Organic synthesis: past paper questions
Real questions on organic synthesis
The newest 8 of 8 written questions, plus 1 multiple-choice. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9701/43 · May/June 2024 · Q7d[6]
Compound F, C 6 H 8 O 3 , shows stereoisomerism and effervesces with Na 2 CO 3 (aq). Compound F reacts with alkaline I 2 (aq) to form yellow precipitate G and compound H. Compound F reacts with LiAl H 4 to form compound J, C 6 H 12 O 2 . Compound F reacts with SOCl 2 to form compound K, C 6 H 7 O 2 Cl . Compound K reac...
See it on the paper → - 9701/43 · May/June 2024 · Q8b(ii)[3]
Draw the structures of the three organic products formed from the reaction of neotame with an excess of hot NaOH(aq).
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2022 · Q7e[3]
Procaine is synthesised in three steps from X. Suggest the reagents and conditions for step 4 and for step 5 in Fig. 7.1. step step
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2020 · Q10c[3]
Many enzymes contain transition element complexes. Describe, with the aid of a suitably labelled diagram, how an enzyme catalyses the breakdown of a substrate molecule. [Total: 5]
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · October/November 2019 · Q7a(v)[2]
Benzene‑1,3‑diamine can be made from benzene using the reaction sequence shown. step 1 O 2 N step 2 O 2 N NO 2 step 3 H 2 N NH 2 State the reagents used for steps 1 and 3. step step
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · October/November 2019 · Q8c[1]
Give the structural formula of B.
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2019 · Q9f(ii)[3]
Suggest reagents and conditions for each of the steps 1–3. step step step [Total: 15]
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · February/March 2019 · Q5b(ii)[4]
Suggest suitable reagents and conditions for each of the steps 1–3. step step step [Total: 11]
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Some candidates gave their answer for step 5 on the step 4 line, and their answer to step 4 on the step 5 line. Responses for step 4 that included NaOH or any aqueous substances were not credited as these would hydrolyse the acid chloride. The reagents for step 5 are Sn and conc. HCl; Sn is not a catalyst in this reaction and should not be described as such.
— Examiner report, May/June 2022, 9701/41 Q7(e) (Cambridge)
This was answered well. Some responses did not state that the acids used in step 1 must be concentrated.
— Examiner report, October/November 2019, 9701/42 Q7(a)(v) (Cambridge)
The importance of adding nitrile groups to extend the carbon chain was only appreciated by a minority of candidates.
— Examiner report, October/November 2019, 9701/42 Q8(c) (Cambridge)
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