CAIE A Level Chemistry 9701 · Hydroxy compounds
Butan-1-ol and 2-methylpropan-2-ol are isomeric alcohols. Each is heated under reflux with an excess of acidified potassium dichromate(VI), and dilute sulfuric acid.
Explain why the two alcohols behave differently in this reaction, and describe the different outcomes you would observe.
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.
Explain means: Give the reasons or the mechanism: why or how something happens. Link each point to the next with because, so or which means. A list of facts with no links usually loses the reasoning marks.
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