Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · Analytical techniques

Analytical techniques — practice question

Oleocanthal, Q, is a naturally occurring compound present in olive oil. It shows antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and is believed to offer a protective effect against Alzheimer’s disease.
(a)[1]

On the structure of Q shown above, circle the functional group that exhibits cis-trans isomerism and mark the chiral carbon atom with an asterisk (*).

(b(i))[2]

Explain what the term partition coefficient means.

(b(ii))[2]

Calculate the partition coefficient, $K_{\text{partition}}$, for Q between hexane and methanol.

(c)[6]

Complete the table below to show the structures of the products formed when Q reacts with the three reagents.

(d)[1]

A sample of Q made in the laboratory was compared with a natural sample from olive oil, and the synthetic sample was found to have lower therapeutic activity. Suggest a reason for this.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 12-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: The structure of compound Q is drawn correctly.

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