Approved Questions: Batch 2
Descriptive Chemistry
September 19, 2025
Approved Questions
1. Which of the following oxides is expected to have the highest melting point?
(a) N2 O
(b) K2 O
(c) SO3
(d) Cl2 O7
Answer: B
Explanation: K2 O (potassium oxide) is an ionic compound formed between a
Group 1 metal (potassium) and oxygen. Ionic compounds are characterized by
strong electrostatic attractions between ions, which require a large amount of energy
to break, leading to very high melting points. The other compounds (N2 O, SO3 ,
Cl2 O7 ) are all molecular covalent oxides. While they have strong covalent bonds
within their molecules, the intermolecular forces between molecules are much weaker
than ionic bonds, resulting in significantly lower melting points.
2. All of the following oxides are gases at 25C and 1 atm except:
(a) P4 O10
(b) CO
(c) N2 O4
(d) N O
Answer: A
Explanation: Carbon monoxide (CO), dinitrogen tetroxide (N2 O4 ), and nitric
oxide (N O) are all molecular covalent compounds with relatively low molar masses
and weak intermolecular forces, thus existing as gases at standard conditions. P4 O10
(tetraphosphorus decoxide) is also a molecular covalent compound, but its larger
molecular size and more complex structure lead to significantly stronger London
dispersion forces and potentially dipole-dipole interactions, causing it to be a white
solid at 25C and 1 atm.
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3. A certain element X forms an oxide XO2 . This oxide is a gas at room temperature
and dissolves in water to form an acidic solution. Which of the following elements
could X be?
(a) M g
(b) Si
(c) S
(d) Ba
Answer: C
Explanation: The problem describes an oxide that is a gas at room temperature
and forms an acidic solution in water. Metal oxides, such as M gO and BaO, are
typically ionic solids and form basic solutions in water (e.g., BaO(s) + H2 O(l) →
Ba(OH)2 (aq)). Silicon dioxide (SiO2 ) is a network covalent solid, not a gas, and
while acidic, it is largely insoluble in water. Sulfur dioxide (SO2 ) is a nonmetal
oxide, which is a gas at room temperature, and it dissolves in water to form sulfurous
acid (H2 SO3 (aq)), making it an acidic oxide. Therefore, X could be sulfur (S).
4. Consider the element X from Group 15 and element Y from Group 16. If X is
phosphorus and Y is oxygen, which of the following statements is true regarding
the oxide P4 O6 at 25C and 1 atm?
(a) It is a high-melting point ionic solid
(b) It is a volatile molecular liquid
(c) It is a network covalent solid
(d) It is a noble gas compound
Answer: B
Explanation: Phosphorus (X) and oxygen (Y ) are both nonmetals. Therefore,
the oxide P4 O6 (tetraphosphorus hexaoxide or phosphorus(III) oxide) is a molecular
covalent compound, not an ionic solid or a network covalent solid. Its melting point
is 23.8C and its boiling point is 173.1C. Since 25C is above its melting point but
below its boiling point, P4 O6 exists as a volatile liquid at 25C and 1 atm. It is also
not a noble gas compound, as phosphorus is not a noble gas.
5. Which of the following statements best describes the characteristic functional group
of a ketone?
(a) A carbonyl group (C = O) bonded to at least one hydrogen atom and one
alkyl or aryl group.
(b) A carbonyl group (C = O) bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups.
(c) A hydroxyl group (−OH) bonded to an alkyl or aryl group.
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(d) A carbonyl group (C = O) bonded to an oxygen atom, which is then bonded
to another alkyl or aryl group.
Answer: B
Explanation: A ketone is characterized by a carbonyl group (C = O) where
the carbon atom is bonded to two alkyl or aryl (hydrocarbon) groups. Option A
describes an aldehyde. Option C describes an alcohol or phenol. Option D describes
an ester.
6. Which of the following organic compounds is correctly classified as a ketone?
(a) Propanal (CH3 CH2 CHO)
(b) Propanone (CH3 COCH3 )
(c) Propan-1-ol (CH3 CH2 CH2 OH)
(d) Propanoic acid (CH3 CH2 COOH)
Answer: B
Explanation: Propanone (also known as acetone) has the chemical formula CH3 COCH3 .
It contains a carbonyl group (C = O) bonded to two methyl groups, making it a
ketone. Propanal is an aldehyde, Propan-1-ol is a primary alcohol, and Propanoic
acid is a carboxylic acid.
7. What is the correct IUPAC name for the ketone with the molecular formula C4 H8 O?
(a) Butanal
(b) Butanone
(c) 2-Butanol
(d) Butanoic acid
Answer: B
Explanation: The molecular formula C4 H8 O has an Index of Hydrogen Deficiency
(IHD) of 1, indicating one double bond or one ring. A ketone functional group
contains a C = O double bond. For four carbon atoms, the only possible ketone is
CH3 COCH2 CH3 , which is named butanone (or 2-butanone, though the ’2’ is often
omitted as it’s the only possibility for a straight chain). Butanal is an aldehyde,
2-Butanol is a secondary alcohol, and Butanoic acid is a carboxylic acid.
8. Which type of alcohol, when oxidized, typically yields a ketone?
(a) Primary alcohol
(b) Secondary alcohol
(c) Tertiary alcohol
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(d) Phenol
Answer: B
Explanation: Secondary alcohols (alcohols where the carbon bearing the hydroxyl
group is bonded to two other carbon atoms) can be oxidized to form ketones. Pri-
mary alcohols oxidize to aldehydes (which can further oxidize to carboxylic acids),
while tertiary alcohols generally resist oxidation under typical conditions. Phenols
have different reactivity.
9. Consider the following two-step reaction sequence starting from 1-pentene. First,
1-pentene reacts with H2 O in the presence of H2 SO4 to yield product A. Then,
product A is oxidized using CrO3 /H2 SO4 (Jones reagent) to form product B. What
is the IUPAC name of product B?
(a) Pentanal
(b) 2-Pentanone
(c) 3-Pentanone
(d) Pentanoic acid
Answer: B
Explanation: Step 1: Hydration of 1-pentene (CH2 = CHCH2 CH2 CH3 ) under
acidic conditions (H2 O/H2 SO4 ) follows Markovnikov’s rule, adding the −OH group
to the more substituted carbon. This yields 2-pentanol (CH3 CH(OH)CH2 CH2 CH3 ),
which is a secondary alcohol (Product A). 2: Oxidation of a secondary alcohol (2-
pentanol) with a strong oxidizing agent like Jones reagent (CrO3 /H2 SO4 ) yields a
ketone. Therefore, 2-pentanol is oxidized to 2-pentanone (CH3 COCH2 CH2 CH2 CH3 ),
which is Product B.
10. An unknown organic compound has the molecular formula C6 H12 O. Its infrared
(IR) spectrum shows a strong absorption band at approximately 1715 cm−1 . When
this compound is reacted with sodium borohydride (N aBH4 ) followed by aque-
ous workup, it yields a secondary alcohol. Which of the following compounds is
consistent with this spectroscopic and chemical information?
(a) 2-Hexanone
(b) Hexanal
(c) Cyclohexanol
(d) 3-Methylpentanal
Answer: A
Explanation: The molecular formula C6 H12 O has an Index of Hydrogen Deficiency
(IHD) of 1, indicating one double bond or one ring. The strong IR absorption at
1715 cm−1 is characteristic of a carbonyl (C = O) stretching vibration. This con-
firms the presence of either an aldehyde or a ketone. The reaction with N aBH4
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followed by aqueous workup is a reduction. If the compound yields a secondary
alcohol upon reduction, it must be a ketone. Aldehydes reduce to primary alcohols.
Let’s evaluate the options: - 2-Hexanone (CH3 COCH2 CH2 CH2 CH3 ): This is a
ketone with molecular formula C6 H12 O. It would show the 1715 cm−1 IR band
and reduce to 2-hexanol (a secondary alcohol). This matches all criteria. - Hex-
anal (CH3 CH2 CH2 CH2 CH2 CHO): This is an aldehyde (C6 H12 O). It would show
the IR band but would reduce to 1-hexanol (a primary alcohol). - Cyclohexanol
(C6 H12 O): This is an alcohol. It would not show a carbonyl IR band at 1715 cm−1 .
- 3-Methylpentanal (CH3 CH2 CH(CH3 )CH2 CHO): This is an aldehyde (C6 H12 O).
It would show the IR band but would reduce to 3-methyl-1-pentanol (a primary
alcohol). Therefore, 2-Hexanone is the only compound consistent with all the pro-
vided information.
11. A substance described as ”very water soluble” implies which of the following char-
acteristics?
(a) It dissolves only slightly in water.
(b) It readily dissolves in water to form a homogeneous solution.
(c) It reacts vigorously with water but does not dissolve.
(d) It is insoluble in water and forms a separate layer.
Answer: B
Explanation: To be ”very water soluble” means that a substance can dissolve
readily and extensively in water, forming a homogeneous mixture known as a solu-
tion. Option A implies low solubility, Option C describes a chemical reaction rather
than dissolution, and Option D describes insolubility.
12. Which of the following compounds is generally considered very water soluble?
(a) Octane (C8 H18 )
(b) Sodium Chloride (N aCl)
(c) Silver Chloride (AgCl)
(d) Sand (primarily SiO2 )
Answer: B
Explanation: Sodium chloride (N aCl) is an ionic compound that dissociates into
ions (N a+ and Cl− ) in water, which are then highly solvated by water molecules.
This strong ion-dipole interaction makes it very water soluble. Octane (C8 H18 ) is
a nonpolar hydrocarbon, and thus insoluble in water. Silver chloride (AgCl) is an
ionic compound but is known for its very low solubility in water (precipitate). Sand
(SiO2 ) is a covalent network solid and is insoluble in water.
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13. Consider two organic compounds: ethanol (CH3 CH2 OH) and pentane (CH3 CH2 CH2 CH2 CH3 ).
Based on their structures, which compound is significantly more soluble in water,
and why?
(a) Pentane, because it has a longer carbon chain.
(b) Ethanol, because it is nonpolar.
(c) Pentane, because its molecules are larger.
(d) Ethanol, because it can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
Answer: D
Explanation: Ethanol (CH3 CH2 OH) is significantly more soluble in water than
pentane (CH3 CH2 CH2 CH2 CH3 ). Ethanol contains a hydroxyl group (−OH),
which is polar and capable of forming strong hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
Pentane is a nonpolar hydrocarbon, and its molecules only exhibit weak London
dispersion forces, which are not strong enough to overcome the hydrogen bonding
between water molecules. The principle of ”like dissolves like” dictates that polar
ethanol will dissolve in polar water, while nonpolar pentane will not.
14. A student is tasked with dissolving a moderate amount of potassium iodide (KI)
in water. Which of the following conditions would generally increase the rate at
which the KI dissolves and its maximum solubility?
(a) Decreasing the temperature of the water and using larger crystals of KI.
(b) Increasing the temperature of the water and using larger crystals of KI.
(c) Decreasing the temperature of the water and stirring the solution.
(d) Increasing the temperature of the water and crushing the KI into a fine pow-
der.
Answer: D
Explanation: For most solid ionic compounds like KI, increasing the temperature
of the solvent (water) increases both the rate of dissolution and the maximum
amount that can dissolve (solubility). Crushing the KI into a fine powder increases
the surface area exposed to the solvent, which significantly increases the rate of
dissolution. Stirring also increases the rate of dissolution but does not affect the
maximum solubility. Therefore, increasing temperature and increasing surface area
are the most effective methods.
15. A saturated solution of calcium fluoride (CaF2 ) is prepared at 25◦ C. The concen-
tration of fluoride ions (F − ) in this solution is found to be 4.0 × 10−4 M. Calculate
the solubility product constant (Ksp ) for CaF2 at this temperature.
(a) 1.6 × 10−7
(b) 4.0 × 10−8
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(c) 3.2 × 10−11
(d) 8.0 × 10−12
Answer: C
Explanation: The dissolution equilibrium for calcium fluoride is:
CaF2 (s) ⇌ Ca2+ (aq) + 2F − (aq)The solubility product expression is:
Ksp = [Ca2+ ][F − ]2 From the stoichiometry, if the concentration of F − is 4.0 ×
10−4 M, then the concentration of Ca2+ must be half of that:
[F − ] 4.0 × 10−4 M
2+
[Ca ] = = = 2.0 × 10−4 M
2 2
Now, substitute these concentrations into the Ksp expression:
Ksp = (2.0 × 10−4 )(4.0 × 10−4 )2 = (2.0 × 10−4 )(16.0 × 10−8 ) = 32.0 × 10−12 =
3.2 × 10−11 Therefore, the correct Ksp is 3.2 × 10−11 .
16. Predict the order of increasing water solubility for the following organic compounds:
1-butanol (CH3 CH2 CH2 CH2 OH), butanoic acid (CH3 CH2 CH2 COOH), and pen-
tane (CH3 CH2 CH2 CH2 CH3 ).
(a) Pentane ¡ 1-butanol ¡ Butanoic acid
(b) Butanoic acid ¡ 1-butanol ¡ Pentane
(c) 1-butanol ¡ Pentane ¡ Butanoic acid
(d) Pentane ¡ Butanoic acid ¡ 1-butanol
Answer: A
Explanation: Water solubility in organic compounds is primarily determined by
the ability to form hydrogen bonds with water and the size of the nonpolar hydro-
carbon portion. The ’like dissolves like’ principle applies.
1. **Pentane (CH3 CH2 CH2 CH2 CH3 ):** This is a nonpolar hydrocarbon. It has
no polar functional groups and can only engage in weak London dispersion forces.
Therefore, it has very low water solubility.
2. **1-butanol (CH3 CH2 CH2 CH2 OH):** This compound has a hydroxyl (−OH)
group, which is polar and can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules. However,
it also has a relatively long nonpolar hydrocarbon chain (4 carbons). This nonpolar
’tail’ limits its water solubility, but it is still significantly more soluble than pentane
due to the −OH group.
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3. **Butanoic acid (CH3 CH2 CH2 COOH):** This compound has a carboxyl (−COOH)
group. The carboxyl group is highly polar and can form *multiple* hydrogen bonds
with water molecules (both the −OH and the carbonyl oxygen can participate).
This makes it more polar and more capable of hydrogen bonding than the single
−OH group in 1-butanol, despite having the same carbon chain length (4 carbons).
The strong hydrogen bonding capability of the carboxyl group makes butanoic acid
the most water-soluble of the three.
Therefore, the order of increasing water solubility is Pentane ¡ 1-butanol ¡ Butanoic
acid.