Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · Reaction kinetics

Reaction kinetics — practice question

Phenacyl chloride has served as one ingredient in certain tear gases. Its lachrymatory and irritant effects arise because it reacts with water in body tissues to form hydrochloric acid. It undergoes a nucleophilic substitution reaction with $\text{NaOH(aq)}$.
(a)[2]

Enter the formulae of the products from this reaction in the two boxes above.

(b(i))

What is meant by order of reaction?

(b(ii))

Use the data above to deduce the order with respect to each reactant. Explain your answer.

(b(iii))

Write the overall rate equation for the reaction.

(b(iv))[7]

Describe the mechanism for this reaction in a way that matches your overall rate equation. You should show all intermediates and/or transition states plus partial charges, and you should use curly arrows to represent the movement of electron pairs.

(c(i))

Describe an experiment that would show that $\text{CH}_3\text{COCl}$ reacts with water at a much faster rate than phenacyl chloride. Include the reagents you would use, and the observations you would make with each chloride.

(c(ii))[4]

Suggest an explanation for this difference in reactivity.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 13-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Correct organic product identified, e.g. $C_6H_5COCH_2OH$ or $C_8H_8O_2$

  • Full mark scheme, point by point
  • Step-by-step worked solution
  • Write your answer & get it marked instantly by AI