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R3.4 Electron-pair sharing reactions

Practice exam-style IB Chemistry questions for Electron-pair sharing reactions, aligned with the syllabus and grouped by topic.

Verified by Dennis M.
Verified by Dennis M.
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Question 1
SL • Paper 1A
Easy
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SL • Paper 1A
Easy
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In the reaction shown, NH3NH_3 reacts with bromomethane.

CH3Br+NH3CH3NH3++BrCH_3Br + NH_3 \to CH_3NH_3^+ + Br^-

What is the role of NH3NH_3 in this reaction?

A.

Nucleophile, because it accepts an electron pair from carbon

B.

Electrophile, because it accepts the bromide ion

C.

Electrophile, because it donates a proton to bromomethane

D.

Nucleophile, because it donates a lone pair from nitrogen

Question 2
SL • Paper 1A
Easy
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SL • Paper 1A
Easy
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The reaction of chloroethane with cyanide ions is shown.

CH3CH2Cl+CNCH3CH2CN+ClCH_3CH_2Cl + CN^- \to CH_3CH_2CN + Cl^-

What is the leaving group?

A.

CH3CH2CNCH_3CH_2CN

B.

CNCN^-

C.

ClCl^-

D.

CH3CH2+CH_3CH_2^+

Question 3
HL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 1A
Easy
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Chloride ion reacts with aluminium chloride to form [AlCl4][AlCl_4]^-.

AlCl3+Cl[AlCl4]AlCl_3 + Cl^- \to [AlCl_4]^-

What are the Lewis acid and Lewis base in this reaction?

A.

Lewis acid: ClCl^-; Lewis base: [AlCl4][AlCl_4]^-

B.

Lewis acid: [AlCl4][AlCl_4]^-; Lewis base: AlCl3AlCl_3

C.

Lewis acid: AlCl3AlCl_3; Lewis base: ClCl^-

D.

Lewis acid: ClCl^-; Lewis base: AlCl3AlCl_3

Question 4
SL • Paper 1A
Easy
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SL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted

Bromomethane can undergo heterolytic fission of the C-Br bond.

What products are formed in this bond fission?

A.

CH4+Br+CH_4 + Br^+

B.

CH3++BrCH_3^+ + Br^-

C.

CH3+Br\cdot CH_3 + Br\cdot

D.

CH3+Br+CH_3^- + Br^+

Question 5
SL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted

Ethene reacts with hydrogen bromide by electrophilic addition.

CH2=CH2+HBrCH3CH2BrCH_2=CH_2 + HBr \to CH_3CH_2Br

What is the electrophilic atom attacked first by the C=CC=C bond?

A.

The bromide ion formed

B.

A carbon atom in ethene

C.

The Br atom in HBrHBr

D.

The H atom in HBrHBr

Question 6
SL • Paper 1A
Easy
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SL • Paper 1A
Easy
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Propene reacts with bromine in the dark.

What is the organic product of this electrophilic addition reaction?

A.

CH3CBr2CH3CH_3CBr_2CH_3

B.

CH2BrCH2CH2BrCH_2BrCH_2CH_2Br

C.

CH3CH2CH2BrCH_3CH_2CH_2Br

D.

CH3CHBrCH2BrCH_3CHBrCH_2Br

Question 7
HL • Paper 1A
Easy
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 1A
Easy
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A complex contains Fe3+Fe^{3+}, five neutral H2OH_2O ligands and one ClCl^- ligand.

What is the charge on the complex?

A.

1+1+

B.

3+3+

C.

11-

D.

2+2+

Question 8
HL • Paper 1A
Easy
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HL • Paper 1A
Easy
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Three primary halogenoalkanes, RClRCl, RBrRBr and RIRI, react separately with aqueous hydroxide ions under the same conditions.

What is the expected order of increasing rate of substitution?

A.

RI<RBr<RClRI < RBr < RCl

B.

RBr<RCl<RIRBr < RCl < RI

C.

RCl<RBr<RIRCl < RBr < RI

D.

RCl<RI<RBrRCl < RI < RBr

Question 9
SL • Paper 2
Easy
Calculator Permitted
SL • Paper 2
Easy
Calculator Permitted

Ammonia reacts with bromomethane according to the equation:

CH3Br+NH3CH3NH3++BrCH_3Br + NH_3 \to CH_3NH_3^+ + Br^-

A

State the nucleophile in this reaction.

[1]
B

Explain why this species acts as a nucleophile.

[1]
Question 10
SL • Paper 2
Easy
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SL • Paper 2
Easy
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Electrophiles can be positively charged or neutral species containing an electron-deficient atom.

A

State the electrophilic atom in hydrogen bromide when it reacts with an alkene.

[1]
B

Explain why BF3BF_3 can act as an electrophile.

[1]
Question 11
SL • Paper 1A
Medium
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SL • Paper 1A
Medium
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Hex-3-ene undergoes hydration in acidified conditions.

CH3CH2CH=CHCH2CH3+H2OCH_3CH_2CH=CHCH_2CH_3 + H_2O \to product

What is the product?

A.

CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2OHCH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_2OH

B.

CH3CH2CH(OH)CH2CH2CH3CH_3CH_2CH(OH)CH_2CH_2CH_3

C.

CH3CH(OH)CH2CH2CH2CH3CH_3CH(OH)CH_2CH_2CH_2CH_3

D.

CH3CH2CHBrCH2CH2CH3CH_3CH_2CHBrCH_2CH_2CH_3

Question 12
HL • Paper 1A
Medium
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HL • Paper 1A
Medium
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1-bromobutane reacts with hydroxide ions mainly by an SN2S_N2 mechanism.

What combination is characteristic of this mechanism?

A.

Two steps; rate =k[RX][OH]= k[RX][OH^-]; retention of configuration only

B.

Two steps; rate =k[RX]= k[RX]; nucleophile absent from the rate-determining step

C.

One concerted step; rate =k[RX][OH]= k[RX][OH^-]; inversion of configuration

D.

One concerted step; rate =k[RX]= k[RX]; carbocation intermediate formed

Question 13
HL • Paper 1A
Medium
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HL • Paper 1A
Medium
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2-methylpropene reacts with hydrogen bromide.

What is the major organic product?

A.

CH3C(OH)(CH3)2CH_3C(OH)(CH_3)_2

B.

CH3CH2CH2CH2BrCH_3CH_2CH_2CH_2Br

C.

CH3CBr(CH3)2CH_3CBr(CH_3)_2

D.

CH3CH(CH3)CH2BrCH_3CH(CH_3)CH_2Br

Question 14
SL • Paper 2
Medium
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SL • Paper 2
Medium
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Aqueous sodium hydroxide reacts with chloroethane to form ethanol.

CH3CH2Cl+OHCH3CH2OH+ClCH_3CH_2Cl + OH^- \to CH_3CH_2OH + Cl^-

A

State the leaving group in this reaction.

[1]
B

Describe the movement of electron pairs during the substitution reaction.

[2]
Question 15
SL • Paper 2
Medium
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SL • Paper 2
Medium
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Iodomethane can undergo heterolytic fission of its carbon-iodine bond.

A

Define heterolytic fission.

[1]
B

Write an equation for the heterolytic fission of iodomethane and state the direction of the curly arrow.

[2]
Question 16
SL • Paper 2
Medium
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SL • Paper 2
Medium
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Pent-2-ene is shaken with bromine water in the dark.

A simple displayed structural formula of pent-2-ene showing a five-carbon chain with a carbon-carbon double bond between carbon 2 and carbon 3. A labelled bottle or reagent text indicates bromine water, with no product shown.
A

Write the condensed structural formula of the organic product.

[1]
B

State the observation.

[1]
C

Explain why pentane does not give the same observation in the dark.

[1]
Question 17
SL • Paper 1B
Medium
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SL • Paper 1B
Medium
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Several species were tested as possible nucleophiles in reactions with electron-deficient organic molecules.

Species tested

Bond formed with electron-deficient carbon?

OHOH^-

Yes

NH3NH_3

Yes

BrBr^-

Yes

H2OH_2O

No

(CH3)4N+(CH_3)_4N^+

No

A

Identify two species in the table that can act as nucleophiles.

[1]
B

Explain why NH3NH_3 can act as a nucleophile even though it is neutral.

[1]
C

Suggest why (CH3)4N+(CH_3)_4N^+ does not act as a nucleophile at nitrogen.

[1]
Question 18
SL • Paper 1B
Medium
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SL • Paper 1B
Medium
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Four possible representations of bond fission in bromomethane are shown.

Four labelled diagrams, A to D, showing possible breaking of the C-Br bond in bromomethane. The diagrams differ in whether a double-barbed curly arrow or single-barbed fish-hook arrows are used and whether the products are ions or radicals. The correct heterolytic representation is included but not indicated.
A

Identify the diagram that represents heterolytic fission.

[1]
B

Write an equation for heterolytic fission of bromomethane.

[1]
C

Explain why the bromine-containing product has a negative charge.

[1]
Question 19
SL • Paper 1B
Medium
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SL • Paper 1B
Medium
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The flowchart summarizes addition reactions of symmetrical alkenes.

A flowchart showing a symmetrical alkene at the centre with three branches labelled addition of a halogen, addition of a hydrogen halide, and hydration in acidified conditions. Reagents are shown on each branch, but product names and formulas are left blank.
A

State the reaction type shown in all three branches of the flowchart.

[1]
B

Write an equation for the reaction of but-2-ene with hydrogen bromide.

[1]
C

Name the alcohol formed by hydration of hex-3-ene.

[1]
D

Explain why the C=CC=C bond in an alkene is susceptible to attack by electrophiles.

[1]
Question 20
HL • Paper 1A
Medium
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HL • Paper 1A
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Benzene reacts with a charged electrophile, E+E^+, by electrophilic substitution rather than electrophilic addition.

What is the main reason substitution is favoured?

A.

Substitution restores the aromatic delocalized π\pi system after attack by E+E^+

B.

Substitution occurs because benzene has localized C=C bonds like an alkene

C.

Substitution avoids formation of any carbocation intermediate

D.

Substitution breaks all six C-C bonds in the benzene ring

Question 21
SL • Paper 2
Medium
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SL • Paper 2
Medium
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Hex-3-ene reacts with steam in the presence of an acid catalyst.

A

State the type of reaction.

[1]
B

Write the condensed structural formula of the alcohol formed.

[1]
C

Explain why only one structural alcohol is formed from hex-3-ene.

[1]
Question 22
HL • Paper 2
Medium
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HL • Paper 2
Medium
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Ammonia reacts with boron trifluoride to form a Lewis acid-base adduct.

Lewis structures of separate reactants ammonia and boron trifluoride. Ammonia is shown with nitrogen bonded to three hydrogens and one lone pair. Boron trifluoride is shown as trigonal planar with boron bonded to three fluorine atoms and no coordinate bond between the reactants.
A

Identify the Lewis acid and the Lewis base.

[2]
B

Draw the product, showing the coordination bond.

[1]
Question 23
HL • Paper 2
Medium
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HL • Paper 2
Medium
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Complex ions contain ligands bonded to a central transition element ion by coordination bonds.

A

Deduce the oxidation state of iron in [Fe(CN)6]3[\text{Fe(CN)}_6]^{3-}.

[1]
B

Deduce the charge on [NiCl2(NH3)4][\text{NiCl}_2(\text{NH}_3)_4] if nickel is in the +2+2 oxidation state.

[1]
C

Explain why NH3NH_3 acts as a ligand in transition metal complexes.

[1]
Question 24
HL • Paper 2
Medium
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HL • Paper 2
Medium
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Three halogenoalkanes, CH3CH2ClCH_3CH_2Cl, CH3CH2BrCH_3CH_2Br and CH3CH2ICH_3CH_2I, are reacted separately with the same concentration of aqueous hydroxide ions under identical conditions.

A

State the order of increasing rate of nucleophilic substitution.

[1]
B

Explain the order in terms of the leaving group.

[2]
C

Write the rate equation expected for an SN2S_N2 reaction between bromoethane and hydroxide ions.

[1]
Question 25
SL • Paper 1B
Medium
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SL • Paper 1B
Medium
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Chloroethane reacts with aqueous hydroxide ions in a nucleophilic substitution reaction.

CH3CH2Cl+OHCH3CH2OH+ClCH_3CH_2Cl + OH^- \to CH_3CH_2OH + Cl^-

An annotated black-and-white structural diagram of chloroethane and the hydroxide ion before reaction. The carbon bonded to chlorine is labelled, chlorine is shown as more electronegative than carbon, and the hydroxide ion $OH^-$ is drawn with an oxygen lone pair. Do not show curly arrows, product structures, or a positive charge on the carbon.
A

State the leaving group in this reaction.

[1]
B

Draw curly arrows on the diagram to show the movement of electron pairs in the substitution reaction.

[2]
C

Explain why the carbon bonded to chlorine is attacked by the nucleophile.

[1]
Question 26
SL • Paper 1B
Medium
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SL • Paper 1B
Medium
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The table shows reactions involving electron-pair acceptors.

Reaction

Species / site markers

1

H3N:H_3N: + BF3BF_3 (electron-poor B)

2

CH3C(=O)HCH_3C(=O)H (carbonyl Cδ+C^{\delta+}, OδO^{\delta-})

3

CH2=CH2CH_2=CH_2 + HBrHBr (C=C π\pi bond; Hδ+H^{\delta+}BrδBr^{\delta-})

A

Identify the electrophile in the reaction between NH3NH_3 and BF3BF_3.

[1]
B

Identify the electrophilic atom in a carbonyl compound shown in the table.

[1]
C

Explain why HBrHBr can provide an electrophilic site for reaction with an alkene.

[2]
Question 27
SL • Paper 1B
Medium
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SL • Paper 1B
Medium
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Samples of hydrocarbons were shaken with bromine water in the dark. The observations and structural formulas are shown.

Hydrocarbon

Structural formula

Observation with bromine water (dark)

methane

CH4CH_4

orange remains orange

ethane

CH3CH3CH_3CH_3

orange remains orange

ethene

CH2=CH2CH_2=CH_2

orange turns colourless

propene

CH3CH=CH2CH_3CH=CH_2

orange turns colourless

A

State the type of hydrocarbon that decolourizes bromine water in the dark.

[1]
B

Deduce the product formed when ethene reacts with bromine.

[1]
C

Explain why an alkane does not decolourize bromine water in the dark under these conditions.

[2]
D

Write an equation for hydration of ethene to form the alcohol.

[1]
Question 28
HL • Paper 1B
Medium
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HL • Paper 1B
Medium
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Two reactions are represented using Lewis formulas.

Two displayed Lewis-formula reactions. One shows $NH_3$ reacting with $H^+$ to form $NH_4^+$. The other shows $NH_3$ reacting with $BF_3$ to form an adduct. Lone pairs on nitrogen and the incomplete octet at boron are shown. No acid-base roles are labelled.
A

Identify the Lewis base in both reactions.

[1]
B

Identify the Lewis acid in the reaction between NH3NH_3 and BF3BF_3.

[1]
C

Compare the two reactions in terms of Brønsted-Lowry and Lewis acid-base theory.

[2]
Question 29
HL • Paper 1B
Medium
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HL • Paper 1B
Medium
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The table shows several complex ions and the charges of their ligands.

Complex ion

Ligands present

Charge on each ligand

[CoCl4][\text{CoCl}_4]

4 chloride ligands (Cl\text{Cl}^-)

1-1 each

[Fe(OH)(H2O)5]2+[\text{Fe(OH)(H}_2\text{O)}_5]^{2+}

1 hydroxide ligand (OH\text{OH}^-), 5 water ligands (H2O\text{H}_2\text{O})

OH:1\text{OH}^-: -1; H2O:0\text{H}_2\text{O}: 0

[Cr(NH3)6]3+[\text{Cr(NH}_3)_6]^{3+}

6 ammonia ligands (NH3\text{NH}_3)

00 each

A

State the role of a ligand in forming a complex ion.

[1]
B

Deduce the charge on [CoCl4][CoCl_4] when cobalt has oxidation state +2+2.

[1]
C

Deduce the oxidation state of iron in [Fe(OH)(H2O)5]2+[Fe(OH)(H_2O)_5]^{2+}.

[1]
D

Explain why a transition metal cation can act as a Lewis acid in complex ion formation.

[1]
Question 30
HL • Paper 2
Medium
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HL • Paper 2
Medium
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Compound A is 1-bromopropane. Compound B is 2-bromo-2-methylpropane. Both react with aqueous hydroxide ions by nucleophilic substitution.

Two labelled displayed structural formulas: A, 1-bromopropane with bromine on a terminal carbon; B, 2-bromo-2-methylpropane shown as (CH3)3CBr, with a bromine atom explicitly attached to the tertiary carbon and only three methyl groups around it. No mechanism arrows or products are shown.
A

State the most likely mechanism for each compound.

[2]
B

Explain the different mechanisms in terms of structure.

[2]
Question 31
HL • Paper 2
Medium
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HL • Paper 2
Medium
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Propene reacts with hydrogen bromide by electrophilic addition.

A reaction scheme showing propene on the left and hydrogen bromide above a reaction arrow. The product side is blank or indicated by a question mark. No carbocation or product structure is shown.
A

State the major organic product.

[1]
B

Explain why this product is formed in greater amount than the alternative product.

[2]
C

Describe the electron-pair movement in the first step of the mechanism.

[1]
Question 32
HL • Paper 2
Medium
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HL • Paper 2
Medium
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Benzene reacts with a charged electrophile, E+E^+, by electrophilic substitution.

A simple reaction setup with a benzene ring and a generic charged electrophile labelled E plus. No products, intermediates, charges on the ring, or curly arrows are shown.
A

Explain why benzene tends to undergo substitution rather than addition.

[1]
B

Draw the mechanism for the reaction of benzene with E+E^+, using curly arrows.

[3]
Question 33
HL • Paper 1B
Hard
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HL • Paper 1B
Hard
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The initial rate of hydrolysis of a tertiary halogenoalkane, RXRX, was measured at constant temperature with different concentrations of RXRX and hydroxide ions.

Run

[RX][RX] / mol dm3^{-3}

[OH][\text{OH}^-] / mol dm3^{-3}

Initial rate / mol dm3^{-3} s1^{-1}

1

0.10

0.10

2.0×1042.0 \times 10^{-4}

2

0.20

0.10

4.0×1044.0 \times 10^{-4}

3

0.20

0.20

4.0×1044.0 \times 10^{-4}

4

0.30

0.30

6.0×1046.0 \times 10^{-4}

A

Deduce the order of reaction with respect to RXRX.

[1]
B

Deduce the order of reaction with respect to OHOH^-.

[1]
C

Write the rate equation for the reaction.

[1]
D

Suggest the substitution mechanism consistent with the rate data.

[1]
E

Explain why the rate data are consistent with the mechanism suggested in (d).

[1]
Question 34
HL • Paper 1B
Hard
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HL • Paper 1B
Hard
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Comparable primary halogenoalkanes were reacted separately with the same nucleophile under identical conditions. The relative initial rates are shown.

Relative initial rates for nucleophilic substitution of three primary halogenoalkanes under identical conditions.
A

State the order of increasing rate for the three halogenoalkanes.

[1]
B

Identify the best leaving group among ClCl^-, BrBr^- and II^-.

[1]
C

Explain the trend in rate using bond strength.

[1]
D

Suggest why the primary halogenoalkanes are expected to react mainly by an SN2S_N2 mechanism.

[1]
Question 35
SL • Paper 2
Hard
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SL • Paper 2
Hard
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1-bromopropane reacts with hot aqueous sodium hydroxide to form propan-1-ol.

A structural formula of 1-bromopropane showing a three-carbon chain with Br bonded to a terminal carbon, and a separate hydroxide ion with lone pairs shown on oxygen. The terminal carbon bonded to Br should be indicated as the site of reaction, but no curly arrows or products should be shown.
A

Consider the roles of the reacting species.

I.

Identify the nucleophile, the leaving group and the electrophilic atom in this reaction.

[3]
II.

Write an equation for the substitution reaction using structural formulas.

[1]
B

Explain the electron-pair movement involved in the reaction.

[3]
Question 36
SL • Paper 2
Hard
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SL • Paper 2
Hard
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Bond fission can produce either ions or radicals depending on how the bonding electrons are shared between the fragments.

Two generic covalent bonds shown side by side: A-B and X-X. The first should be labelled as a polar bond with B more electronegative than A; the second should be labelled as a non-polar halogen-halogen bond under UV light. No products or electron-movement arrows should be shown.
A

Consider heterolytic fission of bromomethane.

I.

Define heterolytic fission.

[1]
II.

Write an equation for heterolytic fission of bromomethane.

[1]
III.

State where the curly arrow should start and end for this heterolytic fission.

[1]
B

Compare heterolytic fission with homolytic fission of a halogen molecule under ultraviolet light.

[3]
Question 37
SL • Paper 2
Hard
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SL • Paper 2
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But-2-ene is used to make several products by addition reactions.

A displayed structural formula of but-2-ene showing the C=C bond between the two central carbon atoms. Reagent labels Br2, HBr and steam/acidified water should be shown separately around the structure, without products or reaction arrows that reveal regiochemistry.
A

Deduce products formed when but-2-ene undergoes addition reactions.

I.

Write the equation for the reaction of but-2-ene with bromine.

[1]
II.

Write the equation for the reaction of but-2-ene with hydrogen bromide.

[1]
III.

Write the equation for hydration of but-2-ene.

[1]
IV.

State why only one structural product is expected in each reaction in (a)(ii) and (a)(iii).

[1]
B

A sample of but-2-ene and a sample of butane are each shaken with bromine water in the dark. Explain the difference in observations.

[3]
Question 38
HL • Paper 2
Hard
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HL • Paper 2
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Ammonia reacts with boron trifluoride to form the adduct H3NBF3H_3N\to BF_3.

Lewis formulas of NH3 and BF3 before reaction. NH3 should show a lone pair on nitrogen; BF3 should show boron bonded to three fluorine atoms with an incomplete octet. No product coordinate bond or curly arrow should be shown.
A

Apply Lewis acid-base theory to this reaction.

I.

Identify the Lewis acid and Lewis base.

[2]
II.

Explain the electron-pair roles of the two species.

[1]
B

Draw the Lewis formula of the product, showing the origin of the coordination bond.

[2]
C

Explain why this reaction is not a Brønsted-Lowry acid-base reaction.

[2]
Question 39
HL • Paper 1B
Hard
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HL • Paper 1B
Hard
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Propene reacts with hydrogen bromide to form two structural isomers. The product distribution is shown.

Relative abundance of propene + HBr products.
A

State the major product of the reaction.

[1]
B

Identify the more stable carbocation intermediate formed in the first step.

[1]
C

Explain why the carbocation identified in (b) leads to the major product.

[2]
D

Draw curly arrows for the first step leading to the major-product carbocation.

[1]
Question 40
HL • Paper 1B
Hard
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HL • Paper 1B
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The mechanism of electrophilic substitution of benzene by a charged electrophile, E+E^+, is represented in outline.

An incomplete two-step mechanism for benzene reacting with $E^+$. The first panel shows benzene and $E^+$ before reaction. The second panel shows a carbocation intermediate with a C-E bond, one hydrogen still bonded to the substituted carbon, an incomplete delocalized ring and a positive charge on the ring. The final panel shows substituted benzene and a proton. Some curly arrows are omitted for students to interpret.
A

State why benzene usually undergoes substitution rather than addition.

[1]
B

Draw the curly arrow for the first step of the mechanism.

[1]
C

Explain why the intermediate shown is less stable than benzene.

[1]
D

Describe how aromaticity is restored in the second step.

[1]
E

Write the overall equation for electrophilic substitution of benzene by E+E^+.

[1]
Question 41
SL • Paper 2
Hard
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SL • Paper 2
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The ability of a species to donate or accept an electron pair determines its role in an electron-pair sharing reaction.

First reaction:

CH3CH2Cl+NH3CH3CH2NH3++ClCH_3CH_2Cl + NH_3 \to CH_3CH_2NH_3^+ + Cl^-

Second reaction:

CH2=CH2+HBrCH3CH2BrCH_2=CH_2 + HBr \to CH_3CH_2Br

A

Use the first and second reactions above to answer the following questions.

I.

Identify the nucleophile in the first reaction and explain your choice.

[2]
II.

Identify the electrophilic atom in the first reaction and explain your choice.

[1]
III.

Identify the electrophile in the first step of the second reaction.

[1]
B

Discuss the statement: “All negatively charged species are nucleophiles and all neutral species are not nucleophiles.”

[2]
Question 42
SL • Paper 2
Hard
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SL • Paper 2
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Alkenes are described as useful starting molecules because the carbon-carbon double bond can be converted into different functional groups.

A reaction scheme with ethene at the centre and three unlabeled arrows leading to three boxes. The arrows should be labelled Br2, HCl, and H2O with acid catalyst/steam. The product boxes should be blank.
A

Ethene is reacted separately with bromine, hydrogen chloride and water under suitable conditions.

I.

Deduce the product of the reaction with bromine.

[1]
II.

Deduce the product of the reaction with hydrogen chloride.

[1]
III.

Deduce the product of hydration.

[1]
B

Explain why the carbon-carbon double bond in ethene is susceptible to electrophilic attack.

[2]
C

Evaluate the use of bromine water as a test to distinguish an alkene from an alkane.

[3]
Question 43
SL • Paper 2
Hard
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SL • Paper 2
Hard
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Bromoethane can be converted into different organic products by reaction with nucleophiles.

A displayed structural formula of bromoethane with two separate reagent labels, OH- and NH3, shown near the molecule. The visual should not show products or electron-pair arrows.
A

Bromoethane is reacted separately with hydroxide ions and ammonia.

I.

Write an equation for the reaction with hydroxide ions.

[1]
II.

Write an equation for the reaction with ammonia to form the organic cation.

[1]
III.

Identify the nucleophile in each reaction.

[2]
B

Explain why both reactions are classified as nucleophilic substitution reactions.

[3]
Question 44
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

Transition element cations form complex ions with ligands such as H2OH_2O, NH3NH_3, ClCl^- and CNCN^-.

An octahedral complex ion diagram with a central transition metal labelled M and six ligand positions around it. Ligands should be represented generically as L with lone pairs pointing toward M. No charges or specific complex formula should be calculated or shown.
A

Deduce charges and oxidation states for complex ions.

I.

Deduce the charge on [CoCl4][CoCl_4] if cobalt is in the +2+2 oxidation state.

[1]
II.

Deduce the oxidation state of iron in [Fe(OH)(H2O)5]2+[Fe(OH)(H_2O)_5]^{2+}.

[1]
III.

Deduce the charge on [Fe(CN)6][Fe(CN)_6] if iron is in the +3+3 oxidation state.

[1]
B

Explain the formation of [Cu(NH3)4(H2O)2]2+[Cu(NH_3)_4(H_2O)_2]^{2+} in terms of Lewis acid-base theory.

[3]
C

Discuss whether a coordination bond is a different type of covalent bond after it has formed.

[2]
Question 45
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

The rate of nucleophilic substitution depends on the identity of the halogen in a halogenoalkane. Three compounds, CH3CH2ClCH_3CH_2Cl, CH3CH2BrCH_3CH_2Br and CH3CH2ICH_3CH_2I, are reacted separately with the same concentration of hydroxide ions under identical conditions.

Relative time to produce the same amount of halide ion from three ethyl halides.
A

Predict the relative rates for the three reactions.

I.

Rank the halogenoalkanes from fastest to slowest reaction.

[1]
II.

Identify the best leaving group among ClCl^-, BrBr^- and II^-.

[1]
B

Explain the trend in rate in terms of bonding and ion stability.

[3]
C

Evaluate why the comparison is only valid when the organic group and reaction conditions are kept the same.

[2]
Question 46
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

1-bromobutane and 2-bromo-2-methylpropane react with aqueous hydroxide ions by different nucleophilic substitution mechanisms.

Displayed structural formulas of 1-bromobutane and 2-bromo-2-methylpropane shown side by side, each with the C-Br bond highlighted. Hydroxide ion should be shown as a reagent. No mechanisms, transition states or products should be shown.
A

Compare the mechanisms and rate laws for the two halogenoalkanes.

I.

State the mechanism and rate equation expected for 1-bromobutane.

[2]
II.

State the mechanism and rate equation expected for 2-bromo-2-methylpropane.

[2]
B

Explain why the primary halogenoalkane favours the SN2S_N2 mechanism.

[2]
C

Explain why the tertiary halogenoalkane favours the SN1S_N1 mechanism.

[2]
Question 47
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

Symmetrical alkenes undergo electrophilic addition with halogens, hydrogen halides and water in acidified conditions.

A reaction scheme showing but-2-ene as the alkene, with separate reagents Br2, HBr, and H2O/H+ shown. Include space beside the bromine reaction for a mechanism drawing, but do not show products, carbocations or curly arrows.
A

Consider the addition of bromine to but-2-ene.

I.

Explain why bromine can act as an electrophile as it approaches the alkene.

[1]
II.

Draw the electron-pair movement for the first step of the mechanism.

[2]
B

Explain why addition of HBr to but-2-ene gives only one structural product, and state the product.

[2]
C

Describe the role of the acid catalyst in the hydration of a symmetrical alkene.

[3]
Question 48
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted
HL • Paper 2
Hard
Calculator Permitted

Carbocation stability is used to explain the major products of addition reactions of unsymmetrical alkenes and the substitution reactions of benzene with electrophiles.

Displayed structural formulas of propene and benzene shown separately. Propene should be shown with HBr and H2O/H+ as possible reagents. Benzene should be shown with a generic electrophile E+ nearby. No products, intermediates or curly arrows should be shown.
A

Propene reacts with hydrogen bromide.

I.

Predict the major product.

[1]
II.

Explain why this product is favoured.

[2]
B

Propene is hydrated in acidified conditions. Predict the major product and explain the role of water in the mechanism.

[2]
C

Discuss why benzene reacts with a charged electrophile, E+E^+, by substitution rather than addition.

[3]

R3.3 Hydrogen sharing reactions