Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level
Chemical bonding
100 practice questions on Chemical bonding, with worked solutions and instant marking.
Which line in the table is correct?
Feb/March 2016
Geraniol and nerol are compounds present in certain flower fragrances, and they are isomers of one another. What type of isomerism do they show?
Feb/March 2016
The diagram presents two repeat units of an addition polymer. What is the identity of the monomer that formed this polymer?
Feb/March 2016
Perfume fragrance compounds are often dissolved in solvent Y, with molecular formula C$_7$H$_{12}$O$_4$. Solvent Y is produced by reacting propane-1,2-diol with ethanoic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst. What is the structure of solvent Y?
Feb/March 2016
Which molecules possess an overall dipole moment?
Feb/March 2016
Which sequence shows molecules arranged in order of increasing bond angle?
Feb/March 2016
Solid carbon dioxide, $\text{CO}_2$, resembles solid iodine, $\text{I}_2$, in both its structure and its properties. Carbon belongs to Group 14. Silica, $\text{SiO}_2$, is a compound from Group 14. Which statement about solid $\text{CO}_2$ and solid $\text{SiO}_2$ is correct?
Feb/March 2016
The following claim appears in an article in a science magazine. 6It has less mass than a feather, is stronger than steel, yet is extremely flexible and conducts electricity better than copper. Which form of carbon is described?
Feb/March 2016
The table shows the electrical conductivities of two compounds, Y and Z. - conductivity of the compound in the liquid state: Y good, Z does not conduct - conductivity of the mixture formed when the compound is added to water: Y good, Z good Which compounds could Y and Z be?
Feb/March 2017
When answering this question, take both structural isomerism and stereoisomerism into account. What is the number of isomers with the formula $\text{C}_4\text{H}_8$ whose structures include a $\pi$ bond?
Feb/March 2017
Kerosene is employed as an aircraft fuel. Q is one of the molecules present in kerosene, and its skeletal formula is shown. Kerosene also contains other structural isomers of this molecule. Which structure is a structural isomer of Q?
Feb/March 2017
When ethene undergoes polymerisation, poly(ethene) is formed. How does the bonding between the carbon atoms in poly(ethene) differ from that in ethene?
Feb/March 2017
Nitrogen and phosphorus are both placed in Group 15 of the Periodic Table. Phosphorus forms a chloride with the formula $\text{PCl}_5$, but nitrogen does not form $\text{NCl}_5$. Which statements would help to account for this?
Feb/March 2017
The distinctive smell of garlic is caused by alliin. What are the approximate bond angles $x$, $y$ and $z$ in a molecule of alliin?
Feb/March 2017
What are the molecular shapes of water and boron trifluoride?
Feb/March 2018
In which molecule is there a nitrogen atom whose orbitals are $sp$ hybridised?
Feb/March 2018
X, Y and Z are elements from Period 3 of the Periodic Table. The outcomes of several experiments performed with compounds of these elements are shown.
Feb/March 2019
An infra-red spectrum displays a wide peak at $3000\,\text{cm}^{-1}$ and a pronounced peak at $1710\,\text{cm}^{-1}$. Which substance might have given rise to this spectrum?
Feb/March 2019
Which of the following statements about ceramics are correct?
Feb/March 2019
What kinds of bonding occur in ammonium carbonate, $(\text{NH}_4)_2\text{CO}_3$?
Feb/March 2019
Each of the eight species listed below contains covalent bonds. In which pair are the species shaped differently from one another?
Feb/March 2019
Histidine is an amino acid. What are the approximate values of bond angles $1$, $2$, and $3$?
Feb/March 2019
$P$, $Q$ and $R$ are three distinct structures of an element. Which of these structures are giant molecular?
Feb/March 2019
The diagram displays the structure of ethanedioic acid. In the presence of a few drops of concentrated sulfuric acid, ethanedioic acid reacts with ethanol to produce a diester. The molecular formula of this diester is $\text{C}_6\text{H}_{10}\text{O}_4$. What is the structural formula of this diester?
Feb/March 2020
The infrared spectrum shown here was obtained from compound J. Which of the following statements about J is correct?
Feb/March 2020
A portion of a polymer chain is shown. Which monomer is correct?
Feb/March 2020
In which molecule are there no bond angles of $90^\circ$ or $180^\circ$?
Feb/March 2020
The diagram illustrates the structure of compound Q. Two of the rings, X and Y, each contain a $\text{C}=\text{C}$ bond. Which row is the correct one?
Feb/March 2020
Which statements are true for tetrafluoromethane?
Feb/March 2020
Which of the following statements comparing ethene and ethane are correct?
Feb/March 2020
Research chemists have prepared a stable ion $\text{N}_5^+$. Which structure is most likely to represent the electron arrangement of this ion?
Feb/March 2020
The structures of citric acid and isocitric acid are displayed. How many chiral centres are present in each acid?
Feb/March 2021
The diagram illustrates the structure of a bromo compound that could be produced when bromine reacts with a hydrocarbon. Which row is correct?
Feb/March 2021
If reactant $X$ is reacted with an appropriate reagent, the products $Y$ and $Z$ are obtained. Infrared spectra for $X$, $Y$ and $Z$ are displayed. Which row could be right?
Feb/March 2021
Which species is able to accept a lone pair of electrons in order to form a coordinate (dative covalent) bond?
Feb/March 2021
Which substance has intermolecular forces consisting only of temporary dipole-induced dipole attractions?
Feb/March 2021
The table lists the melting points for $\text{SiO}_2$ and $\text{P}_4\text{O}_6$. $\text{SiO}_2$: $1883\,\text{K}$ $\text{P}_4\text{O}_6$: $297\,\text{K}$ Which statement accounts for the difference in the melting points of $\text{SiO}_2$ and $\text{P}_4\text{O}_6$?
Feb/March 2022
What is the minimum number of carbon atoms in a non-cyclic alkane molecule containing a chiral centre?
Feb/March 2022
Which molecule has a dipole moment of zero?
Feb/March 2022
Which diagram represents the infrared spectrum of a compound containing both a $\text{C}=\text{O}$ group and an $\text{O}-\text{H}$ group?
Feb/March 2022
Which dot-and-cross diagram shows $\mathrm{Al}_2\mathrm{Cl}_6$ correctly?
Feb/March 2022
Elements $X$, $Y$ and $Z$ all lie in the first two periods of the Periodic Table. Their Pauling electronegativity values, $E_N$, are given as follows: $X = 1.0$, $Y = 2.1$, $Z = 4.0$. Substances with formulae $XZ$, $YZ$ and $Z_2$ are known to exist. Which row arranges these substances in increasing order of melting point?
Feb/March 2022
Molten aluminium chloride has a simple molecular structure. Every molecule contains two aluminium atoms and six chlorine atoms. Which statement is correct?
Feb/March 2023
In a sample of pure water, what is the greatest number of hydrogen bonds that a single water molecule can take part in?
Feb/March 2023
The table lists bond energies for a selection of diatomic molecules. Deuterium, D, is an isotope of hydrogen. Which statements are correct?
Feb/March 2023
Which row gives the structure and bonding of $\text{SiO}_2$ and $\text{SiCl}_4$?
Feb/March 2023
Cyclohexene, $\text{C}_6\text{H}_{10}$, is a hydrocarbon containing a ring of six carbon atoms. It also has a number of structural isomers that are straight-chain alkenes. In each of these molecules, the number of double bonds is P. What is the shape of the cyclohexene molecule and what is the value of P?
Feb/March 2023
An infrared spectrum for an organic compound is displayed. Which compound might produce this spectrum?
Feb/March 2023
Which species contains a lone pair of electrons?
Feb/March 2023
The diagram illustrates the structure of the naturally occurring molecule cholesterol. Student X said that all 17 carbon atoms in the 4 rings are in one plane. Student Y said that this molecule shows cis/trans isomerism at the C=C double bond. Which students are correct?
Feb/March 2024
The drug cortisone has the formula shown. Besides the chiral centres indicated with an asterisk (*), how many additional chiral centres are there in the cortisone molecule?
Feb/March 2024
The formula shows the repeat unit of an addition polymer, $-\text{CH}(\text{CH}_3)\text{CH}(\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_3)-$. What is the correct name of the monomer from which this polymer is produced?
Feb/March 2024
Which row gives the correct count of covalent bonds in a molecule of methylpropene?
Feb/March 2024
At room temperature, aluminium chloride is present as $\text{Al}_2\text{Cl}_6$ molecules. On heating to a high temperature, $\text{AlCl}_3$ molecules form. What are the arrangements of the bonding pairs of electrons around the aluminium atom in these two forms of aluminium chloride?
Feb/March 2024
The table presents the physical properties of four substances. Which substance has a giant covalent structure?
Feb/March 2024
Propene, hydrogen cyanide and carbon dioxide all have $\pi$ bonds. Which of these molecules has two $\pi$ bonds?
Feb/March 2025
The structure of compound G is illustrated below. Compound G undergoes addition polymerisation. Which diagram represents the repeat unit of the polymer that is produced?
Feb/March 2025
Compound T is examined with three reagents, and the observations are shown below. 2,4-DNPH: orange precipitate Fehling’s solution: no reaction acidified $\text{K}_2\text{Cr}_2\text{O}_7$: no reaction Identify compound T.
Feb/March 2025
What is the total number of $sp^3$ hybridised atomic orbitals involved in the bonding of but-2-ene?
Feb/March 2025
Details of two substances are provided. Substance P: conducts electricity well in both the solid state and the molten state; when placed in water, it reacts vigorously to form an alkaline solution; melting point $454\,\text{K}$. Substance Q: does not conduct electricity in any state; when placed in water, it reacts vigorously to form an acidic solution; melting point $317\,\text{K}$. Which row gives the structure and bonding for substances P and Q?
Feb/March 2025
X is a salt containing one of the halogens chlorine, bromine, iodine, or astatine (proton number $85$). The reaction scheme below gives a sequence of reactions starting with a solution of X as the initial reagent: X $\xrightarrow[\text{AgNO}_3(aq)]{\text{HNO}_3(aq)}$ a precipitate $\xrightarrow[\text{dilute } \text{NH}_3(aq)]{\text{excess}}$ a colourless solution $\xrightarrow[\text{HNO}_3(aq)]{\text{excess}}$ a precipitate. Which substance could X be?
May/June 2010
Which compound shows both $cis$-$trans$ and optical isomerism?
May/June 2010
Which diagrams show part of a giant molecular structure?
May/June 2010
Sodium hydrogensulfide, $\text{NaSH}$, is used to remove hair from animal hides. Which of the following statements about the $\text{SH}^-$ ion are correct?
May/June 2010
$X$ is a salt of one of the halogens chlorine, bromine, iodine or astatine (proton number $85$). The reaction scheme illustrates a sequence of reactions that begins with a solution of $X$ as the starting reagent. $X \xrightarrow[\text{AgNO}_3(aq)]{\text{HNO}_3(aq)} \text{a precipitate} \xrightarrow[\text{excess}]{\text{dilute } \text{NH}_3(aq)} \text{a colourless solution} \xrightarrow[\text{excess}]{\text{HNO}_3(aq)} \text{a precipitate}$ What could $X$ be?
May/June 2010
Which compound has both cis-trans and optical isomerism?
May/June 2010
Sodium hydrogensulfide, $\text{NaSH}$, is used to remove hair from animal hides. Which of the following statements about the $\text{SH}^-$ ion are correct?
May/June 2010
Which diagrams show part of a giant molecular structure?
May/June 2010
Which substance would react differently with the two isomeric alcohols, $(\text{CH}_3)_3\text{CCH}_2\text{OH}$ and $(\text{CH}_3)_2\text{CHCH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{OH}$?
May/June 2010
When 1,1-dichloroethene undergoes polymerisation, it forms a dense substance with a high melting point that gases cannot diffuse through. It is used as cling wrapping. Which sequence is shown in a short section of the polymer chain?
May/June 2010
Sodium hydrogensulfide, $\text{NaSH}$, is employed to strip hair from animal hides. Which of the following statements about the $\text{SH}^-$ ion are correct?
May/June 2010
Which diagrams show part of a giant molecular structure?
May/June 2010
Which of the following reactions are examples of nucleophilic substitution?
May/June 2010
Three substances, R, S and T, are described by the physical properties shown. Which substances could R, S and T be?
May/June 2011
Steam is led over heated magnesium to form compound X and hydrogen. Which of the following is not a property of compound X?
May/June 2011
The formula $\text{CH}_3$ may stand for an anion, a cation, or a free radical. A species with molecular formula $\text{CH}_3$ can behave as an electrophile, a free radical, or a nucleophile, depending on how many outer shell electrons are on the central carbon atom. How many outer shell electrons are needed for $\text{CH}_3$ to behave in each of these ways?
May/June 2011
Which characteristics describe the structure of metallic copper?
May/June 2011
Bromoethane undergoes every conversion shown here. Which of these conversions are nucleophilic substitution reactions?
May/June 2011
The Data Booklet may be needed for this question. Which element is likely to have an electronegativity close to that of aluminium?
May/June 2011
Which diagram shows the bonding in the ammonium ion, $\text{NH}_4^+$, correctly?
May/June 2011
Which compound is incapable of cis-trans isomerism?
May/June 2011
What occurs when a hydrogen bond forms between two molecules?
May/June 2011
The physical properties of three substances, R, S and T, are given below. R: $mp = 801^\f$, $bp = 1413^\f$, electrical conductivity in the solid state: poor S: $mp = 2852^\f$, $bp = 3600^\f$, electrical conductivity in the solid state: poor T: $mp = 3550^\f$, $bp = 4827^\f$, electrical conductivity in the solid state: good Which substances could R, S and T be?
May/June 2011
The formula $\text{CH}_3$ may denote an anion, a cation or a free radical. A species with molecular formula $\text{CH}_3$ can behave as an electrophile, a free radical or a nucleophile, depending on how many outer shell electrons the central carbon atom has. How many outer shell electrons are needed for $\text{CH}_3$ to behave in each of these ways?
May/June 2011
Pentanol, $\text{C}_5\text{H}_{11}\text{OH}$, can form four structural isomers that are primary alcohols. How many of these primary alcohols include a chiral carbon atom?
May/June 2011
Aldehydes and ketones belong to the family of carbonyl compounds. Which of these react with $\text{NaBH}_4$ and react with Fehling’s reagent?
May/June 2011
Which of the following are characteristics of metallic copper's structure?
May/June 2011
In which species is the underlined atom lacking a full outer shell?
May/June 2012
Aluminium chloride speeds up certain reactions by producing carbocations from chloroalkanes, as illustrated. $\text{RCl} + \text{AlCl}_3 \rightarrow \text{R}^+ + \text{AlCl}_4^-$ Which property allows this reaction to occur?
May/June 2012
Fumaric acid may be changed into oxaloacetic acid through a two-stage route that uses the intermediate Q. $\text{HO}_2\text{CCH=CHCO}_2\text{H} \xrightarrow{\text{step 1}} Q \xrightarrow{\text{step 2}} \text{HO}_2\text{CCOCH}_2\text{CO}_2\text{H}$ In the laboratory, each stage can be carried out with just one reagent. What might Q be, and which reagent is needed for step 2?
May/June 2012
Which statement is not an accurate description of the polymer PVC?
May/June 2012
Nitrogen and phosphorus are both placed in Group V of the Periodic Table. Phosphorus can form a chloride with the formula $\text{PCl}_5$. Why is it impossible for nitrogen to form $\text{NCl}_5$?
May/June 2012
What is invariably present in a carbon-carbon $\pi$ bond?
May/June 2012
Which molecule has the greatest overall dipole?
May/June 2012
The period 4 elements gallium (Ga), germanium (Ge), arsenic (As) and selenium (Se) lie directly below aluminium, silicon, phosphorus and sulfur in the Periodic Table. Each period 4 element has properties similar to the period 3 element above it. Which of the period 4 elements produce oxides that dissolve in water to form an acid solution?
May/June 2012
Which diagram shows the skeletal formula for 2-chloropentan-3-ol?
May/June 2012
What is the most probable shape of a hydrazine molecule, $\text{N}_2\text{H}_4$?
May/June 2012
Which of the following molecules and ions are regular trigonal planar in shape?
May/June 2012
If HCl is compared with HBr, the bond ……X…… in the HBr molecule is ……Y…… . Which pair of words correctly completes the sentence above?
May/June 2012
What do a pair of optical isomers have in common?
May/June 2012