Characteristic Organic Reactions (Cambridge (CIE) A Level Chemistry): Exam Questions

Exam code: 9701

38 mins4 questions
1a
3 marks

This question is about benzene.

Describe and explain the shape of benzene.

In your answer, include:

  • the bond angle between carbon atoms

  • the hybridisation of the carbon atoms

  • how orbital overlap forms σ and π bonds between the carbon atoms

1b
2 marks

Benzene can be nitrated by warming it with a mixture of concentrated sulfuric acid and concentrated nitric acid.

The mechanism for the reaction is shown in Fig. 1.1.

Reaction mechanism showing nitration of benzene: benzene ring attacked by nitronium ion, forming sigma complex, then deprotonation to give nitrobenzene

Fig. 1.1

i) Name the mechanism of this nitration reaction.

[1]

ii) Write an equation for the reaction between H2SO4 and HNO3 that generates the electrophile for this reaction.

[1]

1c
2 marks

Benzene can be used to synthesise (4-aminophenyl)ethanoic acid which is a drug that can be used to treat chronic inflammation of the intestines.

i) Draw the structure of (4-aminophenyl)ethanoic acid.

[1]

ii) One of the intermediate products made during the synthesis of (4-aminophenyl)ethanoic acid is the molecule shown in Fig. 1.2.

Chemical structure of 4‑nitrotoluene: a benzene ring with a methyl group at the top and a nitro group at the opposite, para position

Fig. 1.2

Give the systematic name of the molecule shown in Fig. 1.2.

[1]

1d
3 marks

Noradrenaline, shown in Fig. 1.3, is a hormone and neurotransmitter which contains a benzene ring. It is released during stress to stimulate the heart and increase blood pressure.

Chemical structure of noradrenaline

Fig. 1.3

Name three functional groups in the noradrenaline molecule in addition to the arene group.

2a
4 marks

Benzene, C6H6, undergoes electrophilic substitution.

i) State what is meant by the term electrophile.

[1]

ii) Write an equation for the reaction between benzene and concentrated nitric acid.

[1]

iii) Identify the electrophile in this reaction.

[1]

iv) Write an equation to show how this electrophile is generated.

[1]

2b
5 marks

Benzene is a highly unsaturated molecule.

i) Explain why benzene undergoes substitution reactions rather than addition reactions.

[3]

ii) Write an equation for the reaction of benzene with chlorine. State the conditions required for this reaction.

[2]

2c
4 marks

An aromatic organic compound with molecular formula C7H8 reacts with bromine in the presence of UV light to produce a compound with molecular formula C7H7Br.

i) Name the type of reaction.

[1]

ii) Draw the structures of the reactant and product.

[2]

iii) Suggest the formula of one other organic product that could form in this reaction.

[1]

3a
1 mark

Propanal reacts with potassium cyanide, followed by dilute acid, to form the hydroxynitrile CH3CH2CH(OH)CN.

State the systematic name of CH3CH2CH(OH)CN.

3b
1 mark

Name the mechanism for this reaction.

3c
2 marks

Explain why propanal undergoes this type of mechanism.

1a
5 marks

Under suitable conditions, 3-nitrobenzaldehyde can be formed by the reaction of benzaldehyde with appropriate reagents.

i) State the name of the mechanism, and the reagents and conditions, for the formation of 3-nitrobenzaldehyde.

mechanism ................................................................................

reagents ................................................................................

conditions ................................................................................

[3]

ii) Draw the fully displayed formula of 3-nitrobenzaldehyde. On your diagram, draw a circle around each functional group.

[2]

1b
4 marks

Benzaldehyde, C6H5CHO, is the simplest aromatic aldehyde with a characteristic smell of almonds or cherries.

i) State the hybridisation of the carbon atom in the aldehyde group and predict the C–C=O bond angle.

hybridisation ................................................................................

bond angle ................................................................................

[2]

ii) A student suggests that a molecule of benzaldehyde is not planar because there is free rotation around the C–C bond connecting the benzene ring to the aldehyde group.

Explain why the student is incorrect.

[2]

1c
2 marks

Methylbenzene reacts with ethanoyl chloride in the presence of an AlCl3 catalyst.

i) Draw the structure of the major organic product of this reaction.

[1]

ii) Deduce the total number of σ and π bonds in one molecule of this organic product.

σ bonds ..............................

π bonds ..............................

[1]