9701/41

Chemistry 9701/41October/November 2010

Cambridge A-Level · A Level Structured Questions · worked solutions for every part, with the mark scheme

9
questions
100
marks
105
minutes

Topics Introduction to A Level Organic Chemistry · Equilibria · Electrochemistry · Transition Elements · Hydroxy Compounds · Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives · +6 more

Q1Group 2Chemical EnergeticsElectrochemistryFree sample

Section A

Answer all the questions in the spaces provided.

(a)

Write a balanced equation for the reaction of each of the following chlorides with water.

phosphorus(V) chloride

silicon(IV) chloride

2M
DifficultyMedium-Easy
Worked solution

Answer

PCl5+4H2OH3PO4+5HCl\text{PCl}_5 + 4\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{H}_3\text{PO}_4 + 5\text{HCl}

SiCl4+2H2OSiO2+4HCl\text{SiCl}_4 + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{SiO}_2 + 4\text{HCl}

Final answer

PCl5 + 4H2O → H3PO4 + 5HCl; SiCl4 + 2H2O → SiO2 + 4HCl

Detailed explanation

Background Concept

Covalent chlorides of non-metals (such as PCl5\text{PCl}_5 and SiCl4\text{SiCl}_4) undergo hydrolysis when added to water. The chlorine atoms are replaced by oxygen or hydroxide groups from water, forming the corresponding oxoacid (or oxide) and hydrogen chloride. The reaction is essentially a nucleophilic substitution where water attacks the electron-deficient central atom.

For PCl5\text{PCl}_5, phosphorus is in oxidation state +5 and forms phosphoric acid, H3PO4\text{H}_3\text{PO}_4, with the chloride ions combining with hydrogen from water to form HCl\text{HCl}.

For SiCl4\text{SiCl}_4, silicon is in oxidation state +4 and forms silicon dioxide, SiO2\text{SiO}_2 (or hydrated forms such as H2SiO3\text{H}_2\text{SiO}_3 or Si(OH)4\text{Si(OH)}_4), with HCl\text{HCl} also formed.

Understanding the Question

The question asks for balanced equations for the hydrolysis of two covalent chlorides: phosphorus(V) chloride and silicon(IV) chloride. The Roman numerals indicate the oxidation state of the central atom. The key is to identify the correct products: phosphoric acid for PCl5\text{PCl}_5 and silicon dioxide (or silicic acid) for SiCl4\text{SiCl}_4, with HCl\text{HCl} as the common by-product.

Approach

For each chloride, identify the oxidation state of the central atom. The hydrolysis products are determined by the oxidation state:

  • P(V) forms H3PO4\text{H}_3\text{PO}_4 (phosphoric acid, P in +5)
  • Si(IV) forms SiO2\text{SiO}_2 (silicon dioxide, Si in +4)

Then balance the equation: balance P or Si, then Cl (as HCl), then H and O.

Step-by-Step Reasoning

For PCl5\text{PCl}_5:

  1. P is in +5 oxidation state. The oxoacid of P(V) is H3PO4\text{H}_3\text{PO}_4 (phosphoric acid).
  2. Each Cl becomes HCl. 5 Cl atoms \rightarrow 5 HCl.
  3. Balance the equation: PCl5+xH2OH3PO4+5HCl\text{PCl}_5 + x\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{H}_3\text{PO}_4 + 5\text{HCl}
  4. Count H on the right: 3 (from H3PO4\text{H}_3\text{PO}_4) + 5 (from HCl) = 8 H atoms.
  5. Each H2O\text{H}_2\text{O} provides 2 H atoms, so x=4x = 4.
  6. Check O: 4 H2O\text{H}_2\text{O} gives 4 O atoms; H3PO4\text{H}_3\text{PO}_4 needs 4 O atoms. ✓
  7. Balanced: PCl5+4H2OH3PO4+5HCl\text{PCl}_5 + 4\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{H}_3\text{PO}_4 + 5\text{HCl}

For SiCl4\text{SiCl}_4:

  1. Si is in +4 oxidation state. The oxide of Si(IV) is SiO2\text{SiO}_2.
  2. Each Cl becomes HCl. 4 Cl atoms \rightarrow 4 HCl.
  3. Balance: SiCl4+xH2OSiO2+4HCl\text{SiCl}_4 + x\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{SiO}_2 + 4\text{HCl}
  4. Count H on the right: 4 (from HCl). Each H2O\text{H}_2\text{O} gives 2 H, so x=2x = 2.
  5. Check O: 2 H2O\text{H}_2\text{O} gives 2 O atoms; SiO2\text{SiO}_2 needs 2 O atoms. ✓
  6. Balanced: SiCl4+2H2OSiO2+4HCl\text{SiCl}_4 + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{SiO}_2 + 4\text{HCl}

Key Takeaways

  • Covalent chlorides hydrolyse to give the oxoacid/oxide of the central element and HCl.
  • The oxidation state of the central atom determines the product.
  • Balancing requires careful counting of H and O atoms.

Common Mistakes

  • Writing PCl3\text{PCl}_3 hydrolysis products instead of PCl5\text{PCl}_5 (forgetting the oxidation state).
  • Forgetting to balance the HCl coefficient.
  • Writing SiO2xH2O\text{SiO}_2 \cdot x\text{H}_2\text{O} instead of just SiO2\text{SiO}_2 (the mark scheme allows hydrated forms too).

Things to Be Careful About

  • The mark scheme allows H2SiO3\text{H}_2\text{SiO}_3 or Si(OH)4\text{Si(OH)}_4 as alternatives to SiO2\text{SiO}_2 for SiCl4\text{SiCl}_4 hydrolysis.
  • State symbols are not required in this question, but including them shows understanding.
Techniques used
balance hydrolysis equationswrite products of covalent chloride hydrolysis
(b)

When sulfur is heated under pressure with chlorine, the major product is SCl2\text{SCl}_2 (Cl-S-Cl\text{Cl-S-Cl}).

S8(g)+8Cl2(g)8SCl2(g)\text{S}_8(\text{g}) + 8\text{Cl}_2(\text{g}) \rightarrow 8\text{SCl}_2(\text{g})

Use data from the Data Booklet to calculate the enthalpy change, ΔH\Delta H, for this reaction. The eight sulfur atoms in the S8\text{S}_8 molecule are all joined in a single ring by single bonds.

ΔH=.......................................... kJ mol1\Delta H = \text{.......................................... kJ mol}^{-1}
2M
DifficultyMedium
Worked solution

Working

Bonds broken:

  • 8 S−S bonds: 8×264=2112 kJ mol18 \times 264 = 2112\ \text{kJ mol}^{-1}
  • 8 Cl−Cl bonds: 8×244=1952 kJ mol18 \times 244 = 1952\ \text{kJ mol}^{-1}
  • Total energy input: 2112+1952=4064 kJ mol12112 + 1952 = 4064\ \text{kJ mol}^{-1}

Bonds formed:

  • 16 S−Cl bonds: 16×250=4000 kJ mol116 \times 250 = 4000\ \text{kJ mol}^{-1}

ΔH=40644000=+64 kJ mol1\Delta H = 4064 - 4000 = +64\ \text{kJ mol}^{-1}

Answer

ΔH=+64 kJ mol1\Delta H = +64\ \text{kJ mol}^{-1}

Final answer

+64 kJ mol^-1

Detailed explanation

Background Concept

The enthalpy change of a reaction can be estimated using average bond energies (bond enthalpies). The enthalpy change equals the energy required to break bonds in the reactants minus the energy released when bonds form in the products:

ΔH=Σ(bonds broken)Σ(bonds formed)\Delta H = \Sigma(\text{bonds broken}) - \Sigma(\text{bonds formed})

Breaking bonds requires energy (endothermic, positive contribution); forming bonds releases energy (exothermic, negative contribution).

Understanding the Question

The reaction is S8(g)+8Cl2(g)8SCl2(g)\text{S}_8(\text{g}) + 8\text{Cl}_2(\text{g}) \rightarrow 8\text{SCl}_2(\text{g}). The S8\text{S}_8 molecule is a ring of 8 sulfur atoms joined by single S−S bonds. The Data Booklet provides bond energies: S−S = 264 kJ mol⁻¹, Cl−Cl = 244 kJ mol⁻¹, S−Cl = 250 kJ mol⁻¹. We must calculate ΔH\Delta H for this reaction.

Approach

  1. Identify all bonds broken in reactants: 8 S−S bonds (in the S8\text{S}_8 ring) and 8 Cl−Cl bonds (in 8 Cl2\text{Cl}_2 molecules).
  2. Identify all bonds formed in products: each SCl2\text{SCl}_2 has 2 S−Cl bonds, so 8 SCl2\text{SCl}_2 molecules have 16 S−Cl bonds.
  3. Apply ΔH=Σ(bonds broken)Σ(bonds formed)\Delta H = \Sigma(\text{bonds broken}) - \Sigma(\text{bonds formed}).

Step-by-Step Reasoning

Bonds broken:

  • The S8\text{S}_8 ring contains 8 S−S single bonds (one between each adjacent pair of S atoms in the ring). Energy: 8×264=2112 kJ mol18 \times 264 = 2112\ \text{kJ mol}^{-1}.
  • 8 Cl2\text{Cl}_2 molecules each contain one Cl−Cl bond. Energy: 8×244=1952 kJ mol18 \times 244 = 1952\ \text{kJ mol}^{-1}.
  • Total energy input: 2112+1952=4064 kJ mol12112 + 1952 = 4064\ \text{kJ mol}^{-1}.

Bonds formed:

  • Each SCl2\text{SCl}_2 molecule has 2 S−Cl bonds (Cl−S−Cl). With 8 SCl2\text{SCl}_2 molecules: 8×2=168 \times 2 = 16 S−Cl bonds.
  • Energy released: 16×250=4000 kJ mol116 \times 250 = 4000\ \text{kJ mol}^{-1}.

Enthalpy change:
ΔH=40644000=+64 kJ mol1\Delta H = 4064 - 4000 = +64\ \text{kJ mol}^{-1}

The positive sign indicates the reaction is endothermic — more energy is absorbed breaking bonds than is released forming new bonds.

Key Takeaways

  • Bond energy calculation: ΔH=Σ(bonds broken)Σ(bonds formed)\Delta H = \Sigma(\text{bonds broken}) - \Sigma(\text{bonds formed}).
  • Count bonds carefully, especially in ring structures like S8\text{S}_8 — each S atom contributes one S−S bond, so 8 S atoms give 8 S−S bonds.
  • Each SCl2\text{SCl}_2 molecule has 2 S−Cl bonds.

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting that S8\text{S}_8 has 8 S−S bonds (one per S atom in the ring), not 7 or 9.
  • Counting 8 S−Cl bonds instead of 16 (each SCl2\text{SCl}_2 has 2 S−Cl bonds).
  • Reversing the formula (using bonds formed − bonds broken), which gives the wrong sign.

Things to Be Careful About

  • The S8\text{S}_8 ring is a closed loop of 8 atoms, so there are 8 S−S bonds, not 7 (a chain of 8 atoms would have 7 bonds).
  • The units are kJ mol⁻¹ of reaction as written.
  • The positive sign is important — the reaction is endothermic.
Techniques used
calculate enthalpy change from bond energiescount bonds broken and formed in a ring structure
(c)

Under suitable conditions, SCl2\text{SCl}_2 reacts with water to produce a yellow precipitate of sulfur and a solution A. Solution A contains a mixture of SO2(aq)\text{SO}_2(\text{aq}) and compound B.

7M
(i)

What is the oxidation number of sulfur in SCl2\text{SCl}_2?

DifficultyEasy
Worked solution

Answer

+2

Final answer

+2

Detailed explanation

Background Concept

The oxidation number (oxidation state) is a formal charge assigned to an atom in a compound based on a set of rules. For a neutral molecule, the sum of all oxidation numbers is zero. For covalent compounds, the more electronegative element is assigned the negative oxidation number.

In SCl2\text{SCl}_2, chlorine is more electronegative than sulfur. Each Cl atom has oxidation number −1. Since the molecule is neutral, the sum must be zero.

Understanding the Question

We need to find the oxidation number of sulfur in SCl2\text{SCl}_2. This is a straightforward application of the oxidation number rules.

Approach

Use the rule that the sum of oxidation numbers in a neutral molecule is zero. Assign Cl = −1 and solve for S.

Step-by-Step Reasoning

Let the oxidation number of S be xx.

x+2(1)=0x + 2(-1) = 0
x2=0x - 2 = 0
x=+2x = +2

The oxidation number of sulfur in SCl2\text{SCl}_2 is +2.

Key Takeaways

  • In a neutral compound, oxidation numbers sum to zero.
  • The more electronegative element gets the negative oxidation number.
  • Cl is almost always −1 in compounds (except in Cl2\text{Cl}_2 where it is 0, or with more electronegative elements like O or F).

Common Mistakes

  • Assigning Cl a positive oxidation number (Cl is more electronegative than S, so it must be negative).
  • Forgetting that there are 2 Cl atoms in SCl2\text{SCl}_2.

Things to Be Careful About

  • The oxidation number is written with the sign before the number: +2, not 2+.
  • The oxidation number is a formal concept, not a real charge on the atom.
Techniques used
determine oxidation number from electronegativity rules
(ii)

Work out how the oxidation number of sulfur changes during the reaction of SCl2\text{SCl}_2 with water.

DifficultyMedium-Easy
Worked solution

Answer

Half of the sulfur is oxidised from +2 to +4 (in SO2\text{SO}_2), an increase of +2; the other half is reduced from +2 to 0 (elemental S), a decrease of −2.

Final answer

Half the sulfur is oxidised from +2 to +4; half is reduced from +2 to 0

Detailed explanation

Background Concept

Disproportionation is a redox reaction in which the same element in a single oxidation state is simultaneously oxidised and reduced. In this case, SCl2\text{SCl}_2 (S in +2) reacts with water to produce elemental sulfur (S in 0) and SO2\text{SO}_2 (S in +4).

Understanding the Question

We need to track how the oxidation number of sulfur changes during the reaction of SCl2\text{SCl}_2 with water. The products are S (elemental, oxidation state 0) and SO2\text{SO}_2 (S in +4).

Approach

Compare the oxidation number of S in the reactant (SCl2\text{SCl}_2, +2) with the oxidation numbers in the products (S, 0; and SO2\text{SO}_2, +4).

Step-by-Step Reasoning

In SCl2\text{SCl}_2, S is +2.

In elemental S, S is 0. Change: +2 → 0, a decrease of 2 (reduction).

In SO2\text{SO}_2, O is −2 (each). For the molecule to be neutral: x+2(2)=0x + 2(-2) = 0, so x=+4x = +4. Change: +2 → +4, an increase of 2 (oxidation).

So half the sulfur is oxidised (by +2) and half is reduced (by −2). This is a disproportionation reaction.

The stoichiometry of the overall equation (2SCl2S+SO22\text{SCl}_2 \rightarrow \text{S} + \text{SO}_2) reflects the 1:1 ratio of oxidised to reduced sulfur.

Key Takeaways

  • Disproportionation: the same element is simultaneously oxidised and reduced.
  • The oxidation number changes are equal and opposite (+2 and −2).
  • The stoichiometry of the equation reflects the 1:1 ratio of oxidised to reduced sulfur.

Common Mistakes

  • Saying the sulfur is only oxidised or only reduced, without recognising the disproportionation.
  • Calculating the wrong oxidation number for S in SO2\text{SO}_2 (forgetting O is −2 each).

Things to Be Careful About

  • The oxidation number of S in SO2\text{SO}_2 is +4 (not +6, which would be SO3\text{SO}_3).
  • The changes are +2 and −2, not +4 and −4.
  • The mark scheme gives 1 mark for the increase and 1 mark for the decrease — both must be stated.
Techniques used
track oxidation number changes in disproportionation
(iii)

Suggest the identity of compound B.

DifficultyMedium-Easy
Worked solution

Answer

HCl\text{HCl}

Final answer

HCl

Detailed explanation

Background Concept

When SCl2\text{SCl}_2 reacts with water, the chlorine atoms are released as chloride ions. These combine with H⁺ from water to form HCl. The solution A contains SO2(aq)\text{SO}_2(\text{aq}) and HCl(aq).

Understanding the Question

We need to identify compound B, which is present in solution A along with SO2(aq)\text{SO}_2(\text{aq}). The question asks us to "suggest" the identity, meaning we should deduce it from the chemistry of the reaction.

Approach

Consider what happens to the Cl atoms in SCl2\text{SCl}_2 when it reacts with water. The Cl atoms become Cl⁻ ions, which form HCl with H⁺ from water.

Step-by-Step Reasoning

In SCl2+H2O\text{SCl}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O}, the S−Cl bonds break. The Cl atoms acquire electrons to become Cl⁻ ions. Water provides H⁺, so HCl is formed. The HCl remains dissolved in the aqueous solution as HCl(aq) (hydrochloric acid).

Compound B is therefore HCl.

This is confirmed by the observation in part (v): AgNO3(aq)\text{AgNO}_3(\text{aq}) gives a white precipitate (AgCl), confirming the presence of Cl⁻ ions.

Key Takeaways

  • Hydrolysis of chlorides produces HCl.
  • HCl(aq) provides Cl⁻ ions that can be detected with AgNO3\text{AgNO}_3.

Common Mistakes

  • Suggesting H2S\text{H}_2\text{S} or another sulfur compound for B (B is the chloride product, not a sulfur compound).
  • Not recognising that HCl is the aqueous product.

Things to Be Careful About

  • The mark scheme notes that B can be "read into (iv)" — i.e., if the equation in (iv) shows HCl, then B is HCl.
  • The identity of B is confirmed by the AgNO3\text{AgNO}_3 test in part (v).
Techniques used
deduce compound identity from reaction chemistry
(iv)

Construct an equation for the reaction between SCl2\text{SCl}_2 and water.

DifficultyMedium-Easy
Worked solution

Answer

2SCl2+2H2OS+SO2+4HCl2\text{SCl}_2 + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{S} + \text{SO}_2 + 4\text{HCl}

Final answer

2SCl2 + 2H2O → S + SO2 + 4HCl

Detailed explanation

Background Concept

The reaction of SCl2\text{SCl}_2 with water is a disproportionation reaction. SCl2\text{SCl}_2 (S in +2) is simultaneously oxidised to SO2\text{SO}_2 (S in +4) and reduced to elemental S (S in 0). The Cl atoms become HCl.

Understanding the Question

We need to construct a balanced equation for the reaction between SCl2\text{SCl}_2 and water, given that the products are S (yellow precipitate), SO2(aq)\text{SO}_2(\text{aq}), and compound B (HCl).

Approach

  1. Write the unbalanced equation: SCl2+H2OS+SO2+HCl\text{SCl}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{S} + \text{SO}_2 + \text{HCl}
  2. Balance the sulfur atoms: 2 SCl2\text{SCl}_2 gives 1 S + 1 SO2\text{SO}_2 (2 S atoms total).
  3. Balance the Cl atoms: 2 SCl2\text{SCl}_2 gives 4 Cl, so 4 HCl.
  4. Balance the H atoms: 4 HCl needs 4 H, so 2 H2O\text{H}_2\text{O}.
  5. Balance the O atoms: 2 H2O\text{H}_2\text{O} gives 2 O; SO2\text{SO}_2 needs 2 O. ✓

Step-by-Step Reasoning

Unbalanced: SCl2+H2OS+SO2+HCl\text{SCl}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{S} + \text{SO}_2 + \text{HCl}

Balance S: 2SCl2S+SO2+HCl2\text{SCl}_2 \rightarrow \text{S} + \text{SO}_2 + \text{HCl} (2 S atoms on each side)

Balance Cl: 2SCl2S+SO2+4HCl2\text{SCl}_2 \rightarrow \text{S} + \text{SO}_2 + 4\text{HCl} (4 Cl atoms on each side)

Balance H: 2SCl2+2H2OS+SO2+4HCl2\text{SCl}_2 + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{S} + \text{SO}_2 + 4\text{HCl} (4 H atoms on each side)

Balance O: 2SCl2+2H2OS+SO2+4HCl2\text{SCl}_2 + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{S} + \text{SO}_2 + 4\text{HCl} (2 O atoms on each side)

Final balanced equation:
2SCl2+2H2OS+SO2+4HCl2\text{SCl}_2 + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{S} + \text{SO}_2 + 4\text{HCl}

Check:

  • S: 2 on left, 1 + 1 = 2 on right ✓
  • Cl: 4 on left, 4 on right ✓
  • H: 4 on left (2×2), 4 on right (4×1) ✓
  • O: 2 on left (2×1), 2 on right (SO2\text{SO}_2) ✓

Key Takeaways

  • Disproportionation equations are balanced by treating the two products of the same element separately.
  • The stoichiometric coefficient 2 on SCl2\text{SCl}_2 reflects the 1:1 ratio of oxidised (to SO2\text{SO}_2) and reduced (to S) sulfur.

Common Mistakes

  • Writing SCl2+H2OS+SO2+2HCl\text{SCl}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{S} + \text{SO}_2 + 2\text{HCl} (unbalanced — wrong coefficients).
  • Forgetting to balance the equation fully.

Things to Be Careful About

  • The equation must be balanced — this is a mark in the mark scheme.
  • State symbols are not required but show understanding.
  • The coefficient 2 on SCl2\text{SCl}_2 is essential — without it, the sulfur atoms don't balance.
Techniques used
balance a disproportionation redox equation
(v)

What would you observe when each of the following reagents is added to separate samples of solution A?

AgNO3(aq)\text{AgNO}_3(\text{aq})

K2Cr2O7(aq)\text{K}_2\text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7(\text{aq})

DifficultyMedium-Easy
Worked solution

Answer

  • AgNO3(aq)\text{AgNO}_3(\text{aq}): white precipitate forms
  • K2Cr2O7(aq)\text{K}_2\text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7(\text{aq}): the orange solution turns green
Final answer

AgNO3: white precipitate; K2Cr2O7: solution turns green

Detailed explanation

Background Concept

Solution A contains SO2(aq)\text{SO}_2(\text{aq}) and HCl(aq).

  1. AgNO3(aq)\text{AgNO}_3(\text{aq}) test: Ag⁺ ions react with Cl⁻ ions to form a white precipitate of AgCl. This is the standard test for chloride ions.

  2. K2Cr2O7(aq)\text{K}_2\text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7(\text{aq}) test: Potassium dichromate(VI) is an orange oxidising agent. In acidic conditions, it oxidises SO2\text{SO}_2 (a reducing agent) to SO42\text{SO}_4^{2-} (sulfate), while the dichromate is reduced to Cr³⁺, which is green. The colour change from orange to green confirms the presence of a reducing agent such as SO2\text{SO}_2.

Understanding the Question

We need to state what is observed when AgNO3(aq)\text{AgNO}_3(\text{aq}) and K2Cr2O7(aq)\text{K}_2\text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7(\text{aq}) are added to separate samples of solution A, which contains SO2(aq)\text{SO}_2(\text{aq}) and HCl(aq).

Approach

Identify what each reagent tests for:

  • AgNO3\text{AgNO}_3 tests for Cl⁻ ions (white precipitate of AgCl).
  • K2Cr2O7\text{K}_2\text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7 tests for reducing agents (orange → green colour change).

Step-by-Step Reasoning

  1. AgNO3(aq)\text{AgNO}_3(\text{aq}): Ag+(aq)+Cl(aq)AgCl(s)\text{Ag}^+(\text{aq}) + \text{Cl}^-(\text{aq}) \rightarrow \text{AgCl}(\text{s}). AgCl is a white precipitate. Since solution A contains HCl(aq) (i.e., Cl⁻ ions), a white precipitate forms.

  2. K2Cr2O7(aq)\text{K}_2\text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7(\text{aq}): The orange dichromate ion, Cr2O72\text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7^{2-}, is reduced by SO2\text{SO}_2 to green Cr³⁺. The colour change from orange to green confirms SO2\text{SO}_2 is present as a reducing agent.

Key Takeaways

  • AgNO3\text{AgNO}_3 is the test for Cl⁻: white precipitate of AgCl.
  • K2Cr2O7\text{K}_2\text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7 is an oxidising agent that turns from orange to green when reduced by a reducing agent like SO2\text{SO}_2.

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting the colour of the AgCl precipitate (white).
  • Saying the dichromate turns "green" without mentioning it was orange first.
  • Confusing the dichromate test with the iodide test (which gives brown iodine).

Things to Be Careful About

  • The mark scheme gives 1 mark for the white precipitate with AgNO3\text{AgNO}_3 and 1 mark for the green colour with K2Cr2O7\text{K}_2\text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7.
  • The green colour of Cr³⁺ is the key observation for the dichromate test.
  • The K2Cr2O7\text{K}_2\text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7 test requires acidic conditions in practice, though this is not explicitly stated in the question.
Techniques used
describe qualitative test observationsidentify chloride ions with AgNO3identify reducing agents with K2Cr2O7

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