CAIE A Level Chemistry 9701 · Carboxylic acids and derivatives

Carboxylic acids and derivatives: describe question

Describe7 marksChallenge

A flavouring compound found in strawberries is ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, $\ce{CH3CH2CH(CH3)COOCH2CH3}$ , the ester formed from ethanol and 2-methylbutanoic acid. A student plans to synthesize this ester in the laboratory and also to investigate its hydrolysis.

Describe the reagents and conditions required to:

(i) synthesize ethyl 2-methylbutanoate from ethanol and 2-methylbutanoic acid;

(ii) hydrolyse the ester using dilute acid;

(iii) hydrolyse the ester using dilute alkali.

For each reaction, name the organic products formed.

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7 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 7 separate creditworthy points. Making the same point twice in different words earns it once.

Describe means: Say what happens or what something is like, in order and with detail. You are not being asked why. If there is data, quote it: name the trend, then give figures with units at the points where it changes.

Carboxylic acids and derivatives: describe question

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