NSS Chemistry Part 15 Analytical Chemistry (Structural Questions)

HKCEE and HKAL Past Paper Questions

1. HKCEE 1994 Q8b
A student carried out some tests on an ionic compound X which was a white solid. The results obtained were
summarized in the following flow diagram:

(i)

Based on the above information, deduce the cation and anion present in X.

(ii)

Describe how the flame test on X can be carried out in the laboratory.
(6 marks)

2. HKCEE 1995 Q2
In each of the following groups of substances, there is ONE substance which is different from the other in
terms of their properties. In each group, identify the substance which is different from the others and explain
your choice.
a.

argon, fluorine, helium, neon

b.

nylon, perspex, polyethene, urea-methanal

c.

milk of magnesia, soap, vinegar, window cleaner

d.

carbon monoxide, hydrogen, methane, nitrogen

(8 marks)

3. HKCEE 1996 Q6b

A, B, C and D are four unlabelled bottles, each containing one of the following reagents:
2M ammonia solution, 2M ethanoic acid,
2M hydrochloric acid, 2M nitric acid
The following scheme is used to identify the four reagents:

(i)

Explain why this reagent turns red litmus paper blue.

What is the reagent in bottle A?? Explain

(ii)

What is the reagent in bottle B?? Write a chemical equation for the reaction between this reagent and copper
turnings, and a chemical equation for the formation of the brown fumes.

(iii)

(1)

Suggest a test to distinguish between the reagent in bottles C and D.

(Smelling the reagents in NOT an acceptable answer.)

(2)

State the observable change in this test and explain your answer.
(8 marks)

4. HKCEE 1998 Q5
Each of five unlabelled bottles contains one of the following chemicals:
2 M hydrochloric acid

2 M nitric acid

2 M sodium chloride solution

2 M sodium hydroxide solution

distilled water
Suggest how you would carry out tests to identify the contents of each bottles, using the materials and
apparatus listed below. Your answer should include the observation of each test.
Copper foil, solid copper(II) carbonate, 2 M copper(II) chloride solution,
test tubes and a Bunsen burner
(You are Not required to write chemical equations. Answer in the form of flow diagrams will NOT be
marked.)
(8 marks)

5. HKCEE 1999
The diagram below shows a bottle of chemical waste in a school laboratory.

Describe and explain how you would remove kerosene and iron(III) ions from the chemical waste.
(You may use any apparatus and chemicals available in a school laboratory.)
(8 marks)

6. HKCEE 2003 Q7c

Explain why filtration can be used to remove mud particles from muddy water, but cannot be used to remove
sodium chloride from sea water.
(3 marks)

Sea water is a solution while muddy water is a suspension. The size of ions in sea water is much
smaller than that of the mud particles in muddy water.
Ions in sea water can pass through pores in filter device while particles cannot.

7. HKCEE 2004 Q2
For each of the following pairs of substances, suggest a chemical test to distinguish one substance from the
other and state the expected observations.
(a)

table salt and white sugar

(b)

ammonium chloride and potassium chloride

(c)

dilute sulphuric acid and dilute nitric acid

(6 marks)

a.

Treat the substances with conc. H2SO4.

White sugar turns black, while slat gives misty fumes.

b.

Warm the substances with NaOH.

NH4Cl(s) reacts with NaOH(aq) to give an alkaline gas, while KCl(s) does not.

c.

Heat the acids with copper metal.

Only HNO3(aq) gives gas bubbles.

8. HKCEE 2004 Q8c

A policeman suspected a car driver to have drunk an excessive amount of alcoholic drinks, and used a
dichromate breathalyser to conduct a test on the drivers breath. The result was positive.
(i)

State the principle underlying the test of ethanol using a dichromate breathalyser.

(ii)

The driver claimed that he had just rinsed his mouth using ethanol-containing mouthwash.

Without

using other instruments, suggest how the policeman could check whether the drivers claim was valid
or not.

Explain your answer.

(4 marks)

(i)

Ethanol can reduce Cr2O7-2 (orange) to Cr3+(green).

(ii) Conduct the test after the driver has thoroughly rinsed his mouth with water. A positive result probably
indicates that the driver has drunk.
Ethanol is soluble in water. The concentration of ethanol in the breath will drop after the driver has
rinsed his mouth.

9. HKCEE 2005 Q1a

Calcium is an element in Group II of he Periodic Table.
(i)

Calcium reacts with nitrogen to form calcium nitride, which is an ionic compound.

Draw the

electronic diagram of calcium nitride, showing electrons in the outermost shells only.
(ii)

Suggest a test to show that marble is a calcium-containing substance.

(3 marks)

10. HKCEE 2005 Q12

There are four unlabelled bottles each containing one of the white solids listed below:
ammonium chloride, ammonium nitrate, sodium hypochlorite and sodium sulphate
Suggest how you would carry out tests to distinguish the four solids from one another.
(9 marks)

11. HKCEE 2006 Q4

An aqueous solution V is known to contain the following four cations:
NH4+(aq), K+(aq), Fe3+(aq) and Ag+(aq)
The flow diagram below outlines a series of tests that can be used to detect the presence of two of the above
cations in V:

(a)

Write an ionic equation, with state symbols, for the formation of W from V.

(1 mark)

(b)

Suggest an experimental method that can be used to separate X from W.

(1 mark)

(c)

Name Y.

(1 mark)

(d)

Z still contains two of the above-mentioned cations. Is it possible to show experimentally the presence of
each of these cations in Z?

(e)

Explain the answer.

(2 marks)

Based on the above information, suggest a colour for V.

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(1 mark)

12. HKCEE 2007 Q7

This question involves how to distinguish four unlabelled test tubes, each containing one of the following
colourless liquids:
methanol, concentrated sodium hydroxide solution, distilled water, hexane
(a)

By heating a small amount of each of the colourless liquids to dryness, ONE of the liquids can be
distinguished.

Suggest which liquid can be distinguished, and state the observation involved.
(2 marks)

(b)

By applying a flame directly to a small amount of each of the colourless liquids, TWO of the liquids
would catch fire.
(i)

Suggest which two liquids would catch fire.

(ii)

For the two liquids that would catch fire, the observations involved during combustion are
different. Suggest the difference in these observations, and explain your answer.

(iii)

Without using other chemicals apart from the above colourless liquids, suggest another
method to distinguish the two liquids that would catch fire.

State the expected observation.

(Smelling is not accepted.)

(4 marks)

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13. HKCEE 2007 Q12

Organic compound Z contains carbon, hydrogen and oxygen only.

Analysis of Z gives the following

results:
(I)

1.0 g of Z contains 0.401 g of carbon, 0.068 g of hydrogen and 0.531 g of oxygen.

(II)

1.0 g of Z, upon complete vaporisation, occupies 400 cm3 at room temperature and pressure.

(III) There are no observable changes when potassium carbonate solution is added to Z.
(IV) Brown colour of bromine remains unchanged when several drops of bromine in organic solvent are
added to Z.
(Molar volume of gas at room temperature and pressure = 24 dm3)
(a)

Calculate the empirical formula of Z.

(2 marks)

(b)

Deduce the molecular formula of Z.

(2 marks)

(c)

(i) Suggest a possible structure of Z.

Explain your answer.

(ii) Give the systematic name for the compound represented by the structure you suggested in (i).
(2 marks)

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14. HKCEE 2000 Q1

Six Compounds are classified into two groups as shown in the table below:
Gas

Solid

ammonia

iron(III) oxide

carbon dioxide

magnesium oxide

nitrogen dioxide

potassium oxide

Reclassify the compounds into two groups according to

(a)

one of their physical properties, and

(b)

one of their chemical properties.

(4 marks)

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15. HKCEE 2002 Q3

Consider the substances listed below:
Ammonia, manganese(IV) oxide, potassium hydroxide,
Sodium benzoate, sodium dichromate, sodium nitrite
a.

Which substance is used to preserve bacon? State how it works. #

b.

Which substance is used in zinc-carbon cells? State its function.

c.

Which substance is used in breathalysers to detect the presence of ethanol in the breath of
suspected drunk drivers? State the expected observation in the brethalyser if a positive result is
obtained.
(6 marks)

16. HKCEE 2009 Q7

Describe briefly how you would accomplish the following tasks in a school laboratory.
(a)

Obtain calcium sulphate from a solid mixture of calcium sulphate and calcium nitrate.
(2 marks)

(b)

Distinguish potassium bromide solution from potassium chloride solution.

(2 marks)

(c)

Show the presence of different pigments on the surface of a brown chocolate bean.
(2 marks)

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17. HKCEE 2010 Q2

Two experiments are performed using ammonium dichromate, (NH4)2Cr2O7.
(a)

Solid ammonium dichromate is dissolved in water to form a solution.

(i)

State the expected colour of the solution and suggest which ion leads to this colour.

(ii)

Suggest a chemical test to show that the solution contains ammonium ions. State the expected
observation.
(3 marks)

(b)

Solid ammonium dichromate is heated in a test tube. It decomposes into solid chromium(III) oxide,
nitrogen gas and water vapour.
(i)

Write a chemical equation for the decomposition of ammonium dichromate.

(ii)

Suggest a chemical test to show that water vapour is formed in the decomposition. State the
expected observation.
(3 marks)

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18. HKCEE 2010 Q3

A is an alkanol with three carbon atoms and one oxygen atom in its molecule. A reacts with acidified
potassium dichromate solution to form compound B. In the presence of a small amount of concentrated
sulphuric acid, A reacts with B to form compound C. C can be separated from the reaction mixture and has a
pleasant smell.
(a)

Write the structural formulae of A, B, and C.

A:

B:
C:
(3 marks)
(b)

State the expected observation for the reaction of A with acidified potassium dichromate solution.
(1 mark)

(c)

Suggest a method to separate C from the reaction mixture.

(1 mark)

(d)

A compound has the same molecular formula as A but a different structure from A. Suggest a
structural formula for this compound.
(1 mark)

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19. HKAL 2011 I Q1a

A water-soluble solid sample A contains iron(II) ions. The percentage by mass of iron(II) ions in A can be
determined from the experimental data listed below:
25.00 cm3 of 0.0326 mol dm-3 Na2C2O4(aq), after acidification, requires 24.35 cm3 of a certain
KMnO4(aq) for complete reaction.
An aqueous solution of 0.863 g of A, after acidification, requires 31.85 cm3 of the same KMnO4(aq)
for complete reaction.
(i)

Write chemical equations for the above two reactions.

(ii)

Calculate the percentage by mass of iron(II) ions in A. (Assume that A does NOT contain any other species
that react with KMnO4(aq).)

(iii)

Suggest why KMnO4(s) is NOT used as a primary standard.

(6 marks)

(i) 2MnO4-(aq) + 5C2O42-(aq) + 16H+(aq) 2Mn2+(aq) + 10CO2(g) + 8H2O(l)

MnO4-(aq) + 8H+(aq) + 5Fe2+(aq) Mn2+(aq) + 5Fe3+(aq) + 4H2O(l)
(ii) For standardization of KMnO4(aq)
No. of moles of C2O42- = (0.0326)(0.025) = 8.1510-4 mol
No. of moles of MnO4- = (8.1510-4 mol)(2/5) = 3.2610-4 mol
Concentration of KMnO4 = (3.2610-4 mol) (0.02435 dm3) = 0.0134 mol dm-3
For the reaction between Fe2+ and MnO4No. of moles of MnO4- =(0.0134)(0.03185) = 4.26410-4 mol
No. of moles of Fe2+ = (4.26410-4 mol)(5) = 2.13210-3 mol
Mass of Fe2+ = (2.13210-3)(56.0)=0.119 g
% by mass of Fe2+ = (0.1190.863) 100% = 11.9%
(iii) KMnO4 is unstable in air, which react with the impurities in air to form MnO2.

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20. HKAL 2011 I Q7b

For each of the following pairs of species, suggest a chemical test to distinguish between them and write the
chemical equation(s) of the reaction(s) involved.
(i)

Ba2+(aq) and Pb2+(aq)

(ii)

Cl-(aq) and Br-(aq)

(4 marks)

(i)

Adding of dil.HCl to the two solutions. The one gives white ppt. is Pb2+(aq), the one does not give
white ppt. is Ba2+(aq).
Pb2+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq) PbCl2(s)

(ii) Adding of chlorine water into the two solutions. The one gives brown solution is Br-(aq), the one has no
observable change is Cl-(aq).
Cl2(aq) + 2Br-(aq) 2Cl-(aq) + Br2(aq)

21. HKAL 2011 II Q6a,c

State the expected observation(s) in each of the following experiments, and write the chemical equation(s) of
the reaction(s) involved.
a.

HCl(aq) is added to K2CrO4(aq)

c.

NaOH(aq) is added dropwise to Al(NO3)3(aq) until in excess.

(3 marks)
a.

The yellow solution becomes orange.

2CrO42-(aq) + 2H+(aq) Cr2O72-(aq) + H2O(l)

c.

At the beginning, white ppt. is formed.

Al3+(aq) + 3OH-(aq) Al(OH)3(s)
When the NaOH added is in excess, the white ppt. reddissolved.
Al(OH)3(s) + OH-(aq) Al(OH)4-(aq)

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22. HKAL 2011 II Q10

Compound A contains carbon, hydrogen and oxygen only. It reacts with 2,4-dintrophenylhydrazine to give a
yellow precipitate, but shows negative results when treated with acidified K2Cr2O7(aq). The mass spectrum
of A is shown below. Deduce ONE possible structure of A.

(5 marks)

Since A can react with 2,4-dintrophenylhydrazine to give a yellow precipitate but it cannot be oxidized with
acidified K2Cr2O7(aq), therefore, A should be an aldehyde but not a ketone.
From the mass spectrum, the molecular mass of A is 86, therefore, the molecular formula of A should be
C5H10O.
The possible ions for the peaks of the mass spectrum are as follows:
m/z

Ions

86

[CH3CH2COCH2CH3]+

57

[CH3CH2CO]+

29

[CH3CH2]+

The possible structure of A is CH3CH2COCH2CH3 (pentan-3-one)

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23. HKAL 2010 I Q3b

State the expected observation in each of the following experiments, and account for the observation with the
aid of chemical equation(s).
(i)

adding excess H2SO4(aq) to K2CrO4(aq), and then excess FeSO4(aq) to the resulting solution

(ii)

adding NH3(aq) dropwise to CuSO4(aq) until in excess

(6 marks)

24. HKAL 2010 II Q5c

Compound L has the following composition by mass:
C, 70.6% ;

H, 5.9%; O, 23.5%

Figures 5.1 and 5.2 respectively show the infra-red spectrum and mass spectrum of L.
(i)

Calculate the empirical formula of L.

(ii)

Deduce ONE possible structure of L.

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(8 marks)

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25. HKAL 2009 II Q5c

Figure 5.1 and Figure 5.2 respectively show the infra-red spectrum and mass spectrum of compound P
(C3H5O2Br).
Based on the information in the figures, deduce ONE possible structure of P.

(7 marks)

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26. HKAL 2008 I Q8b

Propenamide, the monomer of polypropenamide (also known as polyacrylamide) is a potential carcinogen.
The melting point of propenamide is 84oC and its solubility in water is 2.16 g cm-3 at 30oC.
(i)

Polyacrylamide gel (PAAG) is polyacrylamide saturated with water. A sample PAAG for breast
augmentation is suspected to contain about 1% of propenamide. Suggest a chemical test to show the presence
of propenamide in the sample.

(ii)

Propenamide can be identified by converting it to a solid derivative and determining the melting point of the
derivative. With the help of a chemical equation, suggest ONE solid derivative of propenamide suitable for
this purpose.

(iii)

Suggest an instrumental method for the further characterization of the derivative suggested in (ii). State
clearly the expected results.
(5 marks)

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27.

HKAL 2008 II Q6a

Figure 6.1 and Figure 6.2 below respectively show the mass spectrum and infra-red
infra red spectrum of
compound A(C 4 H 8 O 2 ) . Based on the information in the figures, deduce ONE possible structure of A.

(6 marks)

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29.

HKAL 2008 II Q7c

Compounds M, N, P, Q and R are all colourless liquids. Without the aid of instrumental analysis, suggest
how you would differentiate the five compounds from one another.

(5 marks)

*Amine has a fishy smell!

30.

HKAL 2007 I Q3b

A mixture of Fe 3+ (aq) and Cu 2+ (aq) is separated by paper chromatography using a mixture of propanone
and 6M HCl(aq) as the mobile phase.

Suggest how you would identify chemically the Fe 3+ (aq) and Cu 2+

(aq) on the chromatographic paper.

(3 marks)

Place the chromatographic paper in an atmosphere of ammonia. (1)

Fe3+(aq) reacts with OH-(aq) to give brown Fe(OH)3(s)
(1)
2+
Cu (aq) reacts with NH3(aq) to give deep blue complex [Cu(NH3)4]2+(aq)

31.

(1)

HKAL 2007 I Q7c

(i)

What is meant by primary standard in titrimetric analysis?

(ii)

Give one reason why each of the following chemicals is not used as a primary standard.
(I)

liquid bromine

(II)

potassium hydroxide pellets

(3 marks)

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32.

HKAL 2007 II Q4c

In an experiment to determine the percentage by mass of copper in a sample of copper ore, 3.00 g of the
sample was warmed with excess HNO3(aq) to convert all copper-containing substances to Cu 2+ (aq) ions.
The resulting solution was boiled to remove all nitrogen oxides formed.
3

diluted to 250.0 cm .

Upon cooling, the solution was

25.00 cm of the diluted solution was withdrawn and then treated with excess KI(aq)

to liberate CuI(s) and I2(aq).

The titration of the I2(aq) liberated required 25.80 cm3 of 0.102 M

Na2S2O3(aq).
(i)

Write chemical equations for

(I)

the reaction of Cu 2+ (aq) with I (aq), and

(II)

the reaction of I2(aq) with Na2S2O3(aq).

(ii)

Calculate the percentage by mass of copper in the sample of copper ore.

(iii)

State one assumption made in the experiment.

(6 marks)

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33.

HKAL 2007 II Q7c

Compound M has the following composition by mass:
C, 59.8%; H, 3.6%; Cl, 25.2%; O, 11.4%
M displays the mass spectrum as shown below:

(i)

Calculate the empirical formula of M.

(ii)

Deduce the structure of M.

(iii)

Suggest a chemical method to confirm the identity of a sample of M.

(7 marks)

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34.

HKAL 2006 II Q5c

Deduce the structure of compound D on the basis of the information given below:
(1)

Elemental analysis data show that D has the following composition by mass: C 40.0%, H 6.7% and O
53.3%.

(2) The relative molecular mass of D is estimated to be in the range of 172 to 182.
(3) The infra-red spectrum of D shows, apart from the absorption of CH stretching near

2900 cm-1, a

strong and broad absorption around 3400 cm-1, and no appreciable absorption around 1700 cm-1.
(4)

All carbon atoms of D have the same bonding environment.

(5)

D is highly soluble in water, and the solution does not decolorise bromine water.
(8 marks)

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35.

HKAL 2005 II Q1c

Each of six reagent bottles labeled A, B, C, D, E and F contained one of the following solutions:
AgNO3 (aq), BaCl2 (aq), H2SO4 (aq), NH3 (aq), NaOH (aq) and Na2S2O3 (aq)
In an attempt to identify the contents of the bottles, a series of tests were conducted by mixing two of the
solutions. The table below lists the observations in these tests.
Solution being mixed

Observations

A and C

A brown precipitate is formed

A and E

A white precipitate is formed

A and F

A brown precipitate is initially formed and the precipate dissolves

when F is in excess.

B and C

Only heat is liberated

B and D

A pale yellow precipitate is formed slowly

B and E

A white precipitates is formed

Identify, with explanation, the contents of the six reagent bottles based on the above information.
(8 marks)

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36.

HKAL 2005 II Q5c

Consider the isomeric compounds J and K below:

(i)

Name the type of isomerism involved.

(ii)

Suggest, with explanation, how J and K can be distinguished from each other by
(I)

a physical method,

(II)

a chemical method #

(III) a spectroscopic method.

(7 marks)

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37.

HKAL 2005 II Q7a

Compound L, with a relative molecular mass of 108, has the following composition by mass:
C

77.8% ,

7.4%

and

14.8%

L does not react with bromine, but undergoes oxidation with acidified Na2Cr2O7(aq) to give compound M. M
reacts with PCl5 to yield compound N. The infra-red spectra of M and N are shown below:

(i)

Calculate the molecular formula of L.

(ii)

Based on the above information, deduce the structures L, M and N.

(8 marks)

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38.

HKAL 2004 I Q7a

You are provides three unlabelled bottles each containing one of the whiter powders listed below:
KBr(s), SiO2(s) and glucose

(i)

Outline the physical tests that you would perform to distinguish unambiguously the three substances from
one another.

(ii)

Describe how you would carry out a chemical test to distinguish KBr(s) from glucose.
(4 marks)

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39.

HKAL 2004 I Q7b

A student proposed a method to determine the concentration of citric acid in a sample of lemon juice by
titration with standard sodium hydroxide solution. The method proposed consists of the following
experimental procedures:
1.

Prepare a standard sodium hydroxide solution by dissolving a known mass of sodium

hydroxide pellets in deionised water and then make it up to 250.0 cm3.

2.

Transfer a known volume of the sample of lemon juice to a clean conical flask.

3.

Fill a burette, which has been well rinsed with deionised water beforehand, with the standard
sodium hydroxide solution.

4.

Titrate the lemon juice in the flask with the sodium hydroxide solution using methyl orange as
the indicator.

5.

Using this titration result, calculate the concentration of citric acid in the sample.

Point out four inappropriate practices in the method. Explain why they are inappropriate and suggest
corrections for them.
(6 marks)

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40.
(a)

HKAL 2004 I Q8ab

A sample of N-phenylethanamide is contaminated with some coloured impurities. Outline the procedures for
the purification of this sample by recrystallization from water.
(3 marks)

(b)

Draw a labeled diagram for the assembly of apparatus used in simple distillation.
(2 marks)

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41.
(i)

HKAL 2004 II Q4c

Under acidic conditions, ethanol reacts with dichromate(VI) ions quantitatively to give ethanoic acid and
chromium(III) ions.
Write an equation for the reaction of ethanol with dichromate(VI) ions under acidic conditions.

(ii)

In an experiment to determine the concentration of ethanol in a brand of spirit, 10.0 cm3 of a sample of the
spirit was diluted to 250.0 cm3. 25.0 cm3 portions of the diluted spirit were withdrawn. To each portion, 25.0
cm3 of 0.156 M K2Cr2O7(aq) and excess dilute H2SO4 were added. The mixtures obtained were allowed to
stand at room temperature for about an hour. The excess K2Cr2O7 in each mixture was then titrated against
0.118 M (NH4)2Fe(SO4)2(aq) with an appropriate indicator. The mean titre was 12.23 cm3.
Calculate the concentration of ethanol, in mol dm3, in this brand of spirit.
(6 marks)

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42.

HKAL 2003 I Q7b

Outline how you would show the presence of Ba2+ and Ag+ ions in a sample of water-soluble inorganic mixture.
Give confirmatory test(s) for these ions if necessary.
(4 marks)

43.

HKAL 2003 II Q5a

A student carried out an experiment to extract 4-nitrophenylamine and 2-hydroxybenzoic acid from a
solution of the two compounds in ethoxyethane. The solution contained 1.5 g of each of the compounds in 20
cm3 of ethoxyethane.

NH2

CO2H
OH

NO2

4-nitrophenylamine

2-hydroxybenzoic acid

The student shook the solution with 12 cm3 of 0.5 M NaHCO3(aq) in a separating funnel. The mixture in the
separating funnel was allowed to settle, and the aqueous layer was then separated from the organic layer.
Evaporation of the aqueous layer gave a solid residue, which is water-soluble and has a melting point higher
than 200oC.
Evaporation of the organic layer gave another solid residue, which melts over a wide temperature range of
140oC to 160oC.
a.

Why was NaHCO3(aq) used in the extraction?

b.

While the student was shaking the separating funnel, the stopper of the funnel popped out, spilling part of the
mixture on the bench. With the help of equation(s), explain why this happens.

c.

Is the solid residue obtained from the organic layer a pure compound? Support your answer by
stoichiometric calculation.

d.

State two reasons why ethoxyethane is commonly used to extract organic compounds from an aqueous
solution.
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e.

State one safety precaution necessary in the evaporation of ethoxyethane.

(9 marks)

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44.

HKAL 2000 I Q8a

In order to establish the functional groups present in an acyclic compound F (C4H6O), three chemical tests
were carried out. The test results are listed in the table below.
(i)

Complete the table by giving the inference of each test.

Test reagent

Test result

Inference

Acidified K2Cr2O7(aq)

Positive

Function group(s) that may be present:

Tollens reagent

Negative

Functional group(s) absent:

Br2 in CH3CCl3

Positive

Functional group(s) that may be present:

(ii)

Based on the above information, draw four possible structures of F.

(5 marks)

(i)

(ii)

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45. HKAL 2002 II Q5c

Consider the substances listed below:
butane

benzoic acid

dichlorodifluoromethane

ethanoic acid

hexane

polystyrene

propanone

tetrachloromethane

triethylamine

For each of the descriptions of physical properties from (a) to (h) below, choose from the above list, one
substance which best fits the description.
a.

a colourless, flammable gas

b.

a colourless liquid with a sour odour

c.

a colourless, water miscible, flammable liquid

d.

a colourless, non-flammable liquid

e.

a colourless liquid with a fishy smell

f.

a colourless, water immiscible, flammable liquid

g.

a white solid which is insoluble in both cold and hot water

h.

a white solid which is insoluble in cold water, but soluble in hot water
(8 marks)

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46. HKAL 2002 I Q5a

Two acyclic structural isomeric compounds have the molecular formula C3H6O3. Both are optically active
and have infrared absorptions at 3400 cm-1 and 1700 cm-1. Neither possesses an alkoxy group.
a.

Draw the structure of each of the compounds. Label one of these structures A and the other B.

b.

Suggest a chemical test, giving the expected observation, to distinguish between the compounds represented
by A and B.

c.

Give the structure of the major organic product formed when the two compounds are treated separately with
excess LiAlH4.
(6 marks)

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

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