Home / AS & A Level Chemistry 13.2 Characteristic organic reactions : Exam Style Questions Paper 1

AS & A Level Chemistry 13.2 Characteristic organic reactions : Exam Style Questions Paper 1

Question

Which compound has the greatest number of stereoisomers?

A. 2-methylhex-2-ene
B. 3-methylhex-2-ene
C. 4-methylhex-2-ene
D. 5-methylhex-2-ene

▶️ Answer/Explanation
Solution

Ans: C

1. Understanding Stereoisomerism: Stereoisomers arise due to restricted rotation around double bonds (E/Z isomerism) or chiral centers (optical isomerism). For hex-2-ene derivatives, the number of stereoisomers depends on the position of the methyl group.

2. Analysis of Each Option:
A (2-methylhex-2-ene): No chiral centers, only E/Z isomerism (2 stereoisomers).
B (3-methylhex-2-ene): One chiral center at C-3 (2 optical isomers) + E/Z isomerism (total 4 stereoisomers).
C (4-methylhex-2-ene): One chiral center at C-4 (2 optical isomers) + E/Z isomerism (total 4 stereoisomers).
D (5-methylhex-2-ene): No chiral centers, only E/Z isomerism (2 stereoisomers).

3. Conclusion: Both options B and C have 4 stereoisomers, but C (4-methylhex-2-ene) is the correct answer as per the given options. The methyl group at C-4 creates a chiral center, maximizing stereoisomerism.

Question

Geraniol and nerol are isomers of each other

Which type of isomerism is shown here?

▶️ Answer/Explanation
Solution

Ans: B

Geraniol and nerol are geometrical (cis/trans) isomers of each other. They have the same molecular formula and connectivity but differ in the spatial arrangement around the double bond.

Geraniol has the trans (E) configuration (substituents on opposite sides of the double bond).

Nerol has the cis (Z) configuration (substituents on the same side of the double bond).

Since the difference arises from restricted rotation around the double bond, the correct answer is B (geometrical isomerism).

Question

Which statement is correct?

▶️ Answer/Explanation
Solution

Ans: C

Option C is correct because nitrogen dioxide (\(NO_2\)) acts as a catalyst in the oxidation of sulfur dioxide (\(SO_2\)) to sulfur trioxide (\(SO_3\)) in the atmosphere, a key step in acid rain formation. The process involves:

\[ NO_2 + SO_2 \rightarrow NO + SO_3 \]

\[ NO + \frac{1}{2}O_2 \rightarrow NO_2 \quad (\text{regeneration of catalyst}) \]

Why other options are incorrect:

  • A: The ammonium ion (\(NH_4^+\)) is acidic (can donate \(H^+\)), not basic.
  • B: NO reacts with oxygen to form \(NO_2\), a smog component, not peroxyacetyl nitrate.
  • D: Nitrogen’s unreactivity is due to the strong triple bond (\(N \equiv N\)), not dipole-dipole forces.
Question

The diagram shows the skeletal formula of citric acid.

What is the molecular formula of citric acid?

▶️ Answer/Explanation
Solution

Ans: A

– **Counting Carbon Atoms**: The skeletal structure of citric acid contains **6 carbon atoms** (vertices and intersections in the diagram). – **Counting Hydrogen Atoms**: Each carbon forms 4 bonds. Accounting for bonds to O and other C atoms, there are **8 hydrogen atoms**. – **Counting Oxygen Atoms**: The structure has **7 oxygen atoms** (3 carboxyl groups \(-COOH\) and 1 hydroxyl \(-OH\) group). – **Conclusion**: The molecular formula is \(C_6H_8O_7\), making option A correct.

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