Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · Analytical techniques

Analytical techniques — practice question

Fig. 4.1 shows the structure of vitamin C.
(a)[1]

Deduce the empirical formula of vitamin C.

(b)

The vitamin C concentration is determined by titration with $I_2(aq)$. A vitamin C tablet is dissolved in water to make $200\ \text{cm}^3$ of vitamin C solution. A $5.00\ \text{cm}^3$ portion of this solution is placed in a flask with about $150\ \text{cm}^3$ of water and an indicator. Precisely $28.40\ \text{cm}^3$ of $5.00 \times 10^{-4}\ \text{mol dm}^{-3}\ I_2(aq)$ reacts with the vitamin C sample in the flask. $[M_r: \text{vitamin C},\ 176]$.

(b(i))[1]

Calculate the amount, in mol, of $I_2(aq)$ added to the flask in this titration.

(b(ii))[2]

Use your answer to (b)(i) to work out the mass, in g, of vitamin C in the tablet. Show your working. (If you were unable to calculate a value for the amount of $I_2(aq)$ in (b)(i), use the value $2.64 \times 10^{-4}\ \text{mol}$. This is not the correct value.)

(b(iii))[1]

Deduce the role of $I_2(aq)$ in the reaction in Fig. 4.2.

(b(iv))[2]

Suggest two reasons why hot concentrated acidified potassium manganate(VII) is not a suitable reagent for making Q from vitamin C.

(c)[2]

Predict two absorptions that will appear in the infrared spectra of both vitamin C and Q. Describe the relevant bond and the specific functional group responsible for each absorption you identify.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 9-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: The molecular formula is correctly given as $C_3H_4O_3$.

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