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A-LevelChemistryHydroxy compoundsFeb/Mar 2024Paper 1 Q311 Mark

X is an organic compound containing the elements carbon, hydrogen and oxygen only. The table shows the observations made from three chemical tests carried out on X. reagent added: Na(s), observation: effervescence reagent added: Na₂CO₃(s), observation: effervescence reagent added: hot H⁺/Cr₂O₇²⁻(aq), observation: remains orange What is a possible structure of X?

Askeletal formula of HOOC-COOH
Bskeletal formula of HOCH₂COOH
Cskeletal formula of OHC-COOH
Dskeletal formula of 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanoic acid (C(CH3)2(OH)COOH)

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is D: skeletal formula of 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropanoic acid (C(CH3)2(OH)COOH)

📋 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 Hydroxy compounds in A-Level Chemistry (syllabus code 9701). It is worth 1 mark.

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Chemistry Feb/Mar 2024 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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