Shapes of molecules: past paper questions
Real questions on shapes of molecules
The newest 20 of 125 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9701/41 · May/June 2026 · Q6b(ii)[2]
This complex shows stereoisomerism. Draw three-dimensional diagrams to show all the stereoisomers of this complex. The C 2 O 42– ion can be represented using O O .
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2026 · Q6b(iii)[1]
State the type or types of stereoisomerism shown by this complex.
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2026 · Q8b(i)[2]
Complete Table 8.1 to identify the splitting patterns for proton environments r, s, t and u. Table 8.1 proton environment name of splitting pattern r s t u
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2026 · Q8b(ii)[2]
The proton ( 1 H) NMR spectrum of M dissolved in CDCl 3 is obtained. State and explain how this spectrum differs from the proton ( 1 H) NMR spectrum of M dissolved in D 2 O.
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · October/November 2025 · Q5e[2]
The complex ion [Au(CN) 2 Br 2 ] – displays geometrical (cis / trans) isomerism. Draw the structure of trans-[Au(CN) 2 Br 2 ] – . State its shape and the Br-Au-Br bond angle.
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · October/November 2025 · Q2a(i)[1]
Use two words to complete the sentence. This reaction involves of the single
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · October/November 2025 · Q2a(iii)[1]
Use VSEPR theory to predict the bond angle at the nitrogen atom in an HNO 2 molecule. bond angle =
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · October/November 2025 · Q6a(ii)[2]
Give the formula and charge of the octahedral complex formed by Ni 2+ ions with ethanedioate ions. This is complex F. F =
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · October/November 2025 · Q6a(iii)[1]
Identify which complex, E or F, exists as a mixture of two stereoisomers and the type of stereoisomerism involved. The complex which exists as a mixture of two stereoisomers is .
See it on the paper → - 9701/43 · October/November 2025 · Q5e[2]
The complex ion [Au(CN) 2 Br 2 ] – displays geometrical (cis / trans) isomerism. Draw the structure of trans-[Au(CN) 2 Br 2 ] – . State its shape and the Br-Au-Br bond angle.
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · May/June 2025 · Q4b(i)[2]
Use Fig. 4.2 to predict the shape and bond angle of a molecule of SO 2 . shape
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · May/June 2025 · Q7a[1]
2-aminobutane, CH 3 CH(NH 2 )CH 2 CH 3 , exists as a mixture of two enantiomers. Define enantiomers.
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · February/March 2025 · Q1b(ii)[1]
Predict the shape of a molecule of PCl 5 . (ii)
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · February/March 2025 · Q4b(iii)[1]
N has a chiral centre. Explain what is meant by a chiral centre. Important values, constants and standards molar gas constant R = 8.31 J K –1 mol –1 Faraday constant F = 9.65 × 10 4 C mol –1 Avogadro constant L = 6.02 × 10 23 mol –1 electronic charge e = –1.60 × 10 –19 C molar volume of gas V m = 22.4 dm 3 mol –1 at s....
See it on the paper → - 9701/21 · October/November 2024 · Q3d(ii)[1]
Deduce the shape of a molecule of SiH 4 .
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · October/November 2024 · Q3b(iv)[1]
Suggest the shape of the [Al(OH) 4 ] – ion.
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · October/November 2024 · Q4d(i)[1]
Identify the type of isomerism shown by E and 1,2-dibromoethane.
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · October/November 2024 · Q3d(ii)[1]
Deduce the shape of a molecule of SiH 4 .
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · October/November 2024 · Q5a[2]
Label one bond angle on each of complexes P, Q, R and S, and identify the size of the angle in degrees.
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · October/November 2024 · Q5b[2]
Identify the shapes of complexes P, Q, R and S. P R Q
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
There were many good answers here although many incorrect answers were also provided. Many candidates omitted the bi– prefix from bipyramidal.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9701/22 Q1(b)(ii) (Cambridge)
This was often well answered. The phrase ‘surrounded by’ is not a legitimate substitute for ‘attached to’ or ‘bonded to’. Some candidates described the substituents on a chiral carbon as molecules or compounds: this this was not credited.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9701/22 Q4(b)(iii) (Cambridge)
A high proportion of candidates correctly identified the number of primary, secondary and tertiary alcohol groups, in glucose, as 1, 4 and zero, respectively.
— Examiner report, October/November 2023, 9701/21 Q3(e)(i) (Cambridge)
Past papers, syllabus and examiner reports © UCLES (Cambridge University Press & Assessment). Questions are matched to topics from the official syllabus. AssessPro is independent and not endorsed by Cambridge.