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IB DP Chemistry HL Prediction Paper 2

IB DP Chemistry HL Prediction Paper 2 for 2025 Exams

IB DP Chemistry HL Prediction Paper 2- April/May 2025 Exam

IB DP Chemistry HL Prediction Paper 2: Prepare for the IB exams with subject-specific Prediction questions, model answers. All topics covered.

Prepared by IB teachers: Access our IB DP Chemistry HL Prediction Paper 1 with model answer. Students: Practice with exam-style papers for IB DP Chemistry HL Exam

Question 1: Monoprotic Acid Analysis

A monoprotic acid, HX, is found to have the following composition by mass:

C = 39.99% H = 6.73% O = 53.28%

a
Determine the empirical formula of the compound HX.

Explanation space:

▶️Answer/Explanation

Correct answer:

CH2O

Detailed Solution:

Step 1: Calculate moles of each element
Assume 100g sample:
– Carbon: 39.99g ÷ 12.01g/mol = 3.33 mol
– Hydrogen: 6.73g ÷ 1.01g/mol = 6.66 mol
– Oxygen: 53.28g ÷ 16.00g/mol = 3.33 mol

Step 2: Find simplest ratio
Divide by smallest number (3.33):
– C: 3.33 ÷ 3.33 = 1
– H: 6.66 ÷ 3.33 = 2
– O: 3.33 ÷ 3.33 = 1

Conclusion: The empirical formula is CH2O.

b
25.00 cm3 of a solution, containing 1.51 g of HX is titrated with a 0.750 mol dm-3 solution of NaOH (aq). The HX (aq) solution is exactly neutralized by 22.30 cm3 of the NaOH (aq) solution. Determine the molar mass (M) of HX.

Explanation space:

▶️Answer/Explanation

Correct answer:

90.4 g mol-1

Detailed Solution:

Step 1: Calculate moles of NaOH
n(NaOH) = 0.750 mol/dm3 × 0.02230 dm3 = 0.0167 mol

Step 2: Determine moles of HX
Since HX is monoprotic: n(HX) = n(NaOH) = 0.0167 mol

Step 3: Calculate molar mass
M = mass ÷ moles = 1.51g ÷ 0.0167mol = 90.4 g/mol

Conclusion: The molar mass of HX is 90.4 g mol-1.

c
State the molecular formula of HX.

Explanation space:

▶️Answer/Explanation

Correct answer:

C3H6O3

Detailed Solution:

Step 1: Compare empirical and molecular formulas
Empirical formula mass (CH2O) = 12.01 + (2×1.01) + 16.00 = 30.03 g/mol

Step 2: Determine multiplication factor
n = molecular mass ÷ empirical mass = 90.4 ÷ 30.03 ≈ 3

Step 3: Calculate molecular formula
Multiply empirical formula by 3: (CH2O)3 = C3H6O3

Conclusion: The molecular formula is C3H6O3.

d
HX reacts with aqueous sodium hydroxide according to the equation:
HX(aq) + NaOH(aq) → NaX(aq) + H2O(l)
Identify a functional group present in HX.

Explanation space:

▶️Answer/Explanation

Correct answer:

Carboxyl/COOH

Detailed Solution:

Step 1: Analyze reaction type
The reaction shows HX is a monoprotic acid (donates 1 H+).

Step 2: Identify functional group
Common monoprotic acids contain carboxyl groups (-COOH).
The molecular formula C3H6O3 suggests multiple possibilities, but the acid-base reaction confirms the presence of at least one -COOH group.

Conclusion: The functional group is carboxyl (-COOH).

e(i)
The IR spectrum of HX is shown. Identify the functional groups responsible for the absorption bands shown at Y and Z using section 20 of the data booklet.

Explanation space:

▶️Answer/Explanation

Correct answer:

Y: O-H/hydroxyl «with hydrogen bonding»
Z: C=O/carbonyl «in carboxylic acid»

Detailed Solution:

Step 1: Analyze peak Y (~3000 cm-1)
– Broad peak in 2500-3300 cm-1 range indicates O-H stretch
– Characteristic of carboxylic acids (hydrogen bonded -OH)

Step 2: Analyze peak Z (~1700 cm-1)
– Strong peak around 1700 cm-1 indicates C=O stretch
– For carboxylic acids, typically appears at 1700-1725 cm-1

Conclusion:
Y: O-H group (carboxylic acid)
Z: C=O group (carbonyl in carboxylic acid)

(ii)
Draw a structural formula of HX that is consistent with all the evidence.

Explanation space:

▶️Answer/Explanation

Correct answer:

Detailed Solution:

Step 1: Analyze molecular formula
C3H6O3 suggests three possible structures:
1. Lactic acid (2-hydroxypropanoic acid)
2. 3-hydroxypropanoic acid
3. Glyceric acid (2,3-dihydroxypropanoic acid)

Step 2: Consider IR evidence
– Carboxyl group confirmed (C=O and O-H)
– Additional O-H group present (from molecular formula)

Step 3: Determine most likely structure
– Lactic acid fits all evidence (C3H6O3, carboxyl group, and hydroxyl group)
– 3-hydroxypropanoic acid is another possibility

Conclusion: Two possible structures are shown above that satisfy:
– Molecular formula C3H6O3
– Monoprotic acid behavior
– IR spectral data

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