IGCSE · Chemistry 0620 · Organic chemistry

Alcohols & carboxylic acids: IGCSE Chemistry questions with answers

Free Alcohols & carboxylic acids questions for IGCSE Chemistry (0620), part of Organic chemistry. Each question has the answer and the marking points an examiner would look for.

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Alcohols & carboxylic acids practice questions

Question 1Multiple choice · 1 mark

Which compound is shown?

CCCHHHHHOOH
Fig. 1.1
  1. A propane
  2. B propene
  3. C butanoic acid
  4. D propanoic acid
Show answer

Answer: D

Question 2Multiple choice · 1 markA* challenge

An alkane, C12H26, is cracked to form an alkane with 8 carbon atoms and ethene only.
How many molecules of ethene are formed from one molecule of C12H26?

  1. A 1
  2. B 2
  3. C 3
  4. D 4
Show answer

Answer: B

Question 3Structured · 2 marksA* challenge

Esters have fruity smells.

(a)

Name the ester formed from methanol and propanoic acid.

[1]
(b)

State one use of esters.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)methyl propanoate
methyl propanoate B1
1
(b)flavourings; perfumes; solvents
flavourings / perfumes / solvents B1
1
Question 4Structured · 5 marksA* challenge

Ethanol can be made by fermentation or from ethene.

(a)

Describe the conditions for fermentation.

[3]
(b)

Give one advantage and one disadvantage of fermentation compared with hydration of ethene.

[2]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)yeast, 25–35 °C, no oxygen
glucose solution with yeast B1
warm (about 25–35 °C) B1
absence of oxygen (anaerobic) B1
3
(b)renewable; slow / impure
advantage: uses renewable resources / low temperature B1
disadvantage: slow / batch process / impure ethanol B1
2
Question 5Structured · 14 marks

This question is about alcohols and carboxylic acids.

Ethanol can be made by the fermentation of glucose.

(a)(i)

Write the equation for the fermentation of glucose, C₆H₁₂O₆.

[2]
(ii)

State two conditions needed for fermentation.

[2]
(iii)

Calculate the maximum mass of ethanol made from 90 g of glucose. [Mᵣ: glucose, 180; ethanol, 46]

[2]
(iv)

Explain why fermentation stops when the ethanol concentration reaches about 15%.

[1]
(b)

Ethanol is oxidised to ethanoic acid by acidified potassium manganate(VII). State the colour change and the type of reaction.

[2]
(c)

Methanoic acid reacts with ethanol in the presence of an acid catalyst. Name the ester formed and give its structural formula.

[2]
(d)

Ethanoic acid reacts with sodium carbonate. Write the equation and describe what is seen.

[3]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)(i)C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2C₂H₅OH + 2CO₂
C₂H₅OH and CO₂ as products B1
balanced B1
2
(ii)yeast; about 30 °C; absence of oxygen
Any 2 of: yeast; 25–35 °C; absence of oxygen / anaerobic; aqueous solution B2
2
(iii)46.0 g
moles glucose = 0.500, moles ethanol = 1.00 M1
46.0 g A1
2
(iv)yeast is killed by the ethanol
the ethanol kills / denatures the yeast (enzymes) B1
1
(b)purple to colourless; oxidation
purple to colourless B1
oxidation B1
2
(c)ethyl methanoate, HCOOC₂H₅
ethyl methanoate B1
HCOOC₂H₅ B1
2
(d)2CH₃COOH + Na₂CO₃ → 2CH₃COONa + H₂O + CO₂; fizzing
correct products CH₃COONa, H₂O, CO₂ B1
balanced B1
effervescence / fizzing / solid dissolves B1
3
Question 6Structured · 3 marks

Ethanol is used as a fuel and a solvent.

(a)

Write a balanced equation for the complete combustion of ethanol.

[2]
(b)

Give one use of ethanol other than as a fuel.

[1]
Show answers and mark scheme
PartAnswer and marking pointsMarks
(a)C₂H₅OH + 3O₂ → 2CO₂ + 3H₂O
correct formulae B1
balanced B1
2
(b)solvent; drinks; disinfectant
solvent / in alcoholic drinks / antiseptic B1
1

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