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NSS Chemistry Part 5 & 11 Chemistry of Carbon Compounds
NSS Chemistry Part 5 & 11 Chemistry of Carbon Compounds
NSS Chemistry Part 5 & 11 Chemistry of Carbon Compounds
2. Which of the following set-ups should be connected to the delivery tube to collect the gaseous products
formed?
A. C.
B. D.
Ans: D
1
3. Which of the following reactions is involved in this experiment?
A. cracking
B. redox
C. catalytic hydration
D. destructive distillation
Ans: A
4. HKCEE 2002 Q9
Which of the following equations represents a cracking reaction?
A. C4H8 + H2 Æ C4H10
B. C4H10 Æ C3H6 + CH4
C. C6H12O6 Æ 2C2H5OH + 2CO2
D. C4H9OH Æ C4H8 + H2O
Ans: B
5. HKCEE 2005 Q2
Upon cracking, one molecule of decane (C10H22) gives two molecules of propene and one molecule of an
alkane (X). What is X?
A. C4H6
B. C4H10
C. C7H14
D. C7H16
Ans: B
6. HKCEE 2008 Q14
Which of the following petroleum fractions has the highest carbon content?
A. diesel
B. petrol
C. kerosene
D. naphtha
Ans: A
7. HKCEE 2010 Q2
Consider the industrial processes as shown below :
2
Pollutions
8. HKCEE 1997 Q38
Which of the following statements about using ethanol as a car fuel is correct?
(1) Ethanol is a cleaner fuel than petrol.
(2) Using ethanol as a car fuel is economical in agricultural countries with sugar canes the main crop.
(3) A car engine has to be suitably modified when using ethanol as a fuel.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Ans: D
9. HKCEE 1998 Q7
Which of the following environmental problems is NOT caused by excessive burning of fossil fuels?
A. the corrosion of marble status
B. the formation of smog
C. a higher incidence of liver diseases
D. global warming
Ans: C
3
12. HKCEE 2007 Q26
Which of the following statements concerning the measures to reduce air pollutants is/are correct?
(1) Scrubber can be used to reduce carbon monoxide.
(2) Catalytic converter can be used to reduce nitrogen monoxide.
(3) Electrostatic precipitator can be used to reduce unburnt hydrocarbons.
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only
Ans: B
13. HKCEE 2009 Q16
Which of the following is / are renewable energy source(s)?
(1) natural gas
(2) wind power
(3) nuclear energy
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only
Ans: B
14. HKCEE 2009 Q26
Which of the following measures can help reduce the level of carbon monoxide at the road side?
(1) using liquefied petroleum gas as fuel for motor vehicles
(2) installing catalyic converter for motor vehicles
(3) installing electrostatic precipitator for motor vehicles
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Ans: A
15. HKCEE 2010 Q27
Which of the following environmental problems may be reduced by installing catalytic converters in
petrol-driven cars ?
(1) acid rain
(2) greenhouse effect
(3) photochemical smog
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Ans: B
4
16. HKCEE 2010 Q25
Which of the following measures can help improve the air quality in Hong Kong ?
(1) Use natural gas to replace coal in generating electricity.
(2) Use electricity to replace petrol to drive cars.
(3) Use fuel with lower sulphur content to drive ferries.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Ans: D
Homologous series
17. HKCEE 1995 Q29
Which of the following compounds have the same empirical formula?
(1) ethene
(2) ethane
(3) propene
(4) propane
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (4) only
D. (3) and (4) only
Ans: B
18. HKCEE 1995 Q43
Which of the following are characteristics of a homologous series?
(1) Members of the series can be represented by the same general formula.
(2) Members of the series have same physical properties.
(3) Members of the series have similar chemical properties.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Ans: B
19. HKCEE 1997 Q16
Which of the following compounds represents the first member of a homologous series?
A. ethane
B. ethene
C. ethanol
D. ethanoic acid
Ans: B
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20. HKCEE 1998 Q17
Which of the following statements concerning the compounds C2H4, C3H6 and C4H10 is correct?
A. They belong to the same homologous series.
B. They are unsaturated hydrocarbons.
C. They are gases at room temperature and pressure.
D. They have the same physical properties.
Ans: C
21. HKCEE 2000 Q8
Which of the following statements concerning members of a homologous series is INCORRECT?
A. They contain carbon and hydrogen only.
B. They can be represented by the same general formula.
C. They have similar chemical properties.
D. Their boiling points increase with their relative molecular masses.
Ans: A
22. HKCEE 2001 Q32
The formulae of three straight-chain hydrocarbons are listed below:
(1) C2H6
(2) C3H6
(3) C4H8
Which of these hydrocarbons is/are unsaturated?
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only
Ans: D
23. HKCEE 2003 Q8
Which of the following combinations is correct?
Homologous series General formula
A. alkanes CnH2n
B. alkenes CnH2n+2
C. alkanols CnH2nOH
D. alkanoic acids CnH2n+1CO2H
Ans: D
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Naming of Organic Compounds
25. HKCEE 1995 Q15
The structural formula of a certain compound is shown below.
A. 1,1,2-trimethylpropane
B. 2,3,3-trimethylpropane
C. 1,2-dimethylbutane
D. 2,3-dimethylbutane
Ans: D
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28. HKCEE 2007 Q8
What is the systematic name of the following compound?
A. 2-chloro-2-ethylpropane
B. 2-chloro-2-methylbutane
C. 1-chloro-1,1-dimethylpropane
D. 2-chloro-2,2-dimethylpropane
Ans: B
29. HKCEE 2008 Q6
An organic compound has the following structure :
A. 2-bromobut-3-ene
B. 3 -bromobut-1-ene
C. 1 -bromo-1-methylpropene
D. 3 -bromo-3-methylpropene
Ans: B
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31. HKCEE 2010 Q12
The structure of compound R is shown below :
Which of the following statements concerning the two compounds are correct?
(1) Both compounds are members of the same homologous series.
(2) Both compounds have the same molar volume at room temperature and pressure.
(3) Both compounds undergo substitution when treated with bromine.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Ans: D
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34. HKCEE 2008 Q24
When chlorine reacts with methane under sunlight, which of the following compounds can be formed?
(1) chloromethane
(2) dichloromethane
(3) hydrogen chloride
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Ans: D
35. HKCEE 2010 Q14
What mass of methane upon complete combustion gives 0.90 g of water ?
(Relative atomic masses: H= 1.0, C= 12.0, O = 16.0)
A. 0.40 g
B. 0.45 g
C. 0.75 g
D. 0.80 g
Ans: A
Alkenes
36. HKCEE 2002 Q44
Both ethene and ethyne are gaseous hydrocarbons. Their structures are shown below:
Which of the following statements concerning ethene and ethyne are correct?
(1) Both are unsaturated hydrocarbons.
(2) Both are insoluble in water.
(3) Ethyne burns with a more sooty flame than ethene.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Ans: D
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37. HKCEE 2003 Q31
Propene is an unsaturated hydrocarbon. Which of the following reactions is/are characteristic of the unsaturated
nature of propene?
(1) It undergoes incomplete combustion to give carbon monoxide.
(2) It decolourises acidified potassium permanganate solution.
(3) It undergoes polymerization to give polypropene.
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D.(2) and (3) only
Ans: D
38. HKCEE 2005 Q4
What is the type of reaction involved when hydrogen bromide reacts with ethene to form bromoethane?
A. addition
B. cracking
C. polymerisation
D. substitution
Ans: A
Ans: B
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40. HKCEE 2007 Q27
Which of the following statements concerning but-2-ene are correct?
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44. HKCEE 1997 Q18
The model shown below represents a compound containing 6 hydrogen atoms (white spheres) and 3 carbon
atoms (black spheres).
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Alkanols
HKCEE 1996 Q23-24
Directions : Q.46 and Q. 47 refer to the following experiment.
46. A reaction mixture containing acidified potassium dichromate solution and ethanol is heated using the set-up
shown below :
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49. HKCEE 1997 Q20
When a glass of wine is left overnight, it becomes sour. Which of the following reactions is responsible for this
change?
A. fermentation
B. oxidation
C. dehydration
D. esterification
Ans: B
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53. HKCEE 2001 Q21
Which of the following statements concerning ethanol and butan-2-ol is INCORRECT?
A. Both compounds can dissolve iodine.
B. Both compounds can be represented by the same general formula.
C. The boiling point of ethanol is higher than that of butan-2-ol.
D. Each compound can be obtained by catalytic hydration of the corresponding alkene.
Ans: C
HKCEE 2004 Q27-28
Directions : Questions 54 and 55 refer to the following information.
54. Ethene can be prepared by heating ethanol with excess concentrated sulphuric acid. The reaction involved can
be represented by the equation:
conc. H2SO4
CH3CH2OH CH2=CH2 + H2O
(2) (3)
16
56. HKCEE 2007 Q23
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only
Ans: C
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59. HKCEE 2009 Q13
A drunken driver breathes into a device containing dichromate ions. The oxidation number of chromium would
change from
A. +6 to +3.
B. +3 to +6.
C. +3 to +2.
D. +2 to +3.
Ans: A
Which of the following statements concerning these two compounds is/are correct?
(2) They have the same relative molecular mass.
(3) They have the same chemical properties.
(4) They are both soluble in water.
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only
Ans: A
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62. HKCEE 2004 Q17
The following paragraph was extracted from the laboratory report of a student on the preparation of an organic
compound.
CH3CH2CO2H and CH3CH2OH were heated with a small amount of concentrated H2SO4 in a test tube for
a few minutes. The resultant mixture was then added to a beaker of cold water.
A. CH2O
B. CH2O2
C. C2H2O2
D. C2H6O2
Ans: B
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65. HKCEE 2008 Q47
The empirical formula of an organic compound T is CH 2 O . Effervescence occurs when T is added to sodium
carbonate solution. T may be
(1) HCOOCH 3 .
(2) CH 3 CH(OH)COOH .
(3) CH 3 CH 2 CH 2 COOH
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only
Ans: B
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Polymers
68. HKCEE 1995 Q22
The formula below can be used to represent the structure of some polymers.
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71. HKCEE 2000 Q15
A polymer has the following structure:
Some concentrated sulphuric acid was poured into a sink connected to a catchpot made of polyvinyl chloride
(PVC). After some time, the catchpot became deformed. Which of the following explanations for the
deformation of the catchpot is/are correct?
(1) The heat liberated when the concentrated sulphuric acid mixed with the water in the catchpot caused PVC
to soften.
(2) PVC was decomposed into its monomers by the concentrated sulphuric acid.
(3) PVC was oxidized by the concentrated sulphuric acid.
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only
Ans: A
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73. HKCEE 2001 Q9
Which of the following statements concerning uses of plastics is correct?
Perspex is used for making ash trays.
Polyvinyl chloride is used for making raincoats.
Polystyrene is used for making floor tiles.
Nylon is used for making packaging materials for electrical appliances.
Ans: B
C C C C C C
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77. HKCEE 2004 Q41
Which of the following statements concerning polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are correct?
(1) PVC is used in making raincoats.
(2) PVC softens upon gentle heating.
(3) When PVC is strongly heated, fumes with an irritating odour are emitted.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Ans: D
Ans: D
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Detergents
80. HKCEE 1996 Q18
When a little detergent is added to a drop of water on a piece of woollen cloth as shown above, the drop
spreads. Which of the following statements correctly explains this observation?
A. The detergent dissolves readily in water.
B. The detergent has a polar end which is hydrophilic.
C. The detergent can form an emulsion with water.
D. The detergent can reduce the surface tension of water.
Ans: D
HKCEE 1996 Q28-29
Direction : Q.81 and Q.82 refer to the following experiment used to study the causes of hardness of water.
81. A student added some soap solution to four test tubes containing the same volume of different aqueous
solutions of the same molarity. He shook the tubes and measured the minimum volume of soap solution needed
to form a permanent lather. The results are tabulated below:
Aqueous solution Minimum volume of soap solution needed
to form a permanent lather / cm3
Sodium chloride 0.6
Calcium chloride 9.3
Potassium chloride 0.9
Magnesium chloride 8.5
Which of the following apparatus would be most suitable for measuring the volume of soap solution?
A. 50 cm3 burette
B. 50 cm3 measuring cylinder
C. 25 cm3 pipette
D. 10 cm3 beaker
Ans: A
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82. Which of the following substances is/are responsible for the hardness of water?
(1) sodium chloride
(2) calcium chloride
(3) potassium chloride
(4) magnesium chloride
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (4) only
Ans: D
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85. HKCEE 1999 Q43
Which of the following statements concerning a soapless detergent are correct?
(1) It can be prepared by heating a cooking oil with sodium hydroxide solution.
(2) It acts as a wetting agent by reducing the surface tension of water.
(3) It acts as an emulsifying agent in the cleaning process.
A. (1) and (2) only
B. (1) and (3) only
C. (2) and (3) only
D. (1), (2) and (3)
Ans: C
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89. HKCEE 2002 Q35
A student heated a mixture of fat and sodium hydroxide solution for some time. He then added the mixture to a
beaker of saturated sodium chloride solution. A white solid was formed. Which of the following statements
concerning this experiment is/are correct?
(1) The reaction between fat and sodium hydroxide is esterification.
(2) The white solid is a soap.
(3) The white solid contains salts of alkanoic acids.
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only
Ans: D
90. HKCEE 2003 Q19
Soap was prepared by heating fat with sodium hydroxide solution for some time. Concentrated sodium chloride
solution was then added to the resulting mixture. The purpose of adding concentrated sodium chloride solution
is
A. to help the precipitation of the soap.
B. To enhance the cleansing power of the soap.
C. To reduce the alkalinity of the soap.
D. To act as a preservative for the soap.
Ans: A
91. HKCEE 2003 Q29
A detergent has the structure shown below:
A. vegetable oil
B. sodium hydroxide solution
C. concentrated sodium chloride solution
D. concentrated sulphuric acid
Ans: D
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93. HKCEE 2005 Q42
Which of the following statements concerning soaps are correct?
A. (1) only
B. (2) only
C. (1) and (3) only
D. (2) and (3) only
Ans: B
96. HKCEE 2008 Q35
Which of the following statements concerning a soapy detergent is correct?
A. It can increase the surface tension of water.
B. It contains a hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain.
C. It can be manufactured from petroleum products.
D. It contains a positive ionic part for carrying out emulsification.
Ans: B
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97. HKCEE 2010 Q41
The structure of a detergent is shown below :
-
CH3(CH2)15COO Na+
Which of the following statements concerning this detergent is correct ?
A. It is non-biodegradable.
B. It forms scum in sea water.
C. It is manufactured from petroleum.
D. The hydrophilic part responsible for its cleansing action is Na+
Ans: B
Miscellaneous
98. HKCEE 1996 Q14
One mole of each of the following compounds is burnt completely in oxygen. Which compound requires the
greatest volume of oxygen, measured at the same temperature and pressure, for complete combustion?
A. carbon monoxide
B. ethane
C. ethene
D. ethanol
Ans: B
99. HKCEE 1998 Q29
X is a compound containing four carbon atoms. It gives negative results with the following tests.
Test
(1) Treating X with sodium hydrogencarbonate solution
(2) Treating X with a solution of bromine in 1,1,1-trichloroethane
(3) Heating X with acidified potassium dichromate solution
The structure formula of X may be
A. CH3CH2CH=CH2.
B. CH3CH2CH2CH2OH.
C. CH3CH2CH2CO2H.
D. CH3CO2CH2CH3.
Ans: D
100. HKCEE 1999 Q3
Which of the following substances has the lowest boiling point?
A. ethanol
B. propan-1-ol
C. propane
D. butane
Ans: C
30
101. HKCEE 2000 Q24
Which of the following compounds is insoluble in water?
A. methanol
B. methanoic acid
C. methyl methanoate
D. sodium methanoate
Ans: C
102. HKCEE 2006 Q12
Consider the following information:
Compound Relative molecular mass
CH3CH2OH 46
CH3CH2OCH3 60
CH3CH2CO2CH3 88
C6H12O6 180
When 1 g of each of these compounds undergoes complete combustion, which one will produce the greatest
number of moles of carbon dioxide?
A. CH3CH2OH
B. CH3CH2OCH3
C. CH3CH2CO2CH3
D. C6H12O6
Ans: B
103. HKCEE 2010 Q38
Compound E rapidly decolourises cold acidified potassium permanganate solution. When E is added to sodium
hydrogencarbonate solution, effervescence occurs. Which of the following compounds may E be?
Ans: A
104. HKCEE 2008 Q36
Which of the following processes does NOT involves redox reaction(s)?
A. bromination of methane
B. electrolysis of sea water
C. thermal decomposition of limestone
D. removal of air pollutants in car exhaust by catalytic converter.
Ans: C
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105. HKCEE 2009 Q12
An organic compound X has the molecular formula C3H4F2. Which of the following statements
concerning X is correct ?
A. X has at least four possible structures.
B. X must be a saturated compound.
C. X turns acidified potassium dichromate solution from orange to green.
D. X can be used to make a thermosetting plastic by addition polymerisation.
Ans: A
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Section B: Structural Questions
Fossil Fuels
1. HKCEE 1996 Q3
‘Fossil fuels’ such as petroleum and coal constitute the world’s major source of energy. However, many
countries have been developing alternative energy sources.
(a) Why are petroleum and coal called ‘fossil fuels’?
(b) Give TWO reasons why it is necessary to develop alternative energy sources.
(c) Nuclear power is used as an alternative to fossil fuels in many countries. Suggest ONE advantage and
ONE disadvantage of using nuclear power.
(d) Suggest ONE energy source, other than nuclear power, that can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels.
(6 marks)
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2. HKCEE 1997 Q9
The photograph below shows a gas burner with a can of fuel. The can contains 250g of liquid butane.
34
3. HKCEE 2000 Q8a
(a) Crude oil is a mixture consisting mainly of alkanes. Fractional distillation of crude oil gives different
petroleum fractions. The table below lists the length of carbon chain of the alkanes in some of the fractions.
35
4. HKCEE 2001 Q1
The photograph below shows a burning candle:
(a) The candle was is a petroleum product. What type of compounds is mainly present in the wax?
(b) (i) In which of the following states does wax act as the fuel in a burning candle?
solid, liquid, vapour
(ii) State the conditions required for the combustion of wax.
(iii) Suggest a reason why a burning candle can be extinguished by a strong wind.
(c) Explain why it is hazardous to add cold water to a tray containing molten wax at a high temperature.
(7 marks)
36
6. HKCEE 2003 Q7b
Cracking is an important process in petrochemical industry.
(i) What is the meaning of the term ‘cracking’?
(ii) Account for the importance of cracking in petrochemical industry.
(iii) Octane (C8H18) is used in an experiment to study cracking in a school laboratory.
Cracking of octane gives a mixture of products, some of which are gases. Draw a labelled diagram for
the set-up used in the experiment, including the collection of the gaseous products.
(iv) One of the reactions involved in the cracking of octane gives two hydrocarbons, each containing
the same number of carbon atoms.
(1) Write the chemical equation for this reaction.
(2) Suggest a chemical test to distinguish the two hydrocarbons from each other.
(9 marks)
37
7. HKCEE 2007 Q2
A student performed an experiment to crack paraffin oil and collect the gaseous products by using a boiling
tube.
(a) Draw a labelled diagram to show how this experiment can be performed in the laboratory.
(3 marks)
(b) (i) The student added a few drops of bromine water into the boiling tube containing the
gaseous products. The brown colour of bromine water disappeared immediately. Why?
(ii) The student then dropped more bromine water into the boiling tube until the brown colour
of the bromine water persisted. After about 10 minutes, the brown colour disappeared. Why?
(4 marks)
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8. HKCEE 2008 Q7
Crude oil can be separated into different products such as petrol, diesel oil and fuel oil by a process called
‘A’. The fuel oil obtained can then be converted into smaller molecules by another process called ‘B’.
(a) Name process A and process B.
(2 marks)
(b) (i) Explain whether petrol or diesel oil has a higher viscosity.
(ii) Explain whether petrol or diesel oil is a cleaner fuel.
(2 marks)
(c) (i) Suggest one importance of process B in industry.
(ii) One of the compounds in fuel oil is C 28 H 58 , which can be converted into smaller molecules as
shown in the following equation.
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Pollutions
9. HKCEE 1999 Q3
The illustration below shows the exhaust from a motor car using unleaded petrol:
40
10. HKCEE 2003 Q9c
Organic wastes can be used as an alternative energy source. Under suitable conditions, the wastage can be
digested by bacteria to give a gaseous mixture containing a high proportion of methane. Methane can be used
as a fuel.
(i) Suggest ONE organic waste that can be used for this purpose.
(ii) Write the chemical equation for the complete combustion of methane.
(iii) Suggest ONE advantage of using organic wastes as an alternative energy source.
(iv) Suggest ONE reason why organic wastes are not yet widely used as an energy source.
(4 marks)
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12. HKCEE 2006 Q6
Carbon dioxide and methane are two major greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The table below shows the
average concentrations of the two gases in the atmosphere in 1900 and in 2000.
(a) Suggest TWO reasons why there was a large increase in concentration of carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere in the past ten decades.
(2 marks)
(b) Suggest ONE reason why there was a large increase in concentration of methane in the atmosphere in
the past ten decades.
(1 mark)
(c) The presence of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is important to life on Earth. However, too
much greenhouse gases in the atmosphere can cause global warming, which may lead to severe
environmental consequences.
(i) State the importance of greenhouse gases to life on Earth.
(ii) State ONE severe environmental consequence associated with global warming.
(iii) Suggest ONE possible way to prevent further increase in the concentration of each of the
following greenhouse gases in the atmosphere without sacrificing our present standard of living:
(I) carbon dioxide
(II) methane
(4 marks)
42
Homologous series
13. HKCEE 2005 Q5
Both pentane (C5H12) and octane (C8H18) are members of the same homologous series.
(a) Using pentane and octane as examples, illustrate TWO characteristics of the members of a homologous
series.
(4 marks)
(b) Which compound, pentane or octane, will burn with a more sooty flame? Explain your answer.
(2 marks)
(c) Draw TWO structures which have the same molecular formula C5H12.
(2 marks)
43
15. HKCEE 2002 Q5
Using alkenes as an example, describe the characteristics of members of a homologous series.
(9 marks)
44
16. HKCEE 2006 Q1b
A student suggested using the set-up shown below to separate hex-1-ene from a mixture of hex-1-ene and
hexane.
(At atmospheric pressure, the boiling points of hex-1-ene and hexane are 64°C and 69°C respectively.)
(i) Explain why it is dangerous to use the above set-up to carry out the experiment. Suggest a
modification to the set-up so that the experiment can be carried out safely.
(ii) After the set-up has been modified as suggested in (i), can it be used to separate hex-1-ene from hexane
effectively? Explain your answer.
(iii) Suggest a chemical test to distinguish hex-1-ene from hexane.
(5 marks)
45
Alkanols, Alkanoic Acids and Esters
17. HKCEE 1994 Q6b
The following paragraph was taken from a student’s laboratory report:
‘A mixture of ethanol, ethanoic acid and several drops of concentrated sulphuric acid was heated under reflux
for some time. The resulting mixture was then cooled and poured into a beaker containing some saturated
sodium chloride solution.’
(i) Draw a labeled diagram of the experimental set-up used for heating the mixture under reflux.
(ii) Why is it necessary
(1) to use concentrated sulphuric acid in the above experiment?
(2) to heat the mixture under reflux?
What would be observed when the resulting mixture was poured into the saturated sodium chloride
solution?
(7 marks)
46
18. HKCEE 1995 Q7b
The following flow diagram shows the conversion of a compound X to an acid Y.
47
19. HKCEE 1998 Q9
A student used the following set-up to prepare propanoic acid:
The student used the propanoic acid obtained to carry out the following experiment:
(v) Why is a water bath, instead of a naked flame, used for heating the test tube and its contents?
(vi) (1) State TWO observable changes when the contents of the test tube were added to the
sodium carbonate solution.
(2) Give the systematic name of the carbon compound formed in the experiment.
(8 marks)
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20. HKCEE 2002 Q6c
Ethyl ethanoate is an ester. It can be prepared by heating a mixture of ethanoic acid and ethanol under reflux
in the presence of a catalyst.
(i) What is the catalyst used in the preparation?
(ii) Draw a labeled diagram of the set-up used for heating the mixture under reflux.
(iii) Ethyl ethanoate is commonly used as a solvent. Explain why ethyl ethanoate can dissolve iodine but
cannot dissolve sodium iodide.
(iv) Which ONE of the following hazard warning labels should be displayed on a bottle of
ethyl ethanoate?
(v) Draw the structure of another ester which has the same molecular formula as ethyl ethanoate, and give
its systematic name.
(9 marks)
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21. HKCEE 2004 Q8c
A policeman suspected a car driver to have drunk an excessive amount of alcoholic drinks, and used a
dichromate breathalyser to conduct a test on the driver’s breath. The result was positive.
(i) State the principle underlying the test of ethanol using a dichromate breathalyser.
(ii) The driver claimed that he had just rinsed his mouth using ethanol-containing mouthwash.
Without using other instruments, suggest how the policeman could check whether the driver’s
claim was valid or not. Explain your answer.
(4 marks)
(i) Draw a labelled diagram to show the set-up used in heating the reaction mixture under reflux.
(ii) Suggest ONE reason why it is necessary to heat the mixture under reflux.
(3 marks)
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23. HKCEE 2006 Q2
X, Y and Z are organic compounds. The flow diagram below shows the conversion of X to Z.
(a) Z has a pleasant smell and its molecular formula is C4H8O2. Draw the structure of Z.
(b) To which homologous series does Y belong?
(c) Give the systematic name of X.
(d) State the expected observation when X reacts with acidified potassium dichromate solution.
(e) State the function of concentrated sulphuric acid in the reaction of Y with methanol.
(5 marks)
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25. HKCEE 2009 Q8
A student attempted to oxidise ethanol to ethanoic acid using the set-up shown below.
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26. HKCEE 2010 Q3
A is an alkanol with three carbon atoms and one oxygen atom in its molecule. A reacts with acidified potassium
dichromate solution to form compound B. In the presence of a small amount of concentrated sulphuric acid, A
reacts with B to form compound C. C can be separated from the reaction mixture and has a pleasant smell.
(a) Write the structural formulae of A, B, and C.
(3 marks)
(b) State the expected observation for the reaction of A with acidified potassium dichromate solution.
(1 mark)
(c) Suggest a method to separate C from the reaction mixture.
(1 mark)
(d) A compound has the same molecular formula as A but a different structure from A. Suggest a structural formula
for this compound.
(1 mark)
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Plastics
27. HKCEE 1994 Q3
(a) Which of the above items is most likely to be made of thermosetting plastics? Explain your answer.
(b) Name one synthetic polymer which is suitable for making the plastic bag.
(c) Suggest a suitable moulding method used in making the electric switch.
(d) Terylene, the polyester fibre used for making the shirt is synthesized from ethane-1,2-diol,
HOCH2CH2OH and benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid, HOOCC6H4COOH.
(i) Name the type of polymerization involved in the synthesis of terylene.
(ii) Write a repeating unit of terylene.
(6 marks)
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28. HKCEE 1996 Q7b
The flow diagram below shows the three key stages involved in the production of polypropene bottles from
crude oil.
(i) What is the process involved in obtaining heavy oil from crude oil in Stage I?
(ii) (1) Draw the structure of monomer A.
(2) What are the TWO main processes involved in the production of monomer A from heavy
oil in Stage II?
(iii) What are the TWO main processes involved in the production of polypropene bottles from monomer A
in Stage III?
(iv) Suggest ONE reason why the disposal of polypropene wastes can cause pollution problems.
(v) Polypropene wastes can be recycled by melting and remoulding.
(1) What preliminary treatment of the polypropene wastes is required before recycling?
(2) Name ONE plastic which cannot be recycled by melting and remoulding.
(9 marks)
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29. HKCEE 1997 Q1c
For each of the tasks listed in the table below, decide which substance on the right is the best to use to
accomplish the task. Explain your answer in each case.
Task Substances
To make feeding bottles for babies polyethene, polystyrene,
urea-methanal
(3 marks)
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30. HKCEE 1998 Q7b
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a plastic which has a wide range of uses.
(i) Write the chemical equation for the formation of PVC from its monomers.
(ii) Plastic products made of PVC may vary greatly in rigidity.
(2) Give ONE flexible product made of PVC.
(3) Give ONE rigid product made of PVC.
(4) Explain whether PVC is suitable for making electric sockets or not.
(iii) Incineration of PVC wastes produces hydrogen chloride which causes air pollution.
(1) State ONE harmful effect of the discharge of hydrogen chloride into the atmosphere.
(2) Suggest how hydrogen chloride can be removed from incinerator flue gas prior to its discharge to
the atmosphere.
(3) Suppose that all the chlorine in PVC is converted to hydrogen chloride upon incineration.
Calculate the volume of hydrogen chloride produced, measured at room temperature and
pressure, when a plastic waste containing 1000 kg of PVC is incinerated.
(You may assume that no other chlorine-containing compounds are present in the waste.)
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31. HKCEE 1999 Q1
Each of the tasks listed in the table below can be accomplished by using material A or B.
Material
Task
A B
(a) To make water pipes polyvinyl chloride iron
(b) To make lenses perspex glass
(c) To make shopping bags polyethene paper
(6 marks)
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32. HKCEE 2000 Q7b
Polystyrene can be prepared in the laboratory by heating a mixture of styrene and kerosene under reflux.
(i) Draw a labeled diagram of the set-up used for heating the mixture under reflux.
(ii) Suggest ONE safety precaution that should be taken when heating the mixture. Explain your answer.
(iii) Styrene has the following structure:
C6H5CH=CH2
(1) What characteristic in the structure of styrene enables it to act as a monomer?
(2) Write the chemical equation for the polymerization.
(iv) Disposable lunch boxes are commonly made of expanded polystyrene.
(1) Suggest ONE reason why polystyrene should be expanded before it is used to make disposable
lunch boxes.
(2) State whether you agree with the following statement. Explain your answer.
‘Landfilling is better than incineration for the disposal f polystyrene wastes.’
(8 marks)
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33. HKCEE 2001 Q7a
Polyethene is used in making shopping bags and its monomer is ethene.
(i) Draw the electronic diagram of ethene, showing electrons in the outrmost shells only.
(iii) State ONE property of polyethene that makes it suitable for making shopping bags.
(6 marks)
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34. HKCEE 2002 Q8c
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a polymer which is commonly used in making plastic bottles for fizzy
drinks. PET has the following repeating unit:
(i) PET is formed by condensation polymerization. What is meant by the term ‘condensation
polymerization’ ?
(ii) PET is a polyester formed from two monomers. Draw the structures of the monomers.
(3 marks)
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35. HKCEE 2003 Q5
Plastic wastes cause environmental problems in modern cities. Suggest possible ways of treating plastic
wastes, and discuss their advantages and disadvantages.
(9 marks)
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36. HKCEE 2004 Q6c
Pyrolysis is one of the methods commonly used for treating plastic wastes. During pyrolysis, plastic wastes
are decomposed at high temperature in the absence of air to give a mixture of products, including methane
and ethene.
(i) Explain why it is necessary to carry out the pyrolysis in the absence of air.
(ii) Suggest a method that can be used to separate methane from other pyrolysed products.
(iii) Give ONE major use of methane and ONE major use of ethene in industry.
(iv) (1) Suggest another method which is commonly used for treating plastic wastes.
(2) For each of the two methods, pyrolysis and the method you have suggested in (1) above, state ONE
advantage.
(7 marks)
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37. HKCEE 2005 Q6
(a) Polystyrene is a plastic with a wide range of uses. It has the following structure :
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38. HKCEE 2006 Q11
Plastics can be classified into thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics according to their thermal properties.
(a) Explain, in terms of bonding and structure, why thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics before
differently upon heating.
(3 marks)
(b) Polyethene (PE) is a thermoplastic commonly used in making shopping bags. Such bags are durable.
(i) Write the chemical equation for the formation of PE from its monomer.
(ii) Explain, in terms of bonding, why objects made of PE are durable.
(2 marks)
(c) Some scientists suggested using polylactic acid (PLA) instead of PE to make shopping bags as this can
help reduce environmental problems. PLA is a polyester made from lactic acid, which has the
following structure:
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39. HKCEE 2007 Q8
(a) Teflon is a plastic that can be used to make artificial hip joints. Teflon is an addition polymer of linear
structure consisting of carbon and fluorine only. The ratio of the number of carbon atoms to the number of
fluorine atoms in the polymer is 1 : 2.
(3 marks)
(b) Nylon is a polymer that can be used to make carpets . A portion of the nylon structure is shown below:
(i) With reference to the given structure, explain whether nylon is a thermoplastic or a thermosetting
plastic.
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(ii) Suggest one reason why recycling of used carpets to recover nylon is difficult.
(iii) State one disadvantage of disposing of nylon carpets by incineration.
(3 marks)
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40. HKCEE 2008 Q8
Superglue can join objects together quickly through the polymerization of the active ingredient in the
presence of water vapour.
(a) Name the type of polymerization that the active ingredient undergoes.
(b) Write a chemical equation for the polymerization involved.
(c) Assuming that the active ingredient comes from esterification of two compounds, write the structural
formulae of these two compounds.
(d) In addition to putting back the cap for the superglue that remains after use, what storage method could help
extend the lifetime of the superglue?
(5 marks)
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41. HKCEE 2010 Q12
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a thermoplastic that can be used to make soft drink bottles. PET is
formed from polymerisation of two different monomers and has the following structure :
(a) Write the structural formulae of two monomers that can be polymerised to PET.
(2 marks)
(b) In terms of bonding and structure, explain why PET is a thermoplastic.
(1 mark)
(c) Name the type of the above polymerisation and give the reason.
(2 marks)
(d) Suggest a moulding method that can be used to make soft drink bottles from PET beads.
(1 mark)
(e) PET bottles CANNOT be used to store drain cleaners containing concentrated sodium hydroxide solution
because PET reacts with strong alkalis.
(i) What is the reaction involved ?
(ii) Write the structural formula of one of the products of the reaction.
(2 marks)
(f) Polypropene (PP) can be used to make bottles for storing drain cleaners containing strong alkalis. Write a
chemical equation for the polymerisation to form PP.
(1 mark)
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Detergents
42. HKCEE 1995 Q9a
Sodium hydroxide can be used as a raw material in the manufacture of both soapy and soapless detergents.
(i) Briefly describe how a soapy detergent can be prepared from a vegetable oil in a school laboratory.
(ii) The formula of a certain soapy detergent is CnH2n+1COONa and its formula mass is between 300 and
310. Calculate the value of n.
(iii) The structure of a certain soapless detergent is shown below:
(1) What other raw materials, apart from sodium hydroxide, are required in the manufacture of this
soapless detergent?
(2) Give ONE advantage and ONE disadvantage of using this soapless detergent for domestic
cleaning compared with using a soapy detergent.
(Relative atomic masses: H = 1.0, C = 12.0, O = 16.0, Na = 23.0)
(10 marks)
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43. HKCEE 2000 Q6c
Explain the following statements:
(i) In cold weather, a person trying to warm up a room with a coal fire soon gets dizzy.
(ii) Detergents can be used to clean up oil spillage in the sea.
(5 marks)
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45. HKCEE 2004 Q7b
The structure of a detergent is shown below:
CH3(CH2)16CO2 Na+ −
(i) This detergent, when shaken with a mixture of water and paraffin oil, gives an emulsion. With
reference to the structure of the detergent, explain the phenomenon.
(ii) An oil tanker was wrecked and split a lot of crude oil in the sea. State whether this detergent is
suitable for treating the oil spill. Explain your answer.
(5 marks)
(a) The equation below shows the conversion of vegetable oil X to methyl carboxylate Y and alcohol Z:
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term ‘catalyst’?
(iv) Y and Z are immiscible liquids. Suggest a method to separate Y and Z from their mixture.
(5 marks)
(b) The term ‘biodiesel’ refers to the methyl carboxylates obtained from vegetable oils. Suggest TWO
reasons why biodiesel is considered a more environmentally-friendly fuel than diesel.
(2 marks)
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47. HKCEE 2007 Q13
Discuss the similarities and differences between soapy detergents and soapless detergents with reference to
their raw materials, structures and properties.
(9 marks)
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(3 marks)
(e) Suggest a title for the experiment that reflects its objectives.
(2 marks)
(f) If X is dissolved in water to form an aqueous solution, what would be observed in shaking a
mixture of this solution and lime water?
(1 mark)
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Miscellaneous
49. HKCEE 1999 Q9b
Cracking of naphtha gives alkane X (relative molecular mass 44), alkene Y (relative molecular mass 42) and
other products.
(i) What is the meaning of the term ‘cracking’?
(ii) Suggest a chemical test to distinguish between X and Y.
(iii) Deduce the molecular formula of Y.
(iv) Y can be used as a starting material for the production of plastic Z.
(1) Write the chemical equation for the formation of Z from Y.
(2) Suggest how plastic cups can be made from Z.
(v) Suggest an advantage and a disadvantage of using plastic wastes as an energy source.
(Relative atomic masses: H = 1.0, C = 12.0)
(10 marks)
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50. HKCEE 2007 Q7
This question involves how to distinguish four unlabelled test tubes, each containing one of the following
colourless liquids:
(a) By heating a small amount of each of the colourless liquids to dryness, ONE of the liquids can be
distinguished. Suggest which liquid can be distinguished, and state the observation involved.
(2 marks)
(b) By applying a flame directly to a small amount of each of the colourless liquids, TWO of the liquids
would catch fire.
(i) Suggest which two liquids would catch fire.
(ii) For the two liquids that would catch fire, the observations involved during combustion are
different. Suggest the difference in these observations, and explain your answer.
(iii) Without using other chemicals apart from the above colourless liquids, suggest another
method to distinguish the two liquids that would catch fire. State the expected observation.
(Smelling is not accepted.)
(4 marks)
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51. HKCEE 2007 Q12
Organic compound Z contains carbon, hydrogen and oxygen only. Analysis of Z gives the following
results:
(I) 1.0 g of Z contains 0.401 g of carbon, 0.068 g of hydrogen and 0.531 g of oxygen.
(II) 1.0 g of Z, upon complete vaporisation, occupies 400 cm3 at room temperature and pressure.
(III) There are no observable changes when potassium carbonate solution is added to Z.
(IV) Brown colour of bromine remains unchanged when several drops of bromine in organic solvent are
added to Z.
(Molar volume of gas at room temperature and pressure = 24 dm3)
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52. HKCEE 1997 Q7b
The structures of five compounds, I, II, III, IV and V, are shown below:
In the above structures, represents a saturated hydrocarbon chain containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms and
represents a saturated hydrocarbon chain containing 12 to 20 carbon atoms.
(i) Which compound can be used to make an addition polymer? Write a chemical equation to represent the
addition polymerization.
(ii) Which TWO compounds can be used to make a condensation polymer? Draw the repeating unit of the
polymer formed.
(iii) Upon heating with sodium hydroxide solution, one of these compounds produces a soapy detergent.
(4) What is this compound?
(5) Draw the structure of the soapy detergent produced.
(6) Briefly explain the emulsifying action of the detergent when it is used to remove greasy dirt.
(10 marks)
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