Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · 6.1

6.1 — practice question

Ethanal, $\text{CH}_3\text{CHO}$, undergoes reaction with nitrogen dioxide, $\text{NO}_2$. In the first stage, the products are a $\text{CH}_3\dot{\text{C}}=\text{O}$ radical and one molecule of nitrous acid, $\text{HNO}_2$. $\text{CH}_3\text{CHO} + \text{NO}_2 \rightarrow \text{CH}_3\dot{\text{C}}=\text{O} + \text{HNO}_2$.
(a(i))[1]

Complete the sentence using two words. This reaction involves ____________________ ____________________ of the single covalent bond linking a hydrogen atom to a carbon atom in $\text{CH}_3\text{CHO}$.

(a(ii))[1]

The hydrogen atom referred to in (a)(i) makes a covalent bond with one of the oxygen atoms in a $\text{NO}_2$ molecule. A $\text{NO}_2$ molecule contains one unpaired electron on the nitrogen atom. In an $\text{HNO}_2$ molecule, all electrons are paired. In the boxes, draw dot-and-cross diagrams for $\text{NO}_2$ and $\text{HNO}_2$. Show only outer-shell electrons.

(a(iii))[1]

Use VSEPR theory to estimate the bond angle at the nitrogen atom in an $\text{HNO}_2$ molecule.

(b)[2]

The rate equation for the reaction between $\text{CH}_3\text{CHO}$ and $\text{NO}_2$ is given below. $\text{rate} = k[\text{CH}_3\text{CHO}][\text{NO}_2]$. Under some conditions, both $\text{CH}_3\text{CHO}$ and $\text{NO}_2$ have concentrations of $0.200\,\text{mol dm}^{-3}$, and the reaction rate is $1.53 \times 10^{-4}\,\text{mol dm}^{-3}\text{ s}^{-1}$. Calculate the value of the rate constant, $k$, in these conditions. State the units of $k$.

(c)[1]

The reaction mixture from (b) is followed over time. Predict whether the graph of $[\text{NO}_2]$ against time has a constant half-life. Explain your answer.

(d)[1]

$\text{NO}_2$ also reacts with ozone, $\text{O}_3$. The rate equation is given by $\text{rate} = k_1[\text{NO}_2]$. Under certain conditions, $k_1$ is $0.0848\,\text{s}^{-1}$. The reaction has a constant half-life in these conditions. Calculate the half-life in seconds.

(e)[2]

$\text{NO}_2$ is found in car exhaust gases. It can react with carbon monoxide, $\text{CO}$, on the surface of a heterogeneous catalyst in the catalytic converter of a car. Describe how this heterogeneous catalyst works.

Worked solution & mark scheme

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