Exam Practice

Topic 3.3.1: Introduction to Organic Chemistry Exam Practice

Test your understanding of IUPAC naming rules, structural representation types, isomerism, and reaction mechanisms with exam-style questions.

Introduction to Organic Chemistry Exam Practice

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📋 Structured Questions

Complete each question on paper, then check your answers against the mark scheme.

Question 1: Structural Isomerism

3 marks

(a) Define structural isomerism. [1]

(b) Draw the structural formulae and give the IUPAC names for two structural isomers of C4H9Cl that show position isomerism. [2]

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(a)

  • Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae. [1]

(b) Any two of the following pairs:

  • 1-chlorobutane: CH3CH2CH2CH2Cl [1]
  • 2-chlorobutane: CH3CH2CH(Cl)CH3 [1]
  • OR: 1-chloro-2-methylpropane ( (CH3)2CHCH2Cl ) and 2-chloro-2-methylpropane ( (CH3)3CCl ).
Examiner tip: Ensure that your structural formulas are written in condensed form unless Displayed Formula is specifically requested. Make sure each carbon has exactly 4 bonds.

Question 2: Stereoisomerism and CIP Priority Rules

4 marks

(a) Explain why but-2-ene exists as stereoisomers, while propene does not. [2]

(b) Explain how Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) priority rules are used to determine whether a stereoisomer is the E or Z form. [2]

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(a)

  • Both molecules have restricted rotation around the carbon-carbon double bond (C=C). [1]
  • In but-2-ene, each carbon of the double bond is attached to two different groups (a methyl group and a hydrogen atom). In propene, one of the double-bonded carbons is attached to two identical hydrogen atoms. [1]

(b)

  • Identify the two groups attached to each C atom of the double bond. Assign priority to each group based on the atomic number of the atom directly attached to the C (highest atomic number has the highest priority). [1]
  • If the two highest priority groups are on the same side of the double bond, it is the Z-isomer (Zusammen). If they are on opposite sides, it is the E-isomer (Entgegen). [1]
Examiner tip: The term "restricted rotation" is essential. When explaining why propene cannot show E-Z isomerism, explicitly state that one of the carbons in the C=C bond is bonded to two of the same atom (hydrogen).

Question 3: Bond Fission and Mechanisms

4 marks

(a) Describe the difference between homolytic fission and heterolytic fission. [2]

(b) Explain the meaning of a curly arrow in an organic reaction mechanism, and state what is represented by a single-headed (fishhook) arrow compared to a double-headed arrow. [2]

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(a)

  • Homolytic fission: Covalent bond breaks and one electron from the shared pair goes to each of the bonding atoms, forming two free radicals. [1]
  • Heterolytic fission: Covalent bond breaks and both electrons from the shared pair go to only one of the bonding atoms, forming a cation and an anion. [1]

(b)

  • A curly arrow represents the movement/transfer of electrons. [1]
  • A double-headed arrow represents the movement of an electron pair, whereas a single-headed (fishhook) arrow represents the movement of a single electron. [1]
Examiner tip: Always start your curly arrows from a lone pair of electrons or the centre of a covalent bond. Drawing them starting from atoms is a common error that loses marks in mechanism questions.

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