Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · Nitrogen compounds

Nitrogen compounds — practice question

Hydrogen cyanide, $\text{HCN}$, acts as a weak acid in aqueous solution. $\text{HCN}(aq) \rightleftharpoons \text{H}^+(aq) + \text{CN}^-(aq)$ $K_a = 6.2 \times 10^{-10}\ \text{mol dm}^{-3}$
(a(i))[2]

Calculate the pH for $0.10\ \text{mol dm}^{-3}$ $\text{HCN}(aq)$.

(a(ii))[1]

Draw a ‘dot-and-cross’ diagram to show the bonding in the hydrogen cyanide molecule. Include only the outer shell electrons.

(a(iii))[2]

State the hybridisation of the carbon and nitrogen atoms in hydrogen cyanide, and state the H-C-N bond angle.

(a(iv))[2]

Suggest structures for the organic products $A$ and $B$ in the reactions below. Assume that $\text{HCN}$ reacts in the same way as $\text{RCN}$.

(b(i))[1]

If a measured amount of $\text{KCN}$ is added to a solution of $\text{NiCl}_2$, the complex $[\text{Ni(CN)}_2\text{Cl}_2]^x$ is formed. Deduce the overall charge, $x$, on this complex.

(b(ii))[1]

The complex can form two distinct isomers with the same geometry (shape) around the nickel ion. State the type of isomerism shown by these isomers.

(b(iii))[3]

If bromide ions are present in the solution, the complex $[\text{Ni(CN)}_2\text{ClBr}]^x$ can form. Assuming that $[\text{Ni(CN)}_2\text{ClBr}]^x$ has the same geometry as $[\text{Ni(CN)}_2\text{Cl}_2]^x$, state how many isomers of $[\text{Ni(CN)}_2\text{ClBr}]^x$ could exist, and draw their structures.

(c)[3]

Aqueous $\text{KCN}$ is added little by little to a solution of $\text{NiSO}_4$ until $\text{KCN}$ is in excess. The following series of reactions takes place: $\text{NiSO}_4 \xrightarrow{\text{KCN}} C \xrightarrow{\text{more KCN}} D \xrightarrow{\text{KCN in excess}} E$ Green precipitate $\rightarrow$ yellow solution $\rightarrow$ red solution The oxidation state of nickel does not change during these reactions. None of $C$, $D$ or $E$ contains sulfur. $C$ contains no potassium. The K:Ni ratio in $D$ is $2{:}1$. The K:Ni ratio in $E$ is $3{:}1$. Use the information to suggest the formulae of $C$, $D$ and $E$.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 15-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: $[\mathrm{H^+}] = \sqrt{K_a c} = \sqrt{6.2 \times 10^{-10} \times 0.1} = 7.9 \times 10^{-6}$

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