CAIE A Level Chemistry 9701 · Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons: describe question

Describe7 marksChallenge

A chemist investigates an unknown alkene, X, with the molecular formula CX4HX8\ce{C4H8}. Treatment of X with hot concentrated acidified KMnOX4\ce{KMnO4} yields a single carboxylic acid. When X is reacted with HBr\ce{HBr}, a single product is formed. Subsequent treatment of this product with ethanolic NaOH\ce{NaOH} and heat produces a different alkene, Y.

(a) Describe the reaction of X with hot concentrated acidified KMnOX4\ce{KMnO4}, stating the type of reaction and the identity of the carboxylic acid formed.

(b) State the reagents and conditions for the conversion of X into Y via the two-step process described. Write equations for both steps, using structural formulae.

(c) Describe the addition polymerisation of propene, including the type of polymerisation and the structure of the polymer.

0 words · 7 marks

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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.

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