Chemistry 9701 · AS & A Level · States of matter

States of matter — practice question

Methylbenzene may undergo several different reactions, as illustrated in Fig. 5.1.
(a(i))[3]

Draw the structures in Fig. 5.1 for the organic products that could form in the three reactions shown.

(a(ii))[2]

Complete Table 5.1 by filling in the missing entries.

(b)[1]

When methylbenzene reacts with an electrophile, substitution occurs. No addition reaction happens under these conditions. Explain why addition is not observed.

(c(i))[3]

The reaction of methylbenzene with $\text{SOBr}_2$ in the presence of an iron(III) bromide catalyst, $\text{FeBr}_3$, is shown in Fig. 5.2. This reaction follows the same mechanism as the bromination of benzene. The first stage of the mechanism forms the $\text{SOBr}^+$ electrophile, as shown. $\text{SOBr}_2 + \text{FeBr}_3 \rightarrow \text{SOBr}^+ + \text{FeBr}_4^-$ The reaction of methylbenzene with $\text{SOBr}^+$ ions is shown in Fig. 5.3. Complete the mechanism in Fig. 5.3. Include all relevant curly arrows and charges. Draw the structure of the organic intermediate.

(c(ii))[1]

The reaction shown in Fig. 5.2 produces a small amount of a by-product, P, with the molecular formula $\text{C}_{14}\text{H}_{14}\text{OS}$. Suggest a structure for by-product P.

(d(i))[1]

Acyl bromides, RCOBr, can be prepared by reacting a carboxylic acid with $\text{SOBr}_2$. This is analogous to the preparation of acyl chlorides using $\text{SOCl}_2$. Give an equation for the reaction between ethanoic acid and $\text{SOBr}_2$.

(d(ii))[3]

Suggest the relative ease of hydrolysis of acyl bromides, RCOBr, acyl chlorides, RCOCl, and alkyl chlorides, RCl. Explain your answer.

(ii)[1]

The reaction shown in Fig. 5.2 produces a small amount of a by-product, $P$, with the molecular formula $\text{C}_{14}\text{H}_{14}\text{O}\text{S}$. Suggest a structure for by-product $P$.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 15-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Accurate products given for reactions 1-3

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