TE

48
Bonding, behaviour in water and
acid-base properties of the
oxides of elements from Na to Cl

Polishe d granite is wid ely use d to m a ke kitchen c ounterto p.

G enerally, granite c ontains a bout 70% SiO 2, 15% Al2 O 3, 4% N a 2 O
Chapter preview and 11% of other substanc es.

48.1 Bonding of the oxid es of ele m ents from N a to Cl

48.2 Beha viour of the oxid es of ele m ents from N a to Cl in water
48.3 A cid-b ase prop erties of the oxid es of ele m ents from N a to Cl

Prior knowledge & Quick review

(For Chapter 48)
 All answers
Using quicklime (calcium oxide) in
liming of soil

Quicklime (calcium oxide) is often spread on soil to reduce soil acidity. As discussed in Chapters 4 and
14, calcium oxide reacts with water to form calcium hydroxide. It also reacts with dilute acids to form
the corresponding salts and water.

Quicklime (greyish white powder in the photo) is spread on the soil in a garden.

Calcium oxide is a basic oxide. Most metal oxides are ionic and are basic in nature. Basic oxides
react with dilute acids but not with dilute alkalis.

Think about...
1 What are the meanings of the terms ‘acidic oxide’ and ‘basic oxide’? Do metals commonly form
acidic oxides or basic oxides?

2 Which element in Period 3 of the Periodic Table forms an oxide which exhibits both acidic and
basic properties?

3 Do the bonding and acid-base properties of the oxides of Period 3 elements exhibit periodicity?

After studying this chapter, you should be able to answer the above questions.

basic oxide 鹼性氧化物 liming of soil 土壤的石灰處理

calcium oxide 氧化鈣
 Bonding, behaviour in water and acid-base properties of the oxides of elements from Na to Cl 48
TE
48.1 Bonding of the oxides of elements from Na
to Cl
An oxide forms when an element combines with oxygen. Some oxides of
Period 3 elements from sodium to chlorine are listed in Table 48.1.

Element Na Mg Al Si P S Cl
Phosphorus
voxide
Name of Sodium Magnesium Aluminium Silicon Phosphorus Sulphur Dichlorine
oxide oxide oxide oxide dioxide pentoxide dioxide monoxide

Formula
Na2O MgO Al2O3 SiO2 P4O10 SO2 Cl2O
of oxide
Na202 503 C1207
Table 48.1 Some oxides of Period 3 elements from sodium to chlorine
PI8g

The electronegativity of these elements increases across Period 3

(Figure 48.1).

electronegativity of the elements

increases across Period 3

i
moltenvixix electronegativity
value

tend to lose electrons to O tends to share electrons with O

condutiitt

Figure 48.1 Electronegativity of Period

3 elements increases from Na to Cl.

In the reactions of Period 3 elements and oxygen, atoms of lower

electronegativity tend to lose electrons to oxygen atoms. On the contrary,
atoms of higher electronegativity tend to share electrons with oxygen
atoms. Thus, the bonding of the oxides of elements from Na to Cl
becomes less ionic and more covalent.
• Sodium, magnesium and aluminium (i.e. Group I, II and III elements)
form ionic oxides with giant ionic structures.
• Silicon (i.e. Group IV element) form covalent oxide with a giant
covalent structure.
• Phosphorus, sulphur and chlorine (i.e. Group V, VI and VII elements)
form covalent oxides with simple molecular structures.

covalent oxide 共價氧化物 ionic oxide 離子氧化物

electronegativity 電負性
237
XII Patterns in the Chemical World
TE
Table 48.2 shows the formulae, bonding, structures and relative
melting points of the oxides of Period 3 elements from Na to Cl.

Formula Na2O MgO Al2O3 SiO2 P4O10 SO2 Cl2O

Bonding Ionic Covalent

Giant
Structure Giant ionic structure covalent Simple molecular structure
structure

Relative
High Very high Low
melting point

Table 48.2 Formulae, bonding, structures and relative melting points of the oxides of Period 3 elements from Na to Cl

Key point
Across Period 3, the bonding of the oxides of elements changes from
ionic to covalent.

Example 48.1

ˇ
Explaining the different melting points of Na2O, SiO2 and SO2
Na2O, SiO2 and SO2 are oxides of sodium, silicon and sulphur respectively. Their melting points are
tabulated below.

Na2O SiO2 SO2

Melting point / °C 1134 2950 –75

Explain, in terms of bonding and structure, why these oxides have very different melting points.

Solution
Na2O has a giant ionic structure. Melting of Na2O needs a large amount of energy to break the strong
+ 2–
ionic bonds between the Na and O ions. Hence, Na2O has a high melting point.
SiO2 has a giant covalent structure. A very large amount of energy is needed to break a large number
of strong covalent bonds between Si and O atoms. Hence, SiO2 has a very high melting point.
SO2 has a simple molecular structure. A small amount of energy is needed to overcome the weak van
der Waals’ forces between the molecules of SO2. Hence, SO2 has a low melting point.

238
 Bonding, behaviour in water and acid-base properties of the oxides of elements from Na to Cl 48
TE All answers
Class practice 48.1
Q, R, X and Z are elements in Period 3 of the Periodic Table. The table below
lists some information of the oxides of these elements. (Note: the letters are
NOT the symbols of the elements.)

Empirical
formula Al Q2O3 R2O5
Si XO 2
SZO 2

Melting
Very high Low Very high Low
point

Electrical Conduct in Does not Does not Does not

conductivity molten state conduct conduct conduct

(a) Suggest what these elements are.

ions become robile
(b) Explain why Q2O3 can conduct electricity in the molten state.
(c) Explain why the oxide that has the empirical formula of R2O5 has a low
melting point.
has simple molecular stnntenithǐiikdawaalifon
It
betweenR205 molecules it only requires small energ
to break dom theweakvanderWaals forces between molecul

48.2 Behaviour of the oxides of elements from

Na to Cl in water
Due to the variation in bonding of oxides of elements from Na to Cl, their
behaviour in water also varies.

Sodium oxide (Na2O) reacts vigorously with water to form sodium

hydroxide solution, which is strongly alkaline (Figure 48.2). The reaction
is highly exothermic.

Na2O(s) + H2O(!) 2NaOH(aq)

add
universal
indicator

universal
sodium indicator turns
oxide reacts deep blue
with water

Figure 48.2 Sodium oxide reacts vigorously with water to form sodium hydroxide solution.
It turns the universal indicator deep blue.

sodium hydroxide 氫氧化鈉 universal indicator 通用指示劑

sodium oxide 氧化鈉
239
XII Patterns in the Chemical World
TE
Magnesium oxide (MgO) is slightly soluble in water and reacts
slowly with water to form magnesium hydroxide. Magnesium hydroxide
is also slightly soluble in water.

MgO(s) + H2O(!) Mg(OH)2(s)

water 2+ –
Mg(OH)2(s) Mg (aq) + 2OH (aq)
Learning tip
Silicon dioxide is also Both aluminium oxide (Al2O3) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) are insoluble
known as silica. It is
in water.
commonly found in
nature as sand or quartz.
Phosphorus pentoxide (P4O10), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and dichlorine
monoxide (Cl2O) are non-metal oxides. The structures of their molecules
are shown in Figure 48.3.

0 00

V shaped V shaped
(a) (b) (c)

Figure 48.3 The structures of (a) a P4O10 molecule, (b) an SO2 molecule and (c) a Cl2O
molecule

These non-metal oxides react with water to form acids.

• Phosphorus pentoxide reacts vigorously with water to form

phosphoric acid, H3PO4(aq).

P4O10(s) + 6H2O(!) 4H3PO4(aq)

phosphoric acid

+ 3–
H3PO4(aq) 3H (aq) + PO4 (aq)
phosphate ion

• Sulphur dioxide reacts with water to form sulphurous acid,

H2SO3(aq).

SO2(g) + H2O(!) H2SO3(aq)

sulphurous acid

+ 2–
H2SO3(aq) 2H (aq) + SO3 (aq)
sulphite ion

aluminium oxide 氧化鋁 magnesium oxide 氧化鎂 silica 硅石 sulphurous acid 亞硫酸
240 dichlorine monoxide 一氧化二氯 phosphoric acid 磷酸 silicon dioxide 二氧化硅
magnesium hydroxide 氫氧化鎂 phosphorus pentoxide 五氧化磷 sulphur dioxide 二氧化硫
 Bonding, behaviour in water and acid-base properties of the oxides of elements from Na to Cl 48
DSE TE All answers
• Dichlorine monoxide reacts with water to form hypochlorous acid,

Think about it
Are phosphoric acid,
HOCl(aq).
For dissolve mou
Cl2O(g) + H2O(!) 2HOCl(aq)
sulphurous acid and
hypochlorous acid
hypochlorous acid strong

11 器
or weak acids? Why? + –
HOCl(aq) H (aq) + OCl (aq)
三 hypochlorite ion
in
Chemistry in daily life

Treating snow fungus with sulphur dioxide

Chinese people generally believe that eating snow fungus can help keep skin
healthy and nourish the lungs. Thus, snow fungus is often used as a food
ingredient in many Chinese dishes. After treated with sulphur dioxide, snow
fungus looks pale yellow or white and can be preserved for a longer time.
However, an excessive intake of sulphur dioxide is hazardous to health. Sulphur
dioxide is soluble in water. Before cooking, we may soak snow fungus in water
to get rid of the sulphur dioxide.

snow fungus

Snow fungus is often found in Chinese soups.

Class practice 48.2

Complete the table below by stating whether the following oxides are
soluble or insoluble in water and their effects on the pH of water.

Oxide Water soluble or not? Effect on pH of water

(a) Na2O yes increases

(b) MgO

(c) Al2O3
no
(d) SiO2
no
(e) P4O10 P4010 6Hz0 74Hzp
(f) SO2 炎 SOzt Hzo Hz503
(g) Cl2O
yes

hypochlorite ion 次氯酸根離子 snow fungus 雪耳

hypochlorous acid 次氯酸
241
XII Patterns in the Chemical World
TE
48.3 Acid-base properties of the oxides of
elements from Na to Cl
In terms of their behaviours towards acids and bases, the oxides can be
Experiment 48.1
classified as basic oxides, amphoteric oxides and acidic oxides.
Investigating the
behaviours of the oxides
of some Period 3 Basic oxides — Na2O and MgO
elements
Base
Sodium oxide (Na O) and magnesium oxide (MgO) are basic oxides. They
2

Experiment video react with dilute acids to form salts and water. Sodium oxide shows
Investigating the
behaviours of the
stronger basic properties than magnesium oxide.
oxides of some
Period 3 elements Sodium oxide reacts vigorously with dilute hydrochloric acid to form
sodium chloride and water.

Experiment 48.2 Na2O(s) + 2HCl(aq) 2NaCl(aq) + H2O(!)

Identifying oxides of
Period 3 elements Ionic equation:
+ +
Na2O(s) + 2H (aq) 2Na (aq) + H2O(!)
Experiment video
Identifying oxides of
Magnesium oxide reacts readily with dilute hydrochloric acid to form
Period 3 elements
magnesium chloride and water.

MgO(s) + 2HCl(aq) MgCl2(aq) + H2O(!)

Ionic equation:
+ 2+
MgO(s) + 2H (aq) Mg (aq) + H2O(!)

Amphoteric oxide — Al2O3

Learning tip
Beryllium oxide (BeO) is Aluminium oxide (Al2O3) is an amphoteric oxide which has both acidic
another amphoteric and basic properties.
oxide.

Aluminium oxide reacts with dilute acids to form salts and water.
For example, aluminium oxide reacts with dilute sulphuric acid to form
aluminium sulphate and water.

Al2O3(s) + 3H2SO4(aq) Al2(SO4)3(aq) + 3H2O(!)

base acid salt water

Ionic equation:
+ 3+
Al2O3(s) + 6H (aq) 2Al (aq) + 3H2O(!)

acidic oxide 酸性氧化物 basic oxide 鹼性氧化物

242 amphoteric oxide 兩性氧化物
 Bonding, behaviour in water and acid-base properties of the oxides of elements from Na to Cl 48
TE
Aluminium oxide also reacts with dilute alkalis to form salts. For
example, aluminium oxide reacts with dilute sodium hydroxide solution to
form a salt called sodium tetrahydroxoaluminate.

Al2O3(s) + 2NaOH(aq) + 3H2O(!)

acid base (alkali) 0
2NaAl(OH)4(aq)
sodium tetrahydroxoaluminate

Ionic equation:
–
Al2O3(s) + 2OH (aq) + 3H2O(!)
in
2Al(OH) 4
–
(aq)
tetrahydroxoaluminate ion

Acidic oxides — SiO2, P4O10, SO2 and Cl2O

Acid
Silicon dioxide (SiO2), phosphorus pentoxide (P4O10), sulphur dioxide (SO2)
and dichlorine monoxide (Cl2O) react with aqueous solutions of alkalis
to form salts and water. They are acidic oxides.
Learning tip
There is no reaction Silicon dioxide reacts with hot concentrated sodium hydroxide
between silicon dioxide solution to form sodium silicate and water.
and cold dilute sodium
hydroxide solution. SiO2(s) + 2NaOH(aq) Na2SiO3(aq) + H2O(!)
sodium silicate

Ionic equation:
– 2–
SiO2(s) + 2OH (aq) SiO3 (aq) + H2O(!)
silicate ion

Phosphorus pentoxide reacts with dilute sodium hydroxide solution to

form sodium phosphate and water.

P4O10(s) + 12NaOH(aq) 4Na3PO4(aq) + 6H2O(!)

sodium phosphate

Ionic equation:
– 3–
P4O10(s) + 12OH (aq) 4PO4 (aq) + 6H2O(!)
phosphate ion

Sulphur dioxide reacts with dilute sodium hydroxide solution to form

sodium sulphite and water.

SO2(g) + 2NaOH(aq) Na2SO3(aq) + H2O(!)

sodium sulphite

Ionic equation:
– 2–
SO2(g) + 2OH (aq) SO3 (aq) + H2O(!)
sulphite ion

phosphate ion 磷酸根離子 sulphite ion 亞硫酸根離子

silicate ion 硅酸根離子 tetrahydroxoaluminate ion
243
sodium tetrahydroxoaluminate 四羥合鋁酸鈉 四羥合鋁酸根離子
XII Patterns in the Chemical World
TE
Dichlorine monoxide reacts with dilute sodium hydroxide solution to
form sodium hypochlorite and water.

Cl2O(g) + 2NaOH(aq) 2NaOCl(aq) + H2O(!)

sodium hypochlorite

Ionic equation:
– –
Cl2O(g) + 2OH (aq) 2OCl (aq) + H2O(!)
hypochlorite ion

Table 48.3 summarizes the variations in behaviour in water and acid-

base properties of the oxides of elements from Na to Cl.

t Formula Amphoteric
othersisolidlsl

Formula Na2O MgO Al2O3 SiO2 P4O10 SO2 Cl2O

g g
Reacts Reacts Reacts Reacts
Reacts
vigorously slowly with vigorously with
Behaviour Insoluble; do not react with water
with water water to with water water to
in water with water to form
to form form to form form
HOCl
NaOH Mg(OH)2 H3PO4 H2SO3

Acid-base
Basic
Al2150413
Amphoteric N25103 Naspo Acidic㐱
会
property
Nall Mg k NaAlloH 4 Nazl03 Naocl
Table 48.3 Variations in behaviour in water and acid-base properties of the oxides of elements from Na to Cl

Key point
Across Period 3, the oxides of elements from Na to Cl change from
basic oxides (Na2O and MgO) to amphoteric oxide (Al2O3), and
eventually to acidic oxides (SiO2, P4O10, SO2 and Cl2O).

Example 48.2
Integrated
Studying the properties of the oxides of some Period 3 elements
Consider the following oxides of Period 3 elements:
Na2O Al2O3 SiO2 P4O10 Cl2O

(a) Draw the electron diagrams for (i) Na2O and (ii) Cl2O, showing electrons in the outermost shells
only.
(b) Which of these oxides react(s) with water to form a solution that conducts electricity? Explain
your answer with the aid of chemical equation(s).
(c) Outline chemical tests that can be employed for classifying these oxides into acidic, basic and
amphoteric oxides.
Cont’d

hypochlorite ion 次氯酸根離子

244
 Bonding, behaviour in water and acid-base properties of the oxides of elements from Na to Cl 48
TE All answers
Solution
(a) (i) (ii)

(b) Na2O, P4O10 and Cl2O. This is because these oxides react with water to form water-soluble
products which contain mobile ions.
Na2O(s) + H2O(!) 2NaOH(aq)
+ –
NaOH(aq) Na (aq) + OH (aq)
P4O10(s) + 6H2O(!) 4H3PO4(aq)
+ 3–
H3PO4(aq) 3H (aq) + PO4 (aq)
Cl2O(g) + H2O(!) 2HOCl(aq)
+ –
HOCl(aq) H (aq) + OCl (aq)
(c) Add each oxide to HCl(aq) and measure the pH of the mixture. Only
Na2O and Al2O3 react with HCl(aq) and the pH of the mixture increases.
These oxides show basic property.
Learning tip
Add each oxide to NaOH(aq) and measure the pH of the mixture. Only Note that SiO2 can only
Al2O3, SiO2, P4O10 and Cl2O react with NaOH(aq) and the pH of the react with hot
concentrated NaOH(aq).
mixture decreases. These oxides show acidic property.
Since Al2O3 reacts with both HCl(aq) and NaOH(aq), it is an amphoteric oxide which exhibits
both acidic and basic properties.

Class practice 48.3

1. Complete the following table with suitable descriptions.

Oxide Na2O MgO Al2O3 SiO2 P4O10 SO2 Cl2O

Acid-
base basic
property

2. Write the ionic equation(s) for the reactions between each of the
following pairs of substances:
(a) Sodium oxide and dilute nitric acid
(b) Aluminium oxide and dilute nitric acid
(c) Aluminium oxide and dilute potassium hydroxide solution
(d) Sulphur dioxide and dilute potassium hydroxide solution

245
 XII Patterns in the Chemical World
TE
Chapter review
Progress check
Chapter review

After studying this chapter, you should be able to:

describe the bonding and stoichiometric composition of the oxides of elements from Na to Cl
describe the variation in behaviour of the following oxides in water: Na2O, MgO, Al2O3, SiO2,
P4O10, SO2 and Cl2O
recognize the variations of acid-base properties of the oxides of elements from Na to Cl as
exemplified by Na2O, Al2O3 and SO2

e-Dictionary
Key terms (For Chapter 48)
Page Page
1. acidic oxide 酸性氧化物 242 3. basic oxide 鹼性氧化物 242
2. amphoteric oxide 兩性氧化物 242

Key concepts
48.1 Bonding of the oxides of elements from Na to Cl

1. The electronegativity of elements increases across Period 3. Thus, the bonding of the oxides of
elements changes from ionic to covalent.

electronegativity of the elements

increases across Period 3

electronegativity
value

tend to lose electrons to O tends to share electrons with O

246
 Bonding, behaviour in water and acid-base properties of the oxides of elements from Na to Cl 48
2. A summary of the formulae, bonding, structures and relative melting points of the oxides of
Period 3 elements from Na to Cl is shown below:

Chapter review
Formula Na2O MgO Al2O3 SiO2 P4O10 SO2 Cl2O

Bonding Ionic Covalent

Giant
Structure Giant ionic structure covalent Simple molecular structure
structure

Relative
High Very high Low
melting point

48.2 Behaviour of the oxides of elements from Na to Cl in water

3. Both sodium oxide (Na2O) and magnesium oxide (MgO) react with water to form metal
hydroxides.

4. Both aluminium oxide (Al2O3) and silicon dioxide (SiO2) are insoluble in water.

5. Phosphorus pentoxide (P4O10), sulphur dioxide (SO2) and dichlorine monoxide (Cl2O) all react
with water to form acids.

48.3 Acid-base properties of the oxides of elements from Na to Cl

6. Both sodium oxide and magnesium oxide are basic oxides. They react with dilute acids to form
salts and water.

7. Aluminium oxide is an amphoteric oxide. It exhibits both acidic and basic properties. It reacts
with both dilute acids and dilute alkalis.

8. Silicon dioxide, phosphorus pentoxide, sulphur dioxide and dichlorine monoxide are all acidic
oxides. They react with aqueous solutions of alkalis to form salts and water.

9. A summary of the variations in behaviour in water and acid-base properties of the oxides of
elements from Na to Cl is shown below:

Formula Na2O MgO Al2O3 SiO2 P4O10 SO2 Cl2O

Reacts Reacts Reacts Reacts

Reacts
vigorously slowly with vigorously with
Behaviour Insoluble; do not react with water
with water water to with water water to
in water with water to form
to form form to form form
HOCl
NaOH Mg(OH)2 H3PO4 H2SO3

Acid-base
Basic Amphoteric Acidic
property

247
 XII Patterns in the Chemical World
All answers TE
Concept map
Complete the concept map by filling in the items listed below:
Chapter review

acidic, amphoteric, basic, covalent, ionic, oxides

Period 3 elements

include

Sodium (Na) to chlorine (Cl)

react with oxygen to form

(a)

of Na to Cl

show variations in

Bonding Behaviour Acid-base

in water properties

changes from change from

(b) (d)

to to
(c) (e)
,
and eventually to
(f)

248
 Bonding, behaviour in water and acid-base properties of the oxides of elements from Na to Cl 48
TE All answers
Chapter exercise
A. Fill in the blanks
Section 48.1 Section 48.3
1. The electronegativity of the elements 5. The oxides of elements in Period 3 of the Periodic
across Period 3. The bonding of Table show different acid-base properties.
the oxides of elements from Na to Cl changes from (a) Basic oxides: sodium oxide and
to .

Chapter exercise
Section 48.2 (b) Amphoteric oxide:
2. Both sodium oxide and magnesium oxide react with (c) Acidic oxides: ,
water to form metal . , sulphur dioxide
and dichlorine monoxide
3. Both aluminium oxide and silicon dioxide are
in water.

4. Phosphorus pentoxide, sulphur dioxide and

dichlorine monoxide all react with water to form
solutions.

B. Multiple-choice questions
Section 48.1 Section 48.2
6. Which of the following oxides have a giant structure? 8. Which of the following oxides, when dissolved in
(1) Na2O water, form(s) an alkaline solution?
(2) MgO (1) Na2O
(3) SiO2 (2) P4O10
A. (1) and (2) only (3) Cl2O
B. (1) and (3) only A. (1) only
C. (2) and (3) only B. (2) only
D. (1), (2) and (3) C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only
7. Which of the following oxides are covalent in nature?
(1) Cl2O Section 48.3
(2) P4O10 9. Which of the following combinations concerning the
(3) Al2O3 bonding and acid-base property of silicon dioxide is
A. (1) and (2) only correct?
B. (1) and (3) only Bonding Acid-base property
C. (2) and (3) only A. ionic basic
D. (1), (2) and (3) B. covalent acidic
C. ionic acidic
D. covalent basic

249
 XII Patterns in the Chemical World
All answers
10. Which of the following statements about phosphorus
pentoxide are correct?
(1) Its chemical formula is P4O10.
(2) It is a covalent oxide.
(3) It reacts with excess KOH(aq) to form
KH2PO4(aq).
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
Explanation on p.T6
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Chapter exercise

C. Structured questions
Section 48.2
11. The structure of phosphorus (P4) and that of phosphorus pentoxide (P4O10) are shown below. Answers on p.T7

P4

P4O10

(a) P4 burns in air to give P4O10. Write the chemical equation for this reaction. (1 mark)
(b) Explain, in terms of oxidation number changes, whether the reaction in (a) is a redox reaction. (1 mark)
(c) Suggest how P4 can be separated from a mixture of P4 and P4O10. Explain briefly the underlying principle of
your method. (2 marks)

Section 48.3
12. An experiment is carried out to study the acid-base properties of sodium oxide, aluminium oxide and sulphur
dioxide. Answers on p.T7
(a) What would be observed when sodium oxide is added to distilled water that contains a few drops of litmus
solution? Explain your answer with the aid of chemical equation(s). (3 marks)
(b) Sulphur dioxide is bubbled into distilled water that contains a few drops of litmus solution. State what would
be observed. Explain your answer with the aid of chemical equation(s). (3 marks)
(c) It is known that aluminium oxide reacts with both dilute sulphuric acid and dilute sodium hydroxide
solution.
(i) In terms of its acid-base properties, to which class of oxides does aluminium oxide belong?
(ii) Write the chemical equations for the reactions between
(1) aluminium oxide and dilute sulphuric acid, and
(2) aluminium oxide and dilute sodium hydroxide solution.
(3 marks)

250
 Bonding, behaviour in water and acid-base properties of the oxides of elements from Na to Cl 48
TE All answers
Exam practice
A. Multiple-choice questions
Section 48.3 3. Which of the following statements correctly
1. Which of the following substances can be used to describes the property of an amphoteric oxide?
absorb moisture present in a sample of sulphur A. It can react as an acid or as a base.
dioxide? B. It can react with water to form an acid and an
A. Al2O3 alkali.
B. Na2O C. It can be simultaneously oxidized and reduced
C. P4O10 in a reaction.
Explanation on p.T16 D. It can react with water to form an oxidizing
D. CaCO3
agent and a reducing agent.
2. P and Q are two elements in the same period of the
(HKDSE 2021 Paper 1A Q28)
Periodic Table. Some of the physical properties of P
and Q are tabulated below.
4. Consider the following statements and choose the

Exam practice
best answer:
P Q
1st statement 2nd statement
Appearance silvery white yellow Both sodium oxide and Both sodium oxide and
Electrical magnesium oxide react magnesium oxide are
conductivity good poor with dilute acids. ionic oxides.
when solid
A. Both statements are true and the 2nd statement
Hardness hard brittle is a correct explanation of the 1st statement.
B. Both statements are true but the 2nd statement
Which of the following statements about P and Q is/ is NOT a correct explanation of the 1st
are correct? statement.
(1) P forms an acidic oxide. C. The 1st statement is false but the 2nd statement
(2) P is found on the left part of the Periodic Table. is true.
(3) P is more electronegative than Q. D. Both statements are false.

A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
Explanation on p.T16
D. (2) and (3) only

251
 XII Patterns in the Chemical World

B. Structured questions
Section 48.3
5. The electronic arrangements of the atoms of four elements are given below. (Note: the letters are NOT the symbols
of the elements.) Answers on p.T16

Element Electronic arrangement

P 2,4

Q 2,6

R 2,8,2

S 2,8,4

X, Y and Z are compounds produced from TWO of these elements. Given:

X consists of triatomic molecules, and is a gas at room temperature and pressure.

Y is a white solid and it conducts electricity in molten state.
Z is a white solid which dissolves in hot concentrated sodium hydroxide solution and results in a lowering of pH.
Exam practice

(a) From which TWO elements is X produced? (1 mark)

(b) Is X acidic or alkaline? Explain your answer. (1 mark)
(c) From which TWO elements is Y produced? (1 mark)
(d) Explain why Y can conduct electricity in molten state. (1 mark)
(e) From which TWO elements is Z produced? (1 mark)
(f) Explain why when Z dissolves in hot concentrated sodium hydroxide solution, there is a lowering of pH.
(1 mark)
6. A student proposed the following scheme to distinguish four unknown oxides, W, X, Y and Z, which can be
aluminium oxide, silicon dioxide, sulphur dioxide and dichlorine monoxide. Answers on p.T16

W, X, Y and Z

adding to water

soluble in water insoluble in water

W and Y X and Z
adding its aqueous
solution to acidified adding HCl(aq)
K2Cr2O7(aq)

the orange acidified no observable reacts with no reaction

K2Cr2O7(aq) turns green change HCl(aq) with HCl(aq)

W Y X Z

(a) Deduce what W, X, Y and Z are. (4 marks)

(b) The student submitted the scheme to a teacher, and the teacher commented ‘You have overlooked something
when devising the scheme.’. Why did the teacher say so? (1 mark)
(c) Write the ionic equation for the reaction between the aqueous solution of W and the acidified potassium
dichromate solution. (1 mark)
(d) Write the chemical equation for the reaction between X and HCl(aq). (1 mark)
(e) Would you expect X and Z to react similarly or differently with sodium hydroxide solution? Explain your
252 answer. (1 mark)
 Answers to Chapter exercise B. Practice questions (p.42)
2. (a) 2,3-dimethylpent-1-ene
Chapter 42 (b) 1,5-dichloro-4-methylpent-2-ene
(c) 3-bromopropene
A. Fill in the blanks (p.42)
(d) 3,4-dibromo-4-chlorobut-1-ene
1. (a) chloroform
(e) 2-methylpentan-2-ol
(b) isopropyl alcohol
(f) 4-chlorohex-4-en-2-ol
(c) formaldehyde
(g) 3,4-dimethylpentan-2-one
(d) acetone
(h) 3-chlorohexanal
(e) acetic acid
(i) 2,5-dimethylhex-4-enal
(j) 2-methylbutanedioic acid
(k) Ethyl 2-methylpropanoate
(l) But-3-en-1-amine

3. (a) (i) (ii)

(b) (i) (ii)

(c) (i) (ii)

(d) (i) (ii)

(e) (i) (ii)

(f) (i) (ii)

(g) (i) (ii)

(h) (i) (ii)

(i) (i) (ii)

T1
C. Multiple-choice questions (p.43) Chapter 43
4. A
A. Fill in the blanks (p.73)
5. D
1. Isomers
6. C
2. Chain
7. A
3. Position
D. Structured questions (p.44) 4. Functional group
8. (a) Structure of hexan-1-ol: 5. Cis-trans isomers
6. Enantiomers

B. Practice questions (p.73)

1 7. (a)
Structure of hexane-1,6-diol:

(b)
1
(b) Hexane-1,6-diol has one more –OH group
than hexan-1-ol. 1
(c)
Hence, hexane-1,6-diol molecules can
form more extensive hydrogen bonding
with water molecules as compared with
hexan-1-ol molecules. 1
9. (a) The molecular size of these primary
amines increases from CH3NH2 to
CH3(CH2)5NH2. 1 identical
The boiling point of primary amines compounds
increases with molecular size. 1
(b) CH3NH2 is very soluble in water. 1
This is because water solubility of primary
amines decreases with the number of
carbon atoms in the alkyl group (or
decreases as the length of the hydrocarbon
chain increases). 1
8. (a)
10. (a) Propan-2-ol 1
(b) Isopropyl alcohol can be used as a
disinfectant for killing bacteria and other
potentially harmful micro-organisms. 1
(c) Propanone 1 (b)
(d) Acetone molecules can form hydrogen
bonds with water molecules. 1
9. (a)

hydrogen bond

T2
 7. (a) alkanals; carboxylic acids
(b) ketones
8. Aldehydes; ketones
9. primary; secondary
10. primary
11. Esterification
12. carboxylic acid; alcohol
13. carboxylate; alcohol
(b) 14. carboxylic acid
15. carboxylate; ammonia

B. Practice question (p.125)

16. (a) K: CH3CH=CHCH2CH3
(b) L: H2, Pt (Also accept using Pd or Ni as the
catalyst.)
(c) M:
10. (a) Structural isomers
(b) Identical compounds
(c) Identical compounds
(d) N:
(d) Stereoisomers

C. Multiple-choice questions (p.74) (e) O:

11. A
12. C
13. B (f) P: (CH3)2C=CHCH2CH2CH3
Option (B): the C-2 of this compound is chiral. Q: CH2=C(CH3)CH2CH2CH2CH3
14. B (g) R:

D. Structured question (p.75)

15. (a) It means the ability to rotate the plane of (h) S:
polarization of a beam of plane polarized
light. 1
(b) Yes. This is because they have the same
structural formula and functional groups. (i) T: 1. PCl3 2. NH3
They differ only in the spatial arrangements (j) U:
of atoms. 1
(c) (k) V:

(l) W:
1
(d) No. This is because it does not have chiral
carbons. 1 X:

Chapter 44
A. Fill in the blanks (p.124)
(m) Y:
1. Substitution
2. Addition; hydrogen; halogens; hydrogen halides
3. greater Z:
4. alcohols
5. haloalkanes
6. alkenes; sulphuric acid; aluminium oxide
T3
C. Multiple-choice questions (p.126) (d) Heat under reflux 1
17. B 22. (a) It acts as a dehydrating agent. 1
18. A (b)
19. B
20. C
2
D. Structured questions (p.127)
They exhibit cis-trans isomerism. 1
21. (a) V:
Chapter 45
1 A. Fill in the blanks (p.161)
W: 1. multi-step; functional groups
2. intermediate
3. availability; cost; rate; percentage yield, steps;
1
by-products
(b) P: HBr 1
2– + 4. reflux; distillation
Q: Cr2O7 (aq)/H (aq) 1
5. catalyst; acidic; ethanol; water
(c) Addition reaction 1
6. sodium benzoate; suction; recrystallization

B. Practice questions (p.161)

7. (a) H2, Pt
–
OH (aq) PCl3
heat
(Accept other correct synthetic routes.)
(b)
– 2– +
OH (aq) Cr2O7 (aq)/H (aq)
heat heat

1. PCl3
2. NH3

(Accept other correct synthetic routes.)

(c) excess OH (aq)
–
conc. H2SO4
heat heat

excess Cl2 (in organic solvent)

(Accept other correct synthetic routes.)

(d) –
OH (aq)
2– +
Cr2O7 (aq)/H (aq) NaOH(aq)
heat heat
(Accept other correct synthetic routes.)
(e)
1. LiAlH4, dry ether conc. H2SO4 H2, Pt
+
2. H (aq) heat
(Accept other correct synthetic routes.)
(f)
+
H (aq) 1. LiAlH4, dry ether HBr
+
heat 2. H (aq)
(Accept other correct synthetic routes.)
(g)
conc. H2SO4 Cl2 (in organic solvent)
heat

(Accept other correct synthetic routes.)

T4
 8. X:

Y: NaBH4(aq)
Z:

C. Multiple-choice questions (p.162)

9. C
10. D
2– +
Cr2O7 (aq)/H (aq) 1. PCl3
heat 2. NH3
11. D
12. A
D. Structured questions (p.163) 5. polyamide; amide
13. (a) CH2ClCH2Cl 1 6. polyester; ester
(b) Both ethene and chlorine are non-polar
B. Multiple-choice questions (p.199)
substances. They are more soluble in
7. A
organic solvents than in water. 1
8. D
(c) Excess NaOH(aq) or excess KOH(aq) 1
9. C
(d) No. This is because CH2ClCH3 would form
10. A
in the reaction but not compound P (or
CH2ClCH2Cl). 1 C. Structured questions (p.200)
14. (a) X: +
11. (a) H (aq) 1
(b)

1 1
Y: (c) Percentage yield of aspirin
18.0 g
1 = × 100% 1
20.0
(b) Number of moles of benzyl benzoate ( × 180.0) g
152.0
2.0 –3
= 76% 1
= mol = 9.4 × 10 mol
212.0 12. (a) Saponification 1
Since the hydrolysis of 1 mol of benzyl (b)
benzoate under alkaline conditions gives
1 mol of benzoic acid, number of moles of
–3
benzoic acid formed = 9.4 × 10 mol.
Percentage yield of benzoic acid
0.6 g
= –3 × 100% 1
(9.4 × 10 × 122.0) g
= 52% 1

Chapter 46
A. Fill in the blanks (p.199) 1
1. Acetylsalicylic acid; inflammation; heart attacks
2. ionic; hydrocarbon; hydrophilic; hydrophobic
3. wetting
4. emulsifying

T5
 (c) The soap obtained has an ionic head Chapter 47
–
(–COO ) and a hydrocarbon tail A. Fill in the blanks (p.232)
(CH3(CH2)4(CH=CHCH2)2(CH2)6–). When 1. IV; V; 0
it is added to an oil-water mixture, the 2. delocalized electrons
hydrocarbon tails of the soap particles
dissolve in the oil while the ionic heads of B. Multiple-choice questions (p.232)
the soap particles dissolve in the water. 1 3. D
Upon shaking, tiny oil droplets, which carry 4. B
negative charges, form. Repulsion of the 5. C
negatively charged droplets prevents them 6. D
from joining together. As a result, a
C. Structured questions (p.232)
stable emulsion forms. 1
7. Carbon (diamond) has a giant covalent structure.
13. (a) Amide linkage 1
A large amount of energy is needed to break a
(b) Ethane-1,2-diamine 1
large number of strong covalent bonds between
the carbon atoms in melting. 1
1 Beryllium has a giant metallic structure. A
AND relatively smaller amount of energy is needed to
Heptanedioic acid 1 break incompletely the strong metallic bonds
between the beryllium ions and delocalized
1 electrons in melting. 1
OR 8. (a) The covalent bond binds phosphorus atoms
Heptanedioyl dichloride (1) together within a phosphorus molecule. The
bonding is a result of the electrostatic attraction
between nuclei and shared electrons of the
(1)
bonded phosphorus atoms. 1
(c) (i) Heptanedioic acid OR Heptanedioyl
(b) Both molecules of phosphorus and sulphur
dichloride 1
are held together by van der Waals’ forces. 1
(ii) 1
As phosphorus has a smaller molecular size
than sulphur, the van der Waals’ forces
between phosphorus molecules are weaker
than those between sulphur molecules. 1

Chapter 48
OR A. Fill in the blanks (p.249)
1. increases; ionic; covalent
2. hydroxides
3. insoluble
4. acidic
5. (a) magnesium oxide
(b) aluminium oxide
(1) (c) silicon dioxide; phosphorus pentoxide
(d) Y
B. Multiple-choice questions (p.249)
Fibres of Y are resistant to water and
6. D
most chemicals. Besides, they have a low
7. A
density. 1
8. A
(e) X
9. B
Fibres of X are tough, strong and elastic. 1
10. A
(3): it reacts with excess KOH(aq) to form
K3PO4(aq).
T6
 C. Structured questions (p.250) (2): possible oxidation states exhibited by titanium
11. (a) P4(s) + 5O2(g) P4O10(s) 1 in its compounds are +2, +3 and +4.
(b) The reaction in (a) is a redox reaction (3): zinc forms compounds with a fixed oxidation
because the oxidation number of state of +2.
phosphorus increases from 0 to +5 and 10. D
2+
that of oxygen decreases from 0 to –2. 1 (A): the oxidation state of vanadium in VO is +4.
–
(c) Add water to the mixture of P4 and P4O10. (B): the oxidation state of manganese in MnO4 is
Then filter the resultant mixture to obtain +7.
the solid left behind on the filter paper (P4). 1 (C): the oxidation state of iron in FeCl2 is +2.
P4 is insoluble in water while P4O10 is very (D): (oxidation state of Cr) + (–1) × 2 + 0 × 4 = +1
soluble in water. 1 ∴ oxidation state of Cr = +3
12. (a) Sodium oxide dissolves and the litmus 11. C
2–
solution turns blue. 1 (2): the oxidation state of chromium in CrO4 (aq)
Sodium oxide reacts (vigorously) with water is +6. The highest possible oxidation state for
to form sodium hydroxide solution, which is chromium is +6.
(strongly) alkaline. 1 12. B
Na2O(s) + H2O(l) 2NaOH(aq) 1 13. D
(b) The litmus solution turns red. 1
C. Structured questions (p.276)
Sulphur dioxide reacts with water to form
14. (a) +5 1
sulphurous acid. 1 + +
(b) 2VO2 (aq) + 3Mg(s) + 8H (aq)
SO2(g) + H2O(l) H2SO3(aq)
+ 2– 1 2+ 2+
2V (aq) + 3Mg (aq) + 4H2O(l) 1
H2SO3(aq) 2H (aq) + SO3 (aq)
(c) From yellow to violet 1
(c) (i) Amphoteric 1
15. (a) (i) Acidified potassium permanganate
(ii) (1) Al2O3(s) + 3H2SO4(aq)
solution changes from purple to brown. 1
Al2(SO4)3(aq) + 3H2O(l) 1
(ii) No observable change 1
OR – + –
+ (b) 2MnO4 (aq) + 16H (aq) + 10Br (aq)
Al2O3(s) + 6H (aq) 2+
3+ 2Mn (aq) + 8H2O(l) + 5Br2(aq) 1
2Al (aq) + 3H2O(l) (1) –
(c) MnO4 (aq) is a stronger oxidizing agent
(2) Al2O3(s) + 2NaOH(aq) + 3H2O(l)
than Cl2(aq). When dilute hydrochloric acid
2NaAl(OH)4(aq) 1
is added to potassium permanganate
OR
– solution, a redox reaction occurs.
Al2O3(s) + 2OH (aq) + 3H2O(l) – –
– MnO4 (aq) ions will oxidize Cl (aq) ions to
2Al(OH)4 (aq) (1) 2+
Cl2(aq) and it itself is reduced to Mn (aq)
ions. 1
Chapter 49
A. Fill in the blanks (p.275)
1. scandium; chromium; manganese; nickel; zinc
Answers to Exam practice
2. purple; green; yellow; pink; green; blue
3. +2; +3; +6
Chapter 42
4. oxidizing; reducing
A. Multiple-choice questions (p.46)
5. manganese(II) ions; manganese(IV) oxide
1. C
6. catalysts
2. D
7. enzymes
3. B
B. Multiple-choice questions (p.275) (The author is responsible for the solutions and
8. B that (a) they have neither been provided nor
3+
Mn (aq) is red. approved by AQA and (b) they may not necessarily
9. A constitute the only possible solutions.)
(1): possible oxidation states exhibited by chromium 4. B
in its compounds are +1, +2, +3, +4, +5 and +6. 5. D

T7
6. D (d) P: butane 1
7. B Q: propane 1
8. C R: butan-1-ol 1
9. C S: propan-1-ol 1
Each CH3CH2CONH2 molecule has two partially T: pentane 1
positively charged hydrogen atoms. Each hydrogen U: ethanol 1
atom can form a hydrogen bond with a lone pair 12. (a) CH3COOCH2CH2CH(CH3)2 1
of electrons on the oxygen atom of another (b) 3-methylbutan-1-ol 1
CH3CH2CONH2 molecule. (c) Isoamyl acetate is a relatively non-polar
But for CH3CH2COOH, each of its molecules has compound. The intermolecular forces
only one partially positively charged hydrogen between its molecules and the molecules
atom. Hence, CH3CH2CONH2 molecules can form of most non-polar organic solvents are of
more extensive hydrogen bonding with each other comparable strength. 1
than CH3CH2COOH molecules. (Molecules of isoamyl acetate and molecules
As the intermolecular forces between of most non-polar organic solvents can be
CH3CH2CONH2 molecules are stronger than those attracted by weak intermolecular forces.)
between CH3CH2COOH molecules, more energy 13. (a) Mole ratio of C atoms to H atoms to O atoms
is needed to overcome the intermolecular forces 40.0 6.7 53.3
= : : 1
between CH3CH2CONH2 molecules than those 12.0 1.0 16.0
between CH3CH2COOH molecules during = 3.33 : 6.7 : 3.33
evaporation. Hence, CH3CH2CONH2 is the least =1:2:1
volatile. ∴ the empirical formula of X is CH2O. 1
10. A Let the molecular formula of X be (CH2O)n,
CH3CH2OH and CH3CH2NH2 are both miscible with where n is an integer.
water. However, as the polarity of O–H bond is 50 < (12.0 + 1.0 × 2 + 16.0) × n < 80
higher than that of N–H bond, CH3CH2OH is n=2
more polar than CH3CH2NH2. Hence, CH3CH2OH ∴ the molecular formula of X is C2H4O2. 1
molecules interact more strongly with water (b)
molecules than CH3CH2NH2 molecules do. 1
Therefore, CH3CH2OH is the most soluble in
and
water.

B. Structured questions (p.47) 1

11. (a) R, S and U 1 (c) X has a low boiling point and a pleasant
This is because they are all soluble in water. 1 fruity smell. 2
(Note: molecules of ethanol, propan-1-ol 14. (a) Methanal 1
and butan-1-ol can all form hydrogen bonds (b)
with water molecules.)
(b) P and Q 1 1
This is because their boiling points are (c) Formaldehyde molecules are held together
below 25°C. 1 by van der Waals’ forces, which are weaker
(c) The boiling point of carbon compounds of than the hydrogen bonds existing
the same homologous series increases with predominantly between methanol
the length of hydrocarbon chain in their molecules. 1
molecules (or the molecular size). 1 Thus, a smaller amount of energy is needed
As the length of hydrocarbon chain (or the to overcome the intermolecular forces
molecular size) increases, the van der between formaldehyde molecules and
Waals’ forces between the molecules of separate them during boiling. 1
carbon compounds become stronger. 1

T8
 Chapter 43 9. (a) Let the molecular formula of P is CnH2n,
A. Multiple-choice questions (p.76) where n is an integer.
1. B (60%) (12.0 + 1.0 × 2) × n = 84.0 1
2. D n =6
Option (C): the systematic name of ∴ the molecular formula of P is C6H12. 1
(b)

(or CH3CH=CHCH2CH3) is

cis-hex-2-ene
pent-2-ene, not 1-methylbut-2-ene.
Option (D): 3-methylbut-1-ene is a chain isomer of
pent-1-ene.
3. A
(3): its systematic name is 2,3-dimethylpent-3-enal. trans-hex-2-ene
4. C
Both of them give 2,3-dibromobutanedioic acid
when reacting with bromine.
5. A (44%) cis-hex-3-ene
6. C
7. D (52%)
From the respective three-dimensional structures
of these three compounds, they are either identical
trans-hex-3-ene 8
to each other or enantiomers. Hence, they all have
(1 mark for each correct structure and 1 mark
the same boiling point. (Note: the compounds in
for each correct systematic name of the
liquids A and C are identical, and the compounds
corresponding structure)
in liquids B and A are a pair of enantiomers.)
10. (a) Compound A has a branched carbon chain.
B. Structured questions (p.77) Its molecules have a smaller area of contact
8. (a) Structural formula of X: with one another. 1
Thus, a smaller amount of energy is needed
1 to overcome the weaker van der Waals’
Structural formula of Y: forces between its molecules. 1
(b) (i) Hex-3-en-1-ol 1
1
(ii) Stereoisomers are compounds that
(b) The systematic names of X and Y are
have the same structural formula but
trans-1,2-dibromoethene and
different arrangements of atoms in
cis-1,2-dibromoethene respectively. 2
space. 1
(c) They exhibit cis-trans isomerism 1
(iii) Structure of the cis stereoisomer of
because each doubly-bonded carbon atom
compound C:
in the compound is attached to different
atoms. 1 1
(d) The polarities of the two polar C–Br bonds Structure of the trans stereoisomer of
cancel out each other in the molecule of X compound C:
but not in the molecule of Y. Hence, X is non-
polar while Y is polar. 1 1
Therefore, the van der Waals’ forces 11. (a) Carboxyl group/–COOH group 1
between molecules of X are weaker than Amine group/–NH2 group 1
those between molecules of Y. 1 (b) (i) The C-2 of glutamic acid is chiral. 1
(e) Yes. This is because they are a pair of (ii) Enantiomerism 1
stereoisomers that have the same functional
group. 1

T9
 (iii) Chapter 44
A. Multiple-choice questions (p.128)
1. C
Menthol is a secondary alcohol. A water molecule
can be eliminated from a menthol molecule in two
ways:
(1)

2 Al2O3
(1 mark for each correct structure) heat
(iv) Measure the optical activities of the
pair of stereoisomers. 1
By rotating the organic product along its axis
One isomer of glutamic acid/
through 180° clockwise, we get the compound
(+)-glutamic acid rotates the plane of
which is identical to that in option (C).
polarization of a beam of plane
(2)
polarized light clockwise, while another
isomer of glutamic acid/(–)-glutamic Al2O3
acid rotates the plane of polarization of heat

a beam of plane polarized light

anticlockwise to the same extent. 1
2. D
12. (a) Mole ratio of C atoms to H atoms
Esterification is involved and it is a reversible
85.7 100 – 85.7
= : 1 reaction. Concentrated H2SO4 acts as a catalyst.
12.0 1.0
The organic product of this reaction is butyl
= 7.14 : 14.3
propanoate.
=1:2
3. C
∴ the empirical formula of this hydrocarbon
4. C (49%)
is CH2. 1
(1): when the sunblock cream containing
Let the molecular formula of this
that compound is heated under reflux with
hydrocarbon be (CH2)n, where n is an integer.
NaOH(aq), the compound hydrolyses to form
(12.0 + 1.0 × 2) × n = 56.0
n=4
∴ the molecular formula of this
hydrocarbon is C4H8. 1 and .
(b) P: (3): when acidified KMnO4(aq) is added to the
sunblock cream containing that compound, the
compound undergoes addition reaction to form
Q:

.
R: 5. C (65%)
6. B
(1): propan-2-ol is a secondary alcohol. Oxidation
S:
of propan-2-ol gives propanone (a ketone).
4 (2): acid hydrolysis of ethyl propanoate gives
(1 mark for each correct answer) propanoic acid and ethanol.
(c) CH3CH=CHCH3 + H2 CH3CH2CH2CH3 1 +
H (aq)
(d) Methylpropane 1 heat

T10
 (3): alkaline hydrolysis of propanamide gives (e) CH3CH2CH2COOCH2CH2CH2CH3 1
propanoate and ammonia.
11. (a) HCl can react with the of
oct-1-en-3-ol through addition reaction 1

7. D (65%)
Option (A): the pair of reagents would undergo
hydrohalogenation. to give /
Option (B): the pair of reagents would undergo 2-chlorooctan-3-ol (major product) and 1
acid hydrolysis.
Option (C): the pair of reagents would undergo
substitution reaction. /
1-chlorooctan-3-ol (minor product). 1
B. Structured questions (p.129) (b) Phosphorus trichloride/PCl3 1
8. The acidified potassium dichromate crystals (c)
inside the breathalyser change from orange to
green if the breathed air contains ethanol. 1
2–
Ethanol in the breathed air can reduce Cr2O7 (aq)
3+ 1
ions (orange) to Cr (aq) ions (green). 1
12. Add bromine (dissolved in an organic solvent)
9. (a) C10H18O 1
to each of these liquids separately. Only
(b) Carbon-carbon double bond/ 1
CH2=CHCH2CH2OH can decolourize the orange
Hydroxyl group/–OH group 1
2– + (or brown) bromine solution rapidly. 1
(c) (i) Cr2O7 (aq)/H (aq), heat (with
Then add sodium hydrogencarbonate (or
distillation) 1
2– + sodium carbonate) solution to each of the
(ii) Cr2O7 (aq)/H (aq), heat (under reflux) 1
remaining three liquids separately. Only
(d) Mix M and N with sodium
CH3CH2CH2COOH forms colourless gas
hydrogencarbonate (or sodium carbonate)
bubbles (or forms a colourless gas which can
solution respectively. 1
turn limewater milky). 1
Only N reacts with the solution to give
Finally, warm each of the two remaining liquids
colourless gas bubbles (or only N reacts
with acidified potassium dichromate solution
with the solution to form a colourless gas
separately. Only CH3CH2CH2CH2OH can turn
which can turn limewater milky). 1
the orange acidified potassium dichromate
OR
solution to green. 1
Heat M and N with an alcohol in the presence
Communication mark 1
of concentrated H2SO4 respectively. (1)
13. (a)
Only N reacts with the alcohol to give a
pleasant fruity smell. (1)
10. (a) The orange acidified potassium dichromate 1
solution turns green. 1 (b) Concentrated H2SO4, heat 1
(b) (i) Butanoic acid 1 (c)
(ii)
1
(d) (i) Propane-1,2,3-triol 1
1
(ii)
OR

(1) 1
+
(c) LiAlH4, dry ether; then H (aq) 1 and
OR NaBH4(aq) (1)
(d) Esterification 1

1
T11
14. HKDSE 2020 Paper 1B Q11 (b) Substitution (reaction) 1
CH3CH2CH(OH)CH2CH3 + HBr
Chapter 45 CH3CH2CHBrCH2CH3 + H2O 1
A. Multiple-choice questions (p.164) OR
1. D 3CH3CH2CH(OH)CH2CH3 + PBr3
2. B 3CH3CH2CHBrCH2CH3 + H3PO3 (1)
3. D (83%) (c) It gives a higher yield of the desired
The structure of the intermediate compound is product (3-bromopentane). 1
(Note: the conversion of pentan-3-ol to
3-bromopentane using two-step
conversion suggested by the student gives
two different products (3-bromopentane
and 2-bromopentane), while the conversion
. using the single-step conversion gives only
4. C (74%) one product (3-bromopentane).)
9. (a) 3-methylbut-2-en-1-ol 1
(b) The orange (or brown) bromine solution is
decolourized rapidly. 1
The structure of X is . (c) (i)
5. C (40%)

The structure of Y is .
The carboxyl group of Y is converted to an ester 1
group by reacting with its hydroxyl group through (ii) Measure the optical activities of the
intramolecular esterification. two isomeric compounds. 1
One of which rotates the plane of
polarization of a beam of plane
conc. H2SO4
polarized light clockwise, while the
heat
other one rotates the plane of
polarization of a beam of plane
polarized light anticlockwise to the
same extent. 1
(d) (i) It acts as an oxidizing agent. 1
6. B (ii) No. This is because prenol undergoes
Percentage yield of propanoic acid addition reaction but not oxidation with
3.0 g alkaline potassium permanganate
= × 100% = 81%
( 3.0 × 74.0) g solution (to give 3-methylbutane-1,2,3-triol
60.0 instead). 1
7. C (83%) 10. (a) Structure I
B. Structured questions (p.165) Since Q reacts with sodium hydroxide
8. (a) For Step (1): conc. H2SO4, heat 1 solution to give a salt, it contains a –COOH
OR group. This suggests that P is a primary
For Step (1): Al2O3, heat (1) alcohol. 1
For Step (2): HBr 1 Oxidation of a primary alcohol by acidified
potassium dichroamte solution can
convert its –OH group to a –COOH group. 1

T12
 3
(b) (b) By applying Avogadro’s Law, 10 cm of
3
gaseous RCH3 and 10 cm of CO2 contain
the same number of molecules (and hence
1 equal numbers of moles of molecules) at
(c) room temperature and pressure. As equal
volumes of gaseous RCH3 and CO2 have
the same mass, they have the same relative
molecular mass. 1
Number of moles of P Let the molecular formula of RCH3 be
20.0 (C3H8)n, where n is an integer.
= mol
(12.0 × 7 + 1.0 × 14 + 16.0) n × (12.0 × 3 + 1.0 × 8) = 44.0 1
= 0.175 mol n =1
(Note: when 1 mol of P is oxidized, 1 mol ∴ the molecular formula of RCH3 is C3H8. 1
of Q is produced.) (c) Cl2 (in organic solvent); UV light or light or
Mass of sodium hydroxide needed heat 1
= 0.175 × (23.0 + 16.0 + 1.0) g 1 (d) NaOH(aq) or KOH(aq) or OH (aq)
–
1
= 7.00 g 1 +
(e) Y is Na2Cr2O7(aq)/H (aq) or K2Cr2O7(aq)/
11. (a) This is to prevent bumping due to + 2– +
H (aq) or Cr2O7 (aq)/H (aq). 1
overheating of the reaction mixture. 1 This is to ensure the complete oxidation of
(b) X: conc. H2SO4 1 RCH2OH to RCOOH so that RCOOH is the
Y: 1-methylcyclohexene 1 only product of the reaction. 1
(c) 14. (a) Ethyl propanoate 1
(b)
water out
1
(d) Distil the product obtained (or carry out
reflux condenser
fractional distillation on the product
obtained). 1
Collect the liquid that boils between water in
108.3°C and 112.3°C.
12. HKDSE 2020 Paper 1B Q10
CH3CH2COOH(l),
13. (a) Mole ratio of C atoms to H atoms
CH3CH2OH(l) and
81.8 (100 – 81.8) anti-bumping
= : 1 conc. H2SO4
12.0 1.0 granule
= 6.82 : 18.2 heat 1
= 1 : 2.67 (≈ 3 : 8)
∴ the empirical formula of RCH3 is C3H8. 1

3
(c) Let the volume of the reaction system is V cm .
18.5
74.0 –3 0.250 –3
Initial concentration of CH3CH2COOH = mol dm = mol dm
V V
23.0
46.0 –3 0.500 –3
Initial concentration of CH3CH2OH = mol dm = mol dm
V V
22.5
18.0 –3 1.25 –3
Initial concentration of H2O = mol dm = mol dm
V V
0.140 –3
Equilibrium concentration of the ester = mol dm
V

T13
 Concentration
–3 CH3CH2COOH(l) + CH3CH2OH(l) CH3CH2COOCH2CH3(l) + H2O(l)
/ mol dm
0.250 0.500 1.25
Initial 0
V V V
0.140 0.140 0.140 0.140
Change – – + +
V V V V
0.110 0.360 0.140 1.39
Equilibrium
V V V V
1
[CH3CH2COOCH2CH3(l)][H2O(l)]
Kc = 1
[CH3CH2COOH(l)][CH3CH2OH(l)]
0.140 –3 1.39 –3
( mol dm )( mol dm )
V V
=
0.110 –3 0.360 –3
( mol dm )( mol dm )
V V
= 4.91 1

15. (a) Alkaline hydrolysis 1 (e) Theoretical yield of benzoic acid

(b) X: 5.00 g –1
= –1 × 122.0 g mol = 4.52 g
135.0 g mol
Percentage yield of benzoic acid
3.12 g
= × 100% 1
1 4.52 g
Y: = 69.0% 1
1
(c) Concentrated HCl 1
Chapter 46
(d) Dissolve the crude benzoic acid in a A. Multiple-choice questions (p.201)
minimum volume of hot distilled water. Filter 1. D
the hot solution to remove any insoluble Since the structure of aspirin has an ester group, it
impurities. 1 can be hydrolysed readily by acids and alkalis.
Allow the hot filtrate to cool at room 2. C
temperature and then in an ice-water bath. 1 In saponification, triesters undergo alkaline
Separate the crystals from the residual hydrolysis to give glycerol and soaps i.e. sodium (or
solution by suction filtration. 1 potassium) salts of long-chained carboxylic acids.
3. D
4. A
5. B
(2): the polymerization involves condensation.

6. B (43%)
(3): CH3CH(OH)CO2H is lactic acid. It is the monomer of polylactide (PLA), which is a condensation polymer.
Every two lactic acid molecules react in an acidic medium to form a cyclic intermediate called lactide. During the
reaction, two water molecules are eliminated.

+
H (aq)

T14
 B. Structured questions (p.202) Sodium and magnesium both have giant metallic
7. HKDSE 2019 Paper 1B Q15 structures. A large amount of energy is needed
8. HKDSE 2019 Paper 1B Q13c to break the strong metallic bonds between the
9. HKDSE 2021 Paper 1B Q13 metal ions and delocalized electrons in melting.
10. (a) It is a reaction in which monomer molecules The metallic bond in magnesium is stronger
join together repeatedly to form polymer than that in sodium because each magnesium
molecules with the elimination of small atom has two outermost shell electrons while
molecules (such as H2O, HCl). 1 each sodium atom has one only. 1
(b) Silicon has a giant covalent structure. A larger
amount of energy is needed to break a large
number of strong covalent bonds between the
silicon atoms in melting. 1
Communication mark 1
6. (a) P has the highest melting point while T has
1 the lowest among these elements. Hence, P
has a giant covalent structure while T has
(c)
a simple molecular structure. 1
Therefore, P is carbon and T is neon. 2
1 (b) Both molecules of T (neon) and S (fluorine)
(d) The molecules of ethane-1,2-diol have two are held together by van der Waals’ forces. 1
–OH groups while the molecules of T is monoatomic and S is diatomic. As T has
ethanol have only one –OH group. 1 a smaller molecular size than S, the van der
Each molecule of ethane-1,2-diol can Waals’ forces between molecules of T are
react with two molecules of weaker than those between molecules of S. 1
benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid to form a (c) Bonding in U (sodium): metallic bonding 1
polymer chain eventually but the molecules Structure of U: giant metallic structure 1
of ethanol cannot. 1 (d) Both U and V (magnesium) have giant
(e) Concentrated H2SO4 breaks the ester metallic structures and each atom of V has
linkages in the polymer chains of PET more outermost shell electrons than each
through acid hydrolysis. 1 atom of U. 1
(f) PET is resistant to water and most So the metallic bond in V is stronger than
chemicals. 1 that in U. Hence, the melting point of V is
PET has a low density. 1 higher than that of U. 1
7. (a) 2,8 1
Chapter 47 (b) Both molecules of X (fluorine) and Y (neon)
are held together by van der Waals’ forces. 1
A. Multiple-choice questions (p.233)
X is diatomic and Y is monoatomic. As X has
1. A
a larger molecular size than Y, the van der
2. B
Waals’ forces between molecules of X are
(2): carbon but not boron has the highest melting
stronger than those between molecules of
point among the elements in Period 2 of the Periodic
Y. Hence, X has a higher melting point. 1
Table.
(c) Z (sodium) has a giant metallic structure
3. B (73%)
and its metal ions and delocalized electrons
B. Structured questions (p.233) are held together by metallic bonds. W
4. HKDSE 2019 Paper 1B Q14 (oxygen) has a simple molecular structure
5. Phosphorus has a simple molecular structure. A and its atoms within each molecule are
small amount of energy is needed to overcome linked together by covalent bond. 1
the weak van der Waals’ forces between the Z is a better electrical conductor than W
phosphorus molecules in melting. 1 because only Z contains delocalized
electrons. 1
T15
8. (a) (b) These four oxides can also be distinguished
by looking at their appearance. 1

Electrical conductivity
2– 2– +
(c) 3SO3 (aq) + Cr2O7 (aq) + 8H (aq)
2– 3+
3SO4 (aq) + 2Cr (aq) + 4H2O(l) 1
OR
2– +
3SO2(g) + Cr2O7 (aq) + 2H (aq)
2– 3+
3SO4 (aq) + 2Cr (aq) + H2O(l) (1)
(d) Al2O3(s) + 6HCl(aq)
2AlCl3(aq) + 3H2O(l) 1
OR
+ 3+
Al2O3(s) + 6H (aq) 2Al (aq) + 3H2O(l) (1)
1
(e) No. This is because X can react with both
(b) Both sodium and aluminium have giant
dilute and concentrated sodium hydroxide
metallic structures. 1
solution but Z can only react with hot
As the number of delocalized electrons
concentrated sodium hydroxide solution. 1
providing for conducting electricity per atom
is smaller for sodium than aluminium, sodium
has lower electrical conductivity than
Chapter 49
aluminium. 1 A. Multiple-choice questions (p.277)
(c) Sulphur does not contain delocalized 1. D (45%)
electrons in its structure. 1 (2): it illustrates that transition metals can exhibit
variable oxidation states in their compounds, e.g.,
2+ 3+
Chapter 48 Fe can exist as Fe and Fe .
(3): it illustrates that transition metals can form
A. Multiple-choice questions (p.251) 2+
coloured ions in aqueous solution, e.g., Cu (aq) is
1. C
blue.
P4O10 is an acidic oxide. It does not react with
sulphur dioxide. B. Structured questions (p.277)
2. B 2.
3+
(a) Cr (aq) + 8OH (aq)
–

P is a metal and Q is a non-metal. 2–

CrO4 (aq) + 4H2O(l) + 3e
–
1
3. A (75%) (b) From green to yellow 1
4. B 2–
(c) 2CrO4 (aq) + 2H (aq)
+

2–
Cr2O7 (aq) + H2O(l) 1
B. Structured questions (p.252)
(d) The reaction in (c) is not a redox reaction
5. (a) P (carbon) and Q (oxygen) 1
because the oxidation number of every
(b) X (carbon dioxide) is acidic because it
element remains unchanged in the reaction. 1
dissolves in water to form a solution which
3. Iron forms coloured ions in aqueous solution,
is acidic. 1 2+ 3+
e.g., Fe (aq) is pale green and Fe (aq) is
(c) R (magnesium) and Q 1 2+
yellow, while magnesium forms Mg (aq) in
(d) Y (magnesium oxide) is an ionic oxide which
aqueous solution, which is colourless. 1
consists of ions. Y contains molten ions for
Iron exhibits variable oxidation states in its
conducting electricity when it is in the
compounds, e.g. iron can form iron(II) and
molten state. 1
iron(III) compounds, while magnesium always
(e) S (silicon) and Q 1
form compounds with an oxidation state of +2. 1
(f) Z (silicon dioxide) reacts with hot
Iron and its compounds exhibit catalytic
concentrated sodium hydroxide solution to
properties, e.g., finely divided iron is used as a
form silicate and water. This lowers the
– catalyst in the Haber process, while magnesium
concentration of OH (aq) ions in the
and its compounds do not exhibit any catalytic
reaction mixture. 1
properties. 1
6. (a) W: SO2 1
Communication mark 1
X: Al2O3 1
4. HKDSE 2017 Paper 1B Q14
Y: Cl2O 1
Z: SiO2 1 T16
 2–
Answers to Part exercise Option (D): it reacts with acidified Cr2O7 (aq) to

Chapter 46 give propanone, .

8. B
A. Multiple-choice questions (p.203)
9. C
1. A
10. D
2. B
NaBH4(aq) can reduce the aldehyde group and
3. D
ketone group of a carbon compound but cannot
4. B
reduce the carbon-carbon double bond and ester
5. D
group of a carbon compound.
6. A (59%)
11. B
7. C
Acid hydrolysis of a cyclic ester gives a compound
Option (A): its systematic name is propan-2-ol.
that contains both a –COOH group and an –OH
Option (B): it is a secondary alcohol.
group.

12. A

(1) LiAlH4, dry ether HBr

+
(2) H (aq)

13. D (37%)
(1): HCOOCH2CH3(l) + NaOH(aq) HCOONa(aq) + CH3CH2OH(aq)
(2): CH3CH2CH2Cl(l) + NaOH(aq) CH3CH2CH2OH(aq) + NaCl(aq)
2– + 3+
(3): 3CH3CH2CHO(l) + Cr2O7 (aq) + 8H (aq) 3CH3CH2COOH(aq) + 2Cr (aq) + 4H2O(l)
14. C (63%)
15. A
Partial hydrolysis of X gives (the compound as shown in option A) and

.
16. A (75%)
Option (A): Y is lactic acid. Refer to the explanation for Exam practice, Q6 again.

B. Structured questions (p.206) 19. (a) M:

17. HKDSE 2020 Paper 1B Q5
18. (a) Two colourless liquid layers form. 1
– – +
(b) (i) OCl (aq) + Cl (aq) + 2H (aq)
Cl2(aq) + H2O(l) 1 N:
(ii) Chlorine/Cl2 1
(c) Hexane, which has a lower density than
water, is non-polar. Chlorine is more soluble L:
in hexane than in aqueous solution. 1
(d) To release the gas pressure built up inside
the test tube when shaking 1
(e) UV light or light 1 O:
(f) 1-chlorohexane 1
CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3 + Cl2
CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2Cl + HCl 1
P:
(Accept other correct organic products and
the corresponding equation for the reaction
that involves.)

T17
 Q: (ii) The reaction mixture changes from
orange to green. 1
(c) LiAlH4 or NaBH4 1
20. (a) Propanal 1
R:
(b) Upon heating, little propan-1-ol vaporized
and escaped from the hot reaction mixture
(without being oxidized). Then its vapour
S: condensed to liquid when it was cooled in
the test tube immersed in an ice-water bath. 1
(c) Propanal has a low boiling point. It distilled
off once it was produced without being
T:
further oxidized by acidified K2Cr2O7(aq). 1
(d) Propanone 1
(e) Heat the mixture of propan-1-ol and
U:
acidified K2Cr2O7(aq) in a pear-shaped
flask connected to a reflux condenser
(for a period of time). 1
(1 mark for each correct answer) 10
(f) (i)
(b) (i)
water out
1
Propanamide 1
reflux (ii) 1. PCl3 2. NH3 1
condenser OR
NH3(aq), heat (1)
water in

M+
anti-bumping 2– +
Cr2O7 (aq)/H (aq)
granule
heat 2
(1 mark for correct drawing; 1 mark for
correct labelling)

–
conc. H2SO4 HCl OH (aq)
21. (a) 3
heat heat

1. LiAlH4, dry ether CH3COOH

(b) +
2
2. H (aq) conc. H2SO4, heat

(c)

–
1. OH (aq), heat 1. LiAlH4, dry ether
+ +
2. H (aq) 2. H (aq)

excess HCl
3
(For each of the above questions, 1 mark for the correct reagents and conditions used for step 1 and the
intermediate formed in this step; 1 mark for the correct reagents and conditions used for step 2 and the
intermediate formed in this step; 1 mark for the correct reagents and conditions used for step 3 (if any))

T18
 22. HKDSE 2021 Paper 1B Q11 (b) Breaking the lipid membrane of the
23. (a) (i) Oxidation 1 coronavirus takes time. Hence, it is safer to
(ii) To ensure that all the wash hands for a longer period of time. 1
4-chloro-2-methylbutan-1-ol is reacted 1 (c) Coronavirus are not bacteria. Antibacterial
(b) Substitution (reaction) and neutralization 1 soaps work no better in destroying viruses. 1
(c) It acts as a catalyst to speed up the (d) Any one of the following reasons:
(esterification) reaction. 1 • Hydroalcoholic gels work less well if our
(d) hands are greasy or dirty. 1
• Soaps can destroy viruses and we can
1 get rid of inactive viruses from the skin by
washing away the soap solution on our
(e) Theoretical yield of Y
10.0 g –1
hands. Hydroalcoholic gels may leave
= –1 × 100.0 g mol = 8.16 g 1 inactive viruses that remain on the skin as
122.5 g mol
(Note: the molar masses of 4-chloro-2- no rinsing is required after rubbing our
–1
methylbutan-1-ol and Y are 122.5 g mol and hands with these gels. (1)
–1
100.0 g mol respectively.) (Accept other correct reasons.)
Mass of Y obtained = 8.16 g × 30% = 2.45 g 1
24. (a) W: CH3CH2CH=CH2 1 Chapter 49
X: CH3CH2CHBrCH3 1 A. Multiple-choice questions (p.278)
–
(b) Y: NaOH(aq) or KOH(aq) or OH (aq) 1 1. C
+
Z: K2Cr2O7(aq)/H (aq) or Na2Cr2O7(aq)/ 2. B (69%)
+ 2– +
H (aq) or Cr2O7 (aq)/H (aq) 1 3. B (64%)
(c) (i) Theoretical yield of butanone 4. C (81%)
10 g –1 5. B
= –1 × 72.0 g mol = 9.73 g 1
74.0 g mol 6. A (37%)
(Note: the molar masses of butan-1-ol and 7. A
–1 –1
butanone are 74.0 g mol and 72.0 g mol 8. A (58%)
respectively.)
Mass of butanone obtained B. Structured questions (p.279)
= 9.73 g × 65% = 6.32 g 1 9. (a) Similarity: their atoms have the same
(ii) One possible side product is butanal number of occupied electron shells. 1
or butanoic acid. 1 Difference: their atoms show a gradual
Addition reaction between compound increase in the number of electrons in the
W and HBr produces 1-bromobutane outermost shell. 1
as the minor product. When this minor (b) The increase in melting point from sodium
product undergoes substitution reaction to aluminium indicates that the strength of
with NaOH(aq), butan-1-ol forms. Upon metallic bonds of these metals increases
oxidation, butan-1-ol can be converted from sodium to aluminium. 1
to butanal or butanoic acid. 1 This shows that for metals within Period 3
25. HKDSE 2018 Paper 1B Q12 in the Periodic Table, the strength of
26. (a) Soaps have a hydrophilic head and a metallic bond increases with the number of
hydrophobic tail in their structure and outermost shell electrons in the atoms of a
lipids are hydrophobic. 1 metal. 1
Lipids dissolve in soaps. In case of It is likely that the greater the number of
coronavirus, the lipid membrane ruptures in outermost shell electrons per atom
soap solution and this destroys the virus. 1 (participating in metallic bond formation),
(Besides, washing our hands with soap the stronger is the metallic bond of that
solution can prevent coronavirus from metal. 1
adhering to our hands.) 10. (a) 2CuFeS2(s) + O2(g)
Cu2S(s) + 2FeS(s) + SO2(g) 1
Decreases from +2 to +1. 1
T19
 (b) CuFeS2(s) + O2(g) carbon atom (as it already carries two hydrogen
Cu(s) + FeS(s) + SO2(g) 1 atoms). The bromine atom is added to the second
(c) Number of moles of CuFeS2 carbon of H2C=CH–CH2–OH. Besides, the –OH
100 × 1000 g group of H2C=CH–CH2–OH is substituted by a
= –1
(63.5 + 55.8 + 32.1 × 2) g mol bromine atom.
= 544.96 mol 3. B
From the equation in part (b), mole ratio of 4. C
CuFeS2 to SO2 = 1 : 1. 2–
Option (A): acidified Cr2O7 (aq) is not strong
∴ number of moles of SO2 formed enough to oxidize propene.
= 544.96 mol Option (B): propene undergoes addition reaction with
Mass of SO2 formed H2(g) in the presence of platinum while propan-1-ol
–1
= 544.96 mol × (32.1 + 16.0 × 2) g mol 1 does not react with H2(g).
= 349 32 g Option (C): propan-1-ol is dehydrated to propene
= 34.9 kg 1 by heating with conc. H2SO4.
(d) This extraction leads to formation of a huge Option (D): propene undergoes addition reaction
mass of SO2. SO2 is an air pollutant and it with HCl(g) while propan-1-ol undergoes
can cause acid rain. 1 substitution reaction with HCl(g).
(e) Making electric wires/water pipes 1 5. D
(Accept other correct use of copper.) 6. D
11. (a) The oxidation number of iron decreases Ethanamide undergoes alkaline hydrolysis with
from +6 to +3 and that of oxygen increases sodium hydroxide solution. The equation for the
from –2 to 0. 1 reaction is:
(b) The colour of the solution changes from
purple to yellow. 1 heat
(Colourless) gas bubbles form. 1
7. C
(c) Iron exhibits variable oxidation states in its
(2): X is a tertiary alcohol and Y is a primary
compounds. 1
alcohol. Thus, only Y can be oxidized by acidified
Iron forms coloured ions in aqueous 2–
Cr2O7 (aq).
solution. 1
(3): both of them have the same carbon skeleton
12. (a) Manganese(IV) oxide/MnO2 1
– – with seven carbon atoms. Moreover, both of them
(b) MnO4 (aq) + 2H2O(l) + 3e
– have the same functional group (–OH group). The
MnO2(s) + 4OH (aq) 1
–OH group of X is attached to C-2 of the carbon
(c) (i) 2H2O2(aq) 2H2O(l) + O2(g) 1
chain while it is attached to C-1 in Y.
(ii) MnO2(s) produced in the reduction of
8. D
KMnO4(aq) by water acts as a catalyst
(1): this compound contains only one chiral carbon:
to speed up the decomposition of
H2O2(aq). 1
13. HKDSE 2020 Paper 1B Q12
14. HKDSE 2021 Paper 1B Q12

(2): the H atom and the Br atom of HBr are added

Answers to Revision test across the carbon-carbon double bond of this
compound.
Chapter 46
(3): this compound can react with NaBH4,
A. Multiple-choice questions (p.211)
1. C
converting the to .
This ester is produced from the reaction between
ethanol and 2-methylbutanoic acid.
9. A
2. B
(3): this detergent has a carboxylate group
According to Markovnikov’s rule, the hydrogen –
(–COO ), which is the ionic head for soaps. Hence,
atom is added to the terminal doubly-bonded T20
it is made from fats or oils.
 10. B B. Structured questions (p.213)
(1): no matter how we rotate the compound on the 12. (a) 2-methylpropyl ethanoate 1
left-hand side, we cannot get a compound exactly (b) X: HOCH2CH(CH3)2 1
the same as the one on the right-hand side. Y: CH3CH2OH 1
–
(c) P: NaOH(aq) or KOH(aq) or OH (aq) 1
Q: conc. H2SO4 1
(d) Incomplete oxidation of CH3CH2OH
occurred. 1
Add a few drops of acidified K2Cr2O7(aq)
to the product mixture formed in Reaction 2.
(2): flip the compound on the left-hand side from
If the mixture changes from orange to green,
top to down, and then from left to right. We get the
it indicates that CH3CHO is present. 1
compound exactly the same as the one on the
(e) It has a relatively low boiling point. 1
right-hand side.
OR
(3): the ester on the left-hand side is ethyl
It is volatile. (1)
propanoate while that on the right-hand side is
13. (a) P: HBr 1
propyl ethanoate. 2– +
(b) Q: Cr2O7 (aq)/H (aq); heat (under reflux) 1
11. C
(c) R: H2, Pt 1
(Accept using Pd or Ni as the catalyst.)

14.
1. LiAlH4, dry ether conc. H2SO4
+
2. H (aq) heat

H2, Pt
3
(1 mark for the correct reagents and conditions used for step 1 and the intermediate formed in this step; 1 mark
for the correct reagents and conditions used for step 2 and the intermediate formed in this step; 1 mark for the
correct reagents and conditions used for step 3)

15. (a) (i) Y (c) It raises the level of ‘bad’ cholesterol in

In the structure of Y, the two our body. 1
hydrogen atoms are on the opposite (d) (i)
sides of the carbon-carbon double
bond. 1
(ii) The rotation about the carbon-carbon
double bond is restricted in the
molecules of fatty acid C17H33COOH. 1 1
(iii) Compared with X, the molecules of Y (ii) When (a solution of) W is added to a
have a more symmetrical structure. water-oil mixture, the ionic heads
They can pack more closely in the –
(–COO ) of the anions of W dissolve
solid state. Thus, more energy is in the water while the hydrocarbon tails
needed to overcome the van der Waals’ (C17H33–) of the anion of W dissolve in
forces between them during melting. 1 the oil. Upon shaking, oil droplets,
(b) which carry negatively charges, form.
Repulsion of these negatively charged
droplets prevent them from joining
together. As a result, an emulsion
forms. 1

T21 1
Chapter 49 (c) Formula of the oxide of W: W2O3/Al2O3 1
A. Multiple-choice questions (p.281) Formula of the oxide of X: XO2/SiO2 1
1. B (d) When oxide of V is added to an acid, it
2. A reacts with the acid to form salt and
3. B water. Hence, it is a basic oxide. 1
+ 2+
4. C VO(s) + 2H (aq) V (aq) + H2O(l)
+ 2+
5. C OR MgO(s) + 2H (aq) Mg (aq) + H2O(l)
6. B When oxide of Y is added to an alkali, it
7. C reacts with the alkali to form salt and
Option (A): the oxidation number of vanadium water. Hence, it is an acidic oxide.
– 3– 1
changes from +4 to +3. Y4O10(s) + 12OH (aq) 4YO4 (aq) + 6H2O(l)
– 3–
Option (B): the oxidation number of vanadium OR P4O10(s) + 12OH (aq) 4PO4 (aq) +
changes from +3 to +2. 6H2O(l)
Option (C): the oxidation number of vanadium 13. (a) X: sulphur dioxide/SO2 1
changes from +3 to +5. W: calcium oxide/CaO 1
Option (D): the oxidation number of vanadium (b) 2H2S(g) + 3O2(g) 2H2O(l) + 2SO2(g) 1
changes from +5 to +4. (c) SO2(g) + H2O(l) H2SO3(aq) 1
8. C (d) CaO(s) + H2O(l) Ca(OH)2(s) 1
3+
(1): Fe (aq) is yellow. (e) Neutralization 1
(2): iron(II) chloride solution reacts with sodium (f) Calcium sulphite/CaSO3 1
carbonate solution according to the following 14. (a) It acts as a reducing agent. 1
equation: FeCl2(aq) + Na2CO3(aq) FeCO3(s) + (b) Chemical formula for the green coloured
3+
2NaCl(aq). species: V 1
(3): displacement reaction occurs. In the reaction, Chemical formula for the violet coloured
2+
3+ 2+
Mg(s) reduces Fe (aq) ions to Fe (aq) ions. species: V 1
2+ + – 3+
9. A (c) VO (aq) + 2H (aq) + e V (aq) + H2O(l) 1
2+ +
10. C (d) Zn(s) + 2VO (aq) + 4H (aq)
2+ 3+
11. A Zn (aq) + 2V (aq) + 2H2O(l) 1
(e) V2O5 can be used as a catalyst to speed
B. Structured questions (p.282) up the conversion of SO2 to SO3 in the
12. (a) V: magnesium; W: aluminium; X: silicon; Contact process. 1
Y: phosphorus; Z: sulphur 1 (f) Any one of the following:
(b) (i) Transition metals generally have higher
melting points/boiling points/densities
than main group metals. 1
Melting point

Transition metals are generally stronger/

harder than metal group metals. (1)

1
(ii)
Relative electrical conductivity

1 T22