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O-LevelChemistryChemistry of the Environment5070/22 · May/June 2021 · Q310 Marks

There is concern about the disposal of plastics made from non-biodegradable polymers.

  1. (a)(i)Name the type of polymer shown.[1]
  2. (a)(ii)Draw the structure of the monomer used to make this polymer.[1]
  3. (a)(iii)This polymer is often disposed of by combustion. Suggest one problem associated with this method of disposal.[1]
  4. (b)(i)Suggest what is meant by the term biodegradable.[1]
  5. (b)(ii)Draw the partial structure of poly(lactic acid). Show at least two repeat units.[2]
  6. (b)(iii)A factory uses 500 tonnes of lactic acid to make poly(lactic acid). The percentage yield is 100% but the mass of poly(lactic acid) made is less than 500 tonnes. Explain why the mass of poly(lactic acid) made is less than 500 tonnes.[1]
  7. (b)(iv)Aqueous lactic acid reacts with acidified potassium manganate(VII). There is a colour change from purple to colourless. Suggest what happens to the lactic acid in this reaction.[1]
  8. (b)(v)Aqueous lactic acid is neutralised by aqueous sodium hydroxide. Write the ionic equation for this neutralisation.[1]
  9. (b)(vi)Aqueous lactic acid reacts with magnesium. Name the gas made in this reaction.[1]

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 (May/June 2021). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

  1. [1] addition
  2. [1] H CH₃ / C=C / Cl H
  3. [1] makes poisonous gases / makes poisonous fumes
  4. [1] can be decomposed naturally / can be broken down by bacterial action
  5. [1] one ester linkage drawn correctly (1)
  6. [1] structure with at least two repeat units and extension bonds at both ends (1)
  7. [1] condensation polymerisation / a small molecule is also made
  8. [1] oxidised
  9. [1] H⁺ + OH⁻ → H₂O
  10. [1] hydrogen

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About this question

Topic
Chemistry of the Environment, O-Level Chemistry (syllabus 5070). Structured question, 10 marks.
Source
O-Level Chemistry, May/June 2021 Paper 2 Variant 2, question 3.

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