Carboxylic acids and derivatives: past paper questions
Real questions on carboxylic acids and derivatives
The newest 20 of 38 written questions, plus 41 multiple-choice. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9701/41 · October/November 2025 · Q7b[2]
Fig. 7.1 shows the reaction of methylbenzene and ethanedioic acid with KMnO 4 . Predict the major carbon-containing product for each of these reactions. methylbenzene hot alkaline KMnO 4 hot acidified KMnO 4 HO O OH ethanedioic acid O
See it on the paper → - 9701/52 · May/June 2025 · Q1a(i)[1]
Calculate the mass of (COOH) 2 •2H 2 O(s) required to prepare 500.0 cm 3 of 0.139 mol dm –3 (COOH) 2 (aq), solution X. mass = g (i)
See it on the paper → - 9701/52 · May/June 2025 · Q1a(ii)[3]
The mass of (COOH) 2 •2H 2 O(s) calculated in (a)(i) is placed into a 100 cm 3 beaker. Describe the steps taken to prepare 500.0 cm 3 of 0.139 mol dm –3 (COOH) 2 (aq). Give the name and capacity of any apparatus used. Write your answer using a series of numbered steps.
See it on the paper → - 9701/52 · May/June 2025 · Q1b[1]
(COOH) 2 •2H 2 O(s) is corrosive. Other than wearing eye protection and a lab coat, state one safety precaution that should be taken when using (COOH) 2 •2H 2 O(s).
See it on the paper → - 9701/52 · May/June 2025 · Q1d[1]
In step 1, solution X is diluted to a concentration of 0.00556 mol dm –3 . Calculate the volume of solution X needed to make 100.0 cm 3 of 0.00556 mol dm –3 (COOH) 2 (aq). volume of solution X = cm 3
See it on the paper → - 9701/52 · May/June 2025 · Q1e[1]
Identify the most appropriate piece of equipment to transfer 50.0 cm 3 of diluted (COOH) 2 (aq) in step 2.
See it on the paper → - 9701/52 · May/June 2025 · Q1f[1]
Suggest a reason why the conical flask is shaken in step 4.
See it on the paper → - 9701/52 · May/June 2025 · Q1g(i)[1]
Complete Table 1.1.
See it on the paper → - 9701/52 · May/June 2025 · Q1g(ii)[2]
Plot a graph on the grid in Fig. 1.1 to show the relationship between mass of (COOH) 2 adsorbed by activated carbon in 5.0 cm 3 sample and time, t. Use a cross (×) to plot each data point.
See it on the paper → - 9701/52 · May/June 2025 · Q1g(iii)[1]
Identify the independent variable. (iii)
See it on the paper → - 9701/43 · October/November 2024 · Q6e[1]
Benzene-1,2-dioic acid can be used to produce K. heat benzene-1,2-dioic acid K O C COOH O C COOH O Suggest the name of this type of reaction.
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · February/March 2024 · Q5b(ii)[1]
Aspirin undergoes acid hydrolysis in the stomach. Give the structures of the organic products of this acid hydrolysis.
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · February/March 2024 · Q6b(iii)[2]
Draw the structure of the organic product U that forms when hippuric acid reacts with an excess of LiAl H 4 in reaction 3.
See it on the paper → - 9701/21 · October/November 2023 · Q2a(iii)[1]
Suggest a reactant for reaction 2.
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · May/June 2023 · Q3a(iv)[2]
In step 3, Y and a gas are produced. Construct an equation for step 3.
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · May/June 2023 · Q3b[1]
CH 3 CH 2 COOH can also be formed from propan-1-ol and potassium dichromate( VI ). State the conditions required.
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · October/November 2022 · Q9b[3]
When ethanoic acid is treated with PCl 5 product D is formed. When D is added to tyrosine two different isomeric products, E and F, are formed. E has an ester linkage, F does not. Draw the structures of D, E and F in the boxes below. D E F
See it on the paper → - 9701/43 · October/November 2022 · Q7b(i)[1]
Give the structural formula of the compound that is added to P to make Q and give the formula of the other product of this reaction. compound added to P other product
See it on the paper → - 9701/43 · October/November 2022 · Q7b(ii)[3]
When an ester is treated with LiAl H 4 in dry ether the ester linkage is cleaved by the addition of four hydrogen atoms and two alcohols are produced. Draw the structures of the compounds formed when Q is treated with an excess of LiAl H 4 in dry ether.
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · May/June 2022 · Q5c(ii)[1]
In step 2, butanenitrile is heated with HCl (aq). A hydrolysis reaction occurs. Construct an equation for the reaction in step 2.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
In the given reaction scheme, reaction 2 involved the formation of BaCO3 and water from adding a reactant to Ba(OH)2. Carbon dioxide, CO2, is a reactant that would form both the carbonate and water. Many answers included a metal carbonate which would not give water as a product.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9701/21 Q2(a)(iii) (Cambridge)
Many candidates correctly produced equations representing the production of hydrogen gas. The formula of the calcium salt was frequently given in terms of calcium with a valency of one.
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 9701/22 Q3(a)(iv) (Cambridge)
Many candidates knew that acidic conditions were required. Stronger candidates appreciated that the essential condition for this reaction was ‘heat under reflux’ to ensure complete oxidation to the carboxylic acid.
— Examiner report, May/June 2023, 9701/22 Q3(b) (Cambridge)
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