Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · 9.1

9.1 — practice question

Copper exhibits the usual characteristics of transition elements, including its ability to act as a catalyst.
(a)[1]

Fill in Table 5.1 to show the overall number of unpaired electrons in the 3d and 4s orbitals of a free gaseous Cu atom and a $\text{Cu}^{2+}$ ion.

(b)[2]

In an isolated $\text{Cu}^{2+}$ ion, the 3d orbitals are degenerate. Complete the diagram so that it shows the relative energies of the 3d orbitals in an isolated $\text{Cu}^{2+}$ ion and in $\text{Cu}^{2+}$ within a tetrahedral complex.

(c)[2]

Explain why transition elements act as catalysts.

(d)[2]

$\text{CN}^-$ is a monodentate ligand. Table 5.2 contains data for two complex ions that have only $\text{CN}^-$ ions as ligands. Complete Table 5.2.

(e)[2]

The complex ion $[\text{Au}(\text{CN})_2\text{Br}_2]^-$ shows geometrical (cis/trans) isomerism. Draw trans-$[\text{Au}(\text{CN})_2\text{Br}_2]^-$ . State its shape and the Br-Au-Br bond angle.

(f(i))[3]

A $0.250\,\text{g}$ impure sample of a vanadium(V) compound is dissolved in aqueous acid. The solution contains $\text{VO}_3^-$ ions. An excess of zinc is then added to this solution. All the $\text{VO}_3^-$ ions are reduced to $\text{V}^{2+}$ ions and Zn atoms are oxidised to $\text{Zn}^{2+}$ ions. The remaining zinc is filtered off and the resulting solution is titrated with acidified $\text{MnO}_4^-$. The end-point is reached after $22.5\,\text{cm}^3$ of $0.0750\,\text{mol dm}^{-3}$ $\text{MnO}_4^-$ has been added. A redox reaction occurs and all the $\text{V}^{2+}$ reacts forming $\text{VO}_3^-$. $3\text{MnO}_4^- + 5\text{V}^{2+} + 3\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow 3\text{Mn}^{2+} + 5\text{VO}_3^- + 6\text{H}^+$. Calculate the percentage by mass of vanadium in the $0.250\,\text{g}$ impure sample. Assume that the impurities contain no vanadium ions. Show your working.

(f(ii))[2]

Complete the equation for the reaction between acidified $\text{VO}_3^-$ ions and Zn metal. $\ldots\ldots\,\text{VO}_3^- + \ldots\ldots\,\text{Zn} + \ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots \rightarrow \ldots\ldots\,\text{V}^{2+} + \ldots\ldots\,\text{Zn}^{2+} + \ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots\ldots$

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