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A-LevelChemistryChemical bonding9701/42 · Oct/Nov 2022 · Q68 Marks

An aqueous solution of cobalt(II) chloride is a pink colour due to the presence of [Co(H₂O)₆]²⁺ complex ions.

  1. (a)(i)Complete Table 6.1 to describe what is observed when the named reagent is added to an aqueous solution of cobalt(II) chloride. Table 6.1 reagent | colour of cobalt-containing product | state of cobalt-containing product NaOH(aq) | | an excess of conc. HCl | | [2][2]
  2. (a)(ii)Write an equation for the reaction between [Co(H₂O)₆]²⁺ ions and NaOH(aq). [1][1]
  3. (a)(iii)Write an equation for the reaction between [Co(H₂O)₆]²⁺ ions and an excess of conc. HCl. [1][1]
  4. (b)(i)Define stability constant. [1][1]
  5. (b)(ii)Write an expression for the stability constant, Kstab, of the [Co(NH₃)₆]²⁺ complex ion. Kstab = ......................................................................................................................................... [1][1]
  6. (b)(iii)Give the units of the stability constant, Kstab, of the [Co(NH₃)₆]²⁺ complex ion. units = .............................................. [1][1]
  7. (b)(iv)The numerical value of the stability constant, Kstab, of the [Co(NH₃)₆]²⁺ complex ion is 7.7 × 10⁴. In an aqueous solution the concentration of the [Co(NH₃)₆]²⁺ complex ion is 0.0740 mol dm⁻³ and the concentration of NH₃ is 0.480 mol dm⁻³ at equilibrium. Calculate the concentration of [Co(H₂O)₆]²⁺ in this solution. concentration = .............................................. mol dm⁻³ [1][1]

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Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2022). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. blue or pink | s / solid
  2. blue | aq / aqueous
  3. [1] two cells correct
  4. [1] two more cells correct
  5. [1] [Co(H₂O)₆]²⁺ + 2OH⁻ → Co(OH)₂(H₂O)₄ + 2H₂O or [Co(H₂O)₆]²⁺ + 2OH⁻ → Co(OH)₂ + 6H₂O
  6. [1] [Co(H₂O)₆]²⁺ + 4Cl⁻ → [CoCl₄]²⁻ + 6H₂O
  7. [1] the equilibrium constant for the formation of a complex ion in a solvent OR the equilibrium constant for the formation of a complex ion from its constituent ions
  8. [1] Kstab = [[Co(NH₃)₆]²⁺] / [[Co(H₂O)₆]²⁺][NH₃]⁶ or [[Co(NH₃)₆]²⁺] / [Co²⁺][NH₃]⁶
  9. [1] mol⁻⁶ dm¹⁸
  10. [1] 7.86 × 10⁻⁵

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About this question

Topic
Chemical bonding, A-Level Chemistry (syllabus 9701). Structured question, 8 marks.
Source
A-Level Chemistry, Oct/Nov 2022 Paper 4 Variant 2, question 6.

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