CAIE A Level Chemistry 9701 · Organic synthesis
A student plans to prepare a symmetrical diamide, , from 2,2-dimethylpropanedioic acid, . The student proposes the following two-step route.
Step 1: 2,2-dimethylpropanedioic acid is warmed with an excess of . Step 2: the product of Step 1 is added to an excess of aqueous ammonia, .
Describe the type of reaction in each step, the reagent and conditions used, and identify a possible by-product of Step 2.
5 marks, so the mark scheme is looking for about 5 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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