Dot-and-cross diagrams: past paper questions
Real questions on dot-and-cross diagrams
The newest 20 of 50 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9701/41 · October/November 2025 · Q5d[2]
CN – is a monodentate ligand. Table 5.2 shows information about two complex ions that contain only CN – ions as ligands. Complete Table 5.2. Table 5.2 metal ion coordination number Ag + 2 formula of complex ion Fe 2+ charge of complex ion 4–
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · October/November 2025 · Q9d(i)[2]
On Fig. 9.4, draw three curly arrows to complete the mechanism of this step.
See it on the paper → - 9701/43 · October/November 2025 · Q5d[2]
CN – is a monodentate ligand. Table 5.2 shows information about two complex ions that contain only CN – ions as ligands. Complete Table 5.2. Table 5.2 metal ion coordination number Ag + 2 formula of complex ion Fe 2+ charge of complex ion 4–
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2025 · Q5a(i)[1]
Complete the electronic configurations of a Cu + ion and a Cu 2+ ion. Cu + ion: [Ar] 2+
See it on the paper → - 9701/21 · May/June 2024 · Q2b(i)[2]
Complete the dot-and-cross diagram in Fig. 2.1 to show the arrangement of the outer electrons in a molecule of SCl 2 . Use × to show electrons from the chlorine atoms. Use ● to show electrons from the sulfur atom. Cl S Cl Fig. 2.1
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · May/June 2024 · Q3d[2]
SCN – (aq) is colourless. Complete the dot-and-cross diagram in Fig. 3.1 to show the arrangement of outer electrons in an SCN – ion. S C – N , ,
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · February/March 2024 · Q3d(i)[1]
Complete Fig. 3.2 to show the dot-and-cross diagram for N 2 F 2 . Show outer electrons only. F N N F Fig. 3.2
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · October/November 2023 · Q5c(i)[1]
Write an expression for the K stab of [Cu(CN) 4 ] 3− . K stab =
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · October/November 2023 · Q5c(ii)[1]
In a solution the concentrations of CN − and [Cu(CN) 4 ] 3− are both 0.0010 mol dm −3 . Use your expression from (c)(i) and the value of K stab to calculate the concentration of Cu + (aq) in this solution. concentration of Cu + (aq) = mol dm –3
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · October/November 2023 · Q6a(i)[1]
Define monodentate ligand.
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · October/November 2023 · Q6a(ii)[1]
Define transition element complex.
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · October/November 2023 · Q6a(iii)[1]
Explain why transition elements form complexes.
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · October/November 2023 · Q6b(i)[1]
Complete Table 6.1 to state the geometry of the first three complexes. Each complex is either square planar, tetrahedral or octahedral.
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · October/November 2023 · Q6b(iv)[1]
Draw the three-dimensional structure of Ni(PH 3 ) 2 Cl 2 in the box. Ni
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · October/November 2023 · Q6b(v)[1]
One of the complexes, [Rh(en) 2 Cl 2 ] + or [Rh(CO) 2 Cl 2 ] + , can exist in three isomeric forms. Identify this complex and the types of isomerism shown.
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · October/November 2023 · Q6b(vi)[2]
Draw the three-dimensional structures of the two isomers of [Ni(H 2 O) 2 (NH 3 ) 4 ] 2+ in the boxes and identify the type of isomerism shown. Ni Ni type of isomerism shown
See it on the paper → - 9701/43 · October/November 2023 · Q5b(i)[1]
State the oxidation state and the coordination number of titanium in [TiCl 4 (diars) 2 ]. oxidation state coordination number
See it on the paper → - 9701/43 · October/November 2023 · Q5c(i)[1]
Write an expression for the K stab of [Cu(CN) 4 ] 3− . K stab =
See it on the paper → - 9701/43 · October/November 2023 · Q5c(ii)[1]
In a solution the concentrations of CN − and [Cu(CN) 4 ] 3− are both 0.0010 mol dm −3 . Use your expression from (c)(i) and the value of K stab to calculate the concentration of Cu + (aq) in this solution. concentration of Cu + (aq) = mol dm –3
See it on the paper → - 9701/43 · October/November 2023 · Q6a(i)[2]
Complete Table 6.1 using the words monodentate, bidentate and polydentate only. Each of these three words may be used once, more than once, or not at all.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
This question was answered correctly. Some candidates put charges outside the concentration brackets or had the inverse of the expression.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9701/41 Q5(c)(i) (Cambridge)
This was found more difficult than parts (i) and (ii). ‘Energetically accessible’ was the component of the answer that was most often omitted.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9701/42 Q6(a)(iii) (Cambridge)
Candidates struggled with this question. Candidates had to use the information in the question and also use knowledge from their studies, for example that 1,2-diaminoethane is a bidentate ligand.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9701/42 Q6(b)(i) (Cambridge)
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