Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · Carboxylic acids and derivatives

Carboxylic acids and derivatives — practice question

(a)[1]

Explain why trichloroethanoic acid, $\text{CCl}_3\text{COOH}$, has a higher acidity than ethanoic acid, $\text{CH}_3\text{COOH}$.

(b(i))[1]

Acyl chlorides are made by reacting carboxylic acids with thionyl chloride, $\text{SOCl}_2$. Ethanedioyl chloride, $(\text{COCl})_2$, may be prepared by treating ethanedioic acid, $(\text{COOH})_2$, with an excess of $\text{SOCl}_2$. Write an equation for this reaction.

(b(ii))[2]

Separate samples of $(\text{COCl})_2$ are reacted with excess warm acidified $\text{KMnO}_4\text{(aq)}$ and with $\text{H}_2\text{NCH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{NH}_2$. The carbon-containing product from the reaction with $\text{H}_2\text{NCH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{NH}_2$ has molecular formula $\text{C}_4\text{H}_6\text{N}_2\text{O}_2$. Fill in the boxes in Fig. 9.1 to propose the structure of the carbon-containing product in each reaction.

(b(iii))[2]

A polyester can be produced by reacting $(\text{COCl})_2$ with ethane-1,2-diol, $\text{HOCH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{OH}$. Draw two repeat units of the polymer formed. Any functional groups should be shown.

(c(i))[1]

Identify the yellow precipitate produced as $J$.

(c(ii))[4]

Complete Table 9.2 with the proton ($^1\text{H}$) NMR spectrum data for $H$, $\text{C}_6\text{H}_{10}\text{O}_3$.

(c(iii))[1]

Suggest a structure for $H$ that has formula $\text{C}_6\text{H}_{10}\text{O}_3$.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 12-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Electron-withdrawing action of chlorine stabilises the carboxylate ion

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