] arrow pointing inwards at bottom condenser inlet
  2. [1] Solution A / alkali must be added dropwise
  3. [1] to prevent vapour loss / escape of vapour
  4. [1] (incorrect) heating causes gases to expand OR Pressure would build up (causing apparatus to pop apart)
  5. [2] M1: Condenser sloping in the 'distillation' position able to accept distillate vapours M2: Condenser with (delivery) end open and rest of apparatus sealed
  6. [1] CH3CH2OH AND lowest boiling point.
  7. [2] M1: Cool (the solution) (until crystals form) M2: Filter AND rinse (the crystals) [with (cold) water].
  8. [2] M1: mass obtained would be less M2: because of H2O loss / formation / production
  9. [2] M1: (only) CH3l is a liquid at room temperature M2: (C-I) bond weakest / easiest to break

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About this question

Topic
Organic synthesis, A-Level Chemistry (syllabus 9701). Structured question, 13 marks.
Source
A-Level Chemistry, Oct/Nov 2019 Paper 5 Variant 2, question 1.

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