Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons — practice question

Combustion data may be used to work out the empirical formula, molecular formula and relative molecular mass of many organic compounds. However, combustion data cannot tell different structural isomers apart.
(a)[2]

Define structural isomers.

(b)

P is a hydrocarbon, $\text{C}_x\text{H}_y$. A gas sample of P had a volume of $25\text{ cm}^3$ at $37^{\circ}\text{C}$ and $100\text{ kPa}$. It was burned completely in $200\text{ cm}^3$ of oxygen (in excess). The final volume, taken under the same conditions as the gas sample (so the water formed is liquid and can be ignored), was $150\text{ cm}^3$. When the remaining gaseous mixture was treated with concentrated alkali to remove carbon dioxide, the volume fell to $50\text{ cm}^3$. The equation for the complete combustion of P can be written as shown: $\text{C}_x\text{H}_y + \left(x + \frac{y}{4}\right)\text{O}_2 \rightarrow x\text{CO}_2 + \frac{y}{2}\text{H}_2\text{O}$.

(b(i))[1]

Use the data given to determine the value of $x$.

(b(ii))[1]

Use the data given to determine the value of $\left(x + \frac{y}{4}\right)$.

(b(iii))[2]

Give the molecular formula and the empirical formula for P.

(b(iv))[2]

P is unbranched. Draw the skeletal formulae of two possible structures of P that are positional isomers of one another.

(b(v))[3]

Use the general gas equation to work out the mass of P in the original $25\text{ cm}^3$ gas sample, measured at $37^{\circ}\text{C}$ and $100\text{ kPa}$. Give your answer to three significant figures.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 11-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: (molecules / isomers that have) the same molecular formula / the same number of atoms of each element

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