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Colour by Design

Identifying a polyfunctional molecule from a set of test results

  • 2 things to know
  • Components 01, 02 and 03

Overview

Recall questions on what a polyfunctional molecule is, why tests are done one at a time, and deducing the groups present from a set of results.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started
Key term

Which alcohol gives no colour change with dichromate, what is seen when an acyl chloride meets water, and which test makes a new ester?

Key term

Why should functional group tests be carried out one at a time, with observations recorded before the next reagent is added?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Describe how you would show that an unknown compound contains an amine group.

    Model answer

    Show that it is basic: it dissolves in dilute hydrochloric acid to form a salt, and it turns damp red litmus paper blue.

  2. 2

    What is observed when an acyl chloride is added to water?

    Model answer

    A vigorous reaction occurs and misty fumes of hydrogen chloride are given off.

  3. 3

    Name the products formed when an acyl chloride reacts with an alcohol and when it reacts with an amine.

    Model answer

    With an alcohol it gives an ester, and with an amine it gives a substituted amide; hydrogen chloride is released in both cases.

  4. 4

    Describe a test-tube reaction that indicates an alcohol group by making a new compound.

    Model answer

    Warm the compound with a carboxylic acid and a few drops of concentrated sulfuric acid; a sweet-smelling ester is formed.

  5. 5

    An unknown contains both a carbon–carbon double bond and a carboxylic acid group. Which test would you carry out first, and why?

    Model answer

    Sodium carbonate first, because effervescence identifies the acid unambiguously, and then bromine water for the double bond.

  6. 6

    A compound decolourises bromine water and gives a silver mirror with Tollens' reagent. Which two functional groups does it contain?

    Model answer

    It contains a carbon–carbon double bond and an aldehyde group.

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A3 ⁴₂He → ¹²₆C.
B¹²₆C + ⁴₂He → ¹⁶₈O.
C¹⁶₈O + ⁴₂He → ²⁰₁₀Ne.

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