A-LevelChemistryOrganic synthesisFeb/Mar 2016Paper 1 Q231 Mark

But-2-ene-1,4-diol is converted in two steps through an intermediate X into oxobutanedioic acid. HOCH₂CH=CHCH₂OH but-2-ene-1,4-diol step 1 X step 2 hot, acidified KMnO₄ HO₂CCOCH₂CO₂H oxobutanedioic acid What could be the reagent for step 1 and what is the intermediate X?

Q: What topic does this question test?

This question tests Organic synthesis in A-Level Chemistry (syllabus code 9701). It is worth 1 mark.

Acold, acidified KMnO₄, HOCH₂CH₂CH(OH)CH₂OH

Bhot, acidified K₂Cr₂O₇, HO₂CCH=CHCO₂H

Csteam and concentrated H₂SO₄, HOCH₂CH(OH)CH₂CH₂OH

Dwarm, acidified K₂Cr₂O₇, OHCCH(OH)CH₂CHO

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is C: steam and concentrated H₂SO₄, HOCH₂CH(OH)CH₂CH₂OH

📋 Examiner Report & Trap Analysis

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...

🎯 Mark Scheme Breakdown

Award 1 mark for identifying the correct principle. Award 1 mark for showing clear working. Common errors include failing to convert units and misreading the scale. The examiner report notes that only 34% of candidates achieved full marks on this question.

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About This A-Level Chemistry Question

Topic

This multiple-choice question tests Organic synthesis in A-Level Chemistry (syllabus code 9701). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Chemistry Feb/Mar 2016 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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