Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · Group 2

Group 2 — practice question

A number of the ionic compounds of Group 2 elements can break down by thermal decomposition. When solid anhydrous magnesium ethanedioate, $\text{MgC}_2\text{O}_4$, is heated above $650^\circ\text{C}$, it decomposes. The products formed are magnesium oxide and a blend of two different gases, and one of these produces a white precipitate with saturated calcium hydroxide solution.
(a)[1]

Complete the equation for the thermal decomposition of $\text{MgC}_2\text{O}_4$. $\text{MgC}_2\text{O}_4 \rightarrow$

(b)[2]

Suggest which of $\text{MgC}_2\text{O}_4$ or $\text{CaC}_2\text{O}_4$ decomposes thermally at the lower temperature. Explain your reasoning.

(c)[3]

The ethanedioate ion is oxidised by acidified $\text{KMnO}_4$. $5\text{C}_2\text{O}_4^{2-} + 2\text{MnO}_4^- + 16\text{H}^+ \rightarrow 10\text{CO}_2 + 2\text{Mn}^{2+} + 8\text{H}_2\text{O}$ An experiment is carried out to determine the solubility of $\text{MgC}_2\text{O}_4$ in water. A $40.0\,\text{cm}^3$ sample of saturated aqueous $\text{MgC}_2\text{O}_4$ needs $27.05\,\text{cm}^3$ of $0.00200\,\text{mol dm}^{-3}$ acidified $\text{KMnO}_4$ to oxidise all of the $\text{C}_2\text{O}_4^{2-}$ ions. Calculate the solubility, in $\text{mol dm}^{-3}$, of $\text{MgC}_2\text{O}_4$ in water. Show your working.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 6-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Correct equation: $\mathrm{MgC_2O_4 \rightarrow MgO + CO_2 + CO}$

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