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A-LevelChemistryHydrocarbonsMay/June 2018Paper 1 Q221 Mark

Maleic acid is used in the food industry and for stabilising drugs. It is the cis-isomer of butenedioic acid and has the structural formula HO2CCH=CHCO2H. What is the product formed from the reaction of maleic acid with cold, dilute, acidified manganate(VII) ions?

AHO2CCH(OH)CH(OH)CO2H
BHO2CCO2H
CHO2CCH2CH(OH)CO2H
DHO2CCOCOCO2H

✓ Correct Answer

The correct answer is A: HO2CCH(OH)CH(OH)CO2H

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

Source

This question appeared in the Cambridge A-Level Chemistry May/June 2018 examination, Paper 1 Variant 2.

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