Practice Topic 4 Test bonding [89 marks]

Which species contain delocalized electrons? [1 mark]

1.

A. I and II only

B. I and III only

C. II and III only

D. I, II and III

Markscheme
B

Examiners report
[N/A]

2. What is the correct number of sigma (σ) and pi (π) bonds in prop-2-enenitrile, CH2 CHCN? [1 mark]

Markscheme
C

Examiners report
[N/A]

Which process involves the breaking of hydrogen bonds? [1 mark]

3.
A. 2HI(g) → H2 (g) + I2 (g)
B. CH4 (g) → C(g) + 4H(g)
C. H2 (l) → H2 (g)
D. NH3 (l) → NH3 (g)

Markscheme
D
 Examiners report
Many considered B, the breaking of C–H bonds, to be correct.

4.
How many sigma (σ) and pi (π) bonds are there in CH3 CH2 CCCH2 COOH? [1 mark]

A. 13σ and 5π

B. 15σ and 2π

C. 15σ and 3π

D. 15σ only

Markscheme
C

Examiners report
This was thought to be a hard example “to test student understanding of hybridization and bond types”. This type of
question is not new and was answered correctly by 79% of the candidates. All a candidate needs to do is to count the
number of π-bonds.

Which compound has the highest boiling point? [1 mark]

5.
A. CH3 CH3
B. CH3 OH
C. CH3 CH2 OH
D. CH3 CH2 CH3

Markscheme
C

Examiners report
[N/A]

What are the hybridizations of the atoms labelled 1, 2 and 3 in the molecule below? [1 mark]
6.

Markscheme
B
 Examiners report
[N/A]

Which substance is made up of a lattice of positive ions and free moving electrons? [1 mark]
7.
A. Graphite

B. Sodium chloride

C. Sulfur

D. Sodium

Markscheme
D

Examiners report
[N/A]

Which order is correct when the following compounds are arranged in order of increasing melting point? [1 mark]
8.
A. CH4 < H2 S < H2 O
B. H2 S < H2 O < CH4
C. CH4 < H2 O < H2 S
D. H2 S < CH4 < H2 O

Markscheme
A

Examiners report
One respondent stated that it would be best to write from least reactive to most reactive in both of these questions.
However, “increasing” is written in bold in both questions and, also, this type of question has been asked extensively
on previous papers and hence candidates would have understood what was asked for explicitly if they had looked at
some of the previous examination papers. In the case of Q.13 60% of candidates gave the correct answer and in Q.27,
68% had the question correct.

What is the correct order if the compounds are arranged in order of increasing boiling point? [1 mark]
9.
A. CH4 < CH3 Cl < SiH4 < CH3 OH
B. CH3 OH < CH4 < CH3 Cl < SiH4
C. CH3 OH < CH3 Cl < SiH4 < CH4
D. CH4 < SiH4 < CH3 Cl < CH3 OH

Markscheme
D

Examiners report
[N/A]
 What is the type of hybridization of the silicon and oxygen atoms in silicon dioxide? [1 mark]
10.

Markscheme
A

Examiners report
This question on hybridization was particularly badly answered (Difficulty Index 29%), though it was not clear as to
whether this arose from a lack of comprehension of the concept itself or the structure of silicon dioxide.

11. Which compound does not form hydrogen bonds between its molecules? [1 mark]

A. CH3 NH2
B. CH3 COCH3
C. CH3 COOH
D. CH3 CH2 OH

Markscheme
B

Examiners report
[N/A]

Which substance does not conduct electricity? [1 mark]

12.
A. Solid zinc

B. Molten zinc

C. Solid zinc chloride

D. Molten zinc chloride

Markscheme
C

Examiners report
[N/A]

2
13. Which molecules have sp2 hybridization? [1 mark]

I. C2 H4
II. C4 H10
III. C6 H6
A. I and II only

B. I and III only

C. II and III only

D. I, II and III

Markscheme
B

Examiners report
[N/A]

Which combination of shape and bond angle is correct for a molecule of xenon tetrafluoride, XeF4 ? [1 mark]
14.

Markscheme
B

Examiners report
Whilst 70% gave the correct answer, a significant number (17%) missed the axial lone pairs and thought the molecule
to be tetrahedral.

2 [1 mark]
15. Which allotropes of carbon show sp hybridization?
I. Diamond

II. Graphite

III. C60 fullerene

A. I and II only

B. I and III only

C. II and III only

D. I, II and III

Markscheme
C
 Examiners report
[N/A]

Which species have delocalized π electrons? [1 mark]

16.
I. CH3 COCH3
II. NO −
2

III. CO2−
3
A. I and II only

B. I and III only

C. II and III only

D. I, II and III

Markscheme
C

Examiners report
Although 70% of the candidates gave the expected answer, C, there is minimal delocalization in ethanoic acid, so both
C and D were accepted (giving an 86% success rate on the question).

Which structure has delocalized π electrons? [1 mark]

17.
A. O3
B. CO

C. HCN

D. CO2

Markscheme
A

Examiners report
[N/A]

18.
How many bonding pairs and lone pairs of electrons surround the sulfur atom in the SF4 molecule? [1 mark]

Markscheme
A
 Examiners report
One respondent stated that the structure of SF4 is not specified in the teachers note corresponding to AS 14.1.1. This
is a comment that has been made at length in previous subject reports. The AS states that candidates should be able
to determine the shape and bond angles of species with five or six negative charge centres using VSEPR Theory. In the
−
teaching programme, examples such as PCl5 , SF6 , XeF4 and PF6 should be definitely included. However, any
species with five or six negative charge centres could be asked in a question and hence examples are not restricted to
these latter four examples.

What is the hybridization of the carbon atom, and the number of σ and π bonds in the methanal molecule? [1 mark]
19.

Markscheme
A

Examiners report
[N/A]

The Lewis structure of SO2 is given below. [1 mark]

20.

What is the shape of the SO2 molecule?

A. Bent (V-shaped)

B. Linear

C. T-shaped

D. Triangular planar

Markscheme
A

Examiners report
There were two G2 comments on this question. One respondent stated that D. should be trigonal planar instead of
triangular planar. Both terms are widely used in fact, though of course the correct answer is A. bent or V-shaped.
Another respondent stated that it would have been better to represent the Lewis structure of SO2 with valence
expansion. It is true that SO2 could be represented as an alternate Lewis structure. However, the question did not
state what the best Lewis structure representation of SO2 was and hence was not basing the representation at any
distinction centred on formal charge differences versus expanded octets. Candidates simply had to look at the three
negative charge centres present which equates to a triangular planar electron-domain geometry and hence a bent
molecular geometry as the final shape giving A as the correct answer.
 Which particles are responsible for electrical conductivity in metals? [1 mark]
21.
A. Anions

B. Cations

C. Electrons

D. Protons

Markscheme
C

Examiners report
One G2 comment stated that the terms cation and anion are not stated on the syllabus. Although strictly correct, it
would be assumed that these terms would be introduced to students in the classroom as they are universally used in
chemistry (e.g. even the term carbocation is widely used in explaining certain nucleophilic substitution reaction
mechanisms).

Which species does not have delocalized electrons? [1 mark]

22.
A. NO −
3

B. NO −
2
C. O3
D. C3 H6

Markscheme
D

Examiners report
One respondent mentioned the fact that there is some debate in the literature in relation to possible sigma
delocalization in cyclopropane which is a valid comment and although 63.98% of candidates chose D. C3 H6 as the
correct answer, it is fair to state that a different example might have been selected where there is no evidence of
delocalization.

Which particles are responsible for the conduction of electricity in molten aluminium? [1 mark]
23.
A. Cations

B. Anions

C. Electrons

D. Protons

Markscheme
C

Examiners report
There were a number of comments on this question and many teachers stated that although they assumed that the
required answer was C. i.e. electrons, many felt that as molten aluminium was involved, the cations are mobile and
thus could conduct electricity, so A. could be another answer. Although the correct answer C. (electrons) was given by
the majority of candidates (71.18%), it was decided at Grade Award to also accept A. as clearly some candidates may
have approached the question in the sense articulated by several teachers.
 Retinol (vitamin A) contains a total of 5 double bonds and 46 single bonds. [1 mark]
24.

Which statements are correct?

I. There are 51 σ and 5 π bonds.

II. The oxygen atom is sp3 hybridized.

III. Retinol is a primary alcohol.

A. I and II only

B. I and III only

C. II and III only

D. I, II and III

Markscheme
D

Examiners report
[N/A]
 Airbags are an important safety feature in vehicles. Sodium azide, potassium nitrate and silicon dioxide have been
used in one design of airbag.

Sodium azide, a toxic compound, undergoes the following decomposition reaction under certain conditions.

2NaN3 (s) → 2Na(s) + 3N2 (g)

Two students looked at data in a simulated computer-based experiment to determine the volume of nitrogen
generated in an airbag.

Sodium azide involves ionic bonding, and metallic bonding is present in sodium. Describe ionic and metallic [2 marks]
25a.
bonding.

Markscheme
Ionic:

(electrostatic) attraction between oppositely charged ions/cations and anions/positive and negative ions;

Do not accept answers such as compounds containing metal and non-metal are ionic.

Metallic:

(electrostatic attraction between lattice of) positive ions/cations/nuclei and delocalized electrons / (bed of) positive
ions/cations/nuclei in sea of electrons / OWTTE;

Examiners report
Question 1 tested a number of concepts and very few students were able to gain all the marks available. Part (a) was
fairly well done and students could explain ionic and metallic bonding although weak students did not explain the
bonding but simply stated that ionic was between metal and non metal etc.
 Using the simulation programme, the students entered the following data into the computer.

State the number of significant figures for the temperature, mass and pressure data. [1 mark]
25b.
T:

m:

p:

Markscheme
T: 4 and m: 3 and p: 3;

Examiners report
Surprisingly in part (b) (i) a number of students could not state the number of significant figures and many stated that
25.00 was 2 SF instead of 4.

25c. Calculate the amount, in mol, of sodium azide present. [1 mark]

Markscheme
n = (65.0/65.02) = 1.00 (mol);
No penalty for using whole number atomic masses.

Examiners report
Part (b) (ii) required the calculation of the amount of substance in moles, and was generally well done although some
did not realise the value was in kg and so had a value 1000 times too small.

d 3
 3
25d. Determine the volume of nitrogen gas, in dm , produced under these conditions based on this reaction.
[4 marks]

Markscheme
n(N2 ) = ( 32 × 1.00 =) 1.50 (mol);
T = ((25.00 + 273.15) =) 298.15 K/(25.00 + 273) = 298 K;
p = 1.08 × 1.01 × 105 Pa/1.08 × 1.01 × 102 kPa/1.09 × 105 Pa/1.09 × 102 kPa;
(103 )(1.50)(8.31)(298.15/298)
V = nRT
= = 34.1 (dm3 );
p (1.08×1.01×105 )

Award [4] for correct final answer.

Award [3 max] for 0.0341 (dm 3) or 22.7 (dm 3).

Award [3 max] for 34.4 (dm 3).

Award [2 max] for 22.9 (dm 3).

Award [2 max] for 0.0227 (dm 3).

Award [2 max] for 0.034 (dm 3).

Examiners report
In part (b) (iii) a number of students lost marks for forgetting to convert temperature or pressure and also to multiply
the amount by 1.5. Also many forgot to convert the pressure into kPa if they wanted their answer in dm3 . However,
most students could obtain at least one of the marks available.
 The chemistry of the airbag was found to involve three reactions. The first reaction involves the decomposition of
sodium azide to form sodium and nitrogen. In the second reaction, potassium nitrate reacts with sodium.

2KNO3 (s) + 10Na(s) → K2 O(s) + 5Na2 O(s) + N2 (g)

Suggest why it is necessary for sodium to be removed by this reaction. [1 mark]

25e.

Markscheme
sodium could react violently with any moisture present / sodium is (potentially) explosive / sodium (is dangerous since
it is flammable when it) forms hydrogen on contact with water / OWTTE;

Do not accept answers such as sodium is dangerous or sodium is too reactive.

Examiners report
In part (c) (i) many did not relate the removal of sodium to the potential for it to react with water and instead gave a far
too vague of answer that it was reactive. However, the very best students were able to answer this hypothesis type
question and stated that sodium reacts with water. This proved a good discriminator at the top end of the candidature.

The metal oxides from the second reaction then react with silicon dioxide to form a silicate in the third reaction. [2 marks]
25f.
K2 O(s) + Na2 O(s) + SiO2 (s) → Na2 K2 SiO4 (s)
Draw the structure of silicon dioxide and state the type of bonding present.

Structure:

Bonding:
 Markscheme
Structure:

drawing of giant structure showing tetrahedrally arranged silicon;

Minimum information required for mark is Si and 4 O atoms, in a tetrahedral arrangement (not 90° bond angles) but
with each of the 4 O atoms showing an extension bond.

Bonding:

(giant/network/3D) covalent;

Examiners report
Part (c)(ii) was very poorly answered and the majority of students believed that SiO2 had a similar structure to CO2 .
The very few students that drew a giant structure often did not then show a tetrahedral arrangement of the atoms,
however most did realise that the bonding was covalent.

An airbag inflates very quickly.

It takes just 0.0400 seconds to produce nitrogen gas in the simulation. Calculate the average rate of formation of [1 mark]
25g.
nitrogen in (b) (iii) and state its units.

Markscheme
34.1 1.50
( 0.0400 ) = 853 dm3 s−1 / ( 0.0400 ) = 37.5 mol s−1 ;
Accept 851 dm 3s–1.

Units required for mark.

Examiners report
Part (d) was generally well answered and most students calculated a rate from their results although some lost the
mark for incorrect or absent units.
 The students also discovered that a small increase in temperature (e.g. 10 °C) causes a large increase (e.g. [1 mark]
25h.
doubling) in the rate of this reaction. State one reason for this.

Markscheme
more energetic collisions / more species have energy ⩾ Ea ;
Allow more frequent collisions / species collide more often.

Examiners report
Most students could then successfully explain why the rate increased with temperature. However a minority forgot to
refer to time (i.e. more frequent) in relation to collisions.

Calcium nitrate contains both covalent and ionic bonds.

State the formula of both ions present and the nature of the force between these ions. [2 marks]
26a.

Ions:

Nature of force:

Markscheme
Ca2+ and NO −
3;
electrostatic (attraction);

Do not accept ionic.

 Examiners report
It was distressing how many students taking HL Chemistry (over 50%?) do not know the formula of the nitrate ion!
Many students also gave the type of bonding present between the ions, rather than the nature of the force asked for,
though almost all could correctly identify the covalently bonded atoms. Hardly any could explain delocalization in
terms of the overlap of p-orbitals, or the extension of a π-bond, over more than two atoms, though its effect on
structure and stability were better known. In part (c), which tested Aim 8 of the syllabus, most managed to gain some
of the marks available for atmospheric pollution from oxides of nitrogen. Inevitably, owing to some overlap in
assessment statements these concepts would be more familiar to those studying the Environmental Chemistry option,
but undoubtedly studying other options assists in other areas, such as organic chemistry.

State which atoms are covalently bonded. [1 mark]

26b.

Markscheme
nitrogen/N and oxygen/O;

Do not accept nitrate/NO3– .

Accept atoms in nitrate/NO3–

Examiners report
It was distressing how many students taking HL Chemistry (over 50%?) do not know the formula of the nitrate ion!
Many students also gave the type of bonding present between the ions, rather than the nature of the force asked for,
though almost all could correctly identify the covalently bonded atoms. Hardly any could explain delocalization in
terms of the overlap of p-orbitals, or the extension of a π-bond, over more than two atoms, though its effect on
structure and stability were better known. In part (c), which tested Aim 8 of the syllabus, most managed to gain some
of the marks available for atmospheric pollution from oxides of nitrogen. Inevitably, owing to some overlap in
assessment statements these concepts would be more familiar to those studying the Environmental Chemistry option,
but undoubtedly studying other options assists in other areas, such as organic chemistry.

Bonding in the nitrate ion involves electron delocalization. Explain the meaning of electron delocalization and [2 marks]
26c.
how it affects the ion.
 Markscheme
pi/ π -electrons shared by more than two atoms/nuclei / a pi/
−
π -bond/overlapping p-orbitals that extends over more than two atoms/nuclei;
−
all (N–O) bonds equal length/strength/bond-order / charge on all oxygen/O atoms equal / increases stability/lowers PE
(of the ion);

Accept a diagram that clearly shows one or both points.

Examiners report
It was distressing how many students taking HL Chemistry (over 50%?) do not know the formula of the nitrate ion!
Many students also gave the type of bonding present between the ions, rather than the nature of the force asked for,
though almost all could correctly identify the covalently bonded atoms. Hardly any could explain delocalization in
terms of the overlap of p-orbitals, or the extension of a π-bond, over more than two atoms, though its effect on
structure and stability were better known. In part (c), which tested Aim 8 of the syllabus, most managed to gain some
of the marks available for atmospheric pollution from oxides of nitrogen. Inevitably, owing to some overlap in
assessment statements these concepts would be more familiar to those studying the Environmental Chemistry option,
but undoubtedly studying other options assists in other areas, such as organic chemistry.

Nitrogen also forms oxides, which are atmospheric pollutants.

Outline the source of these oxides. [1 mark]

26d.

Markscheme
produced by high temperature combustion;

Accept combustion/jet/car engines / car exhaust/emissions / lightning / action of bacteria/microorganisms.

Do not accept combustion/burning, cars, planes, jets, factories, power plants etc.

Examiners report
It was distressing how many students taking HL Chemistry (over 50%?) do not know the formula of the nitrate ion!
Many students also gave the type of bonding present between the ions, rather than the nature of the force asked for,
though almost all could correctly identify the covalently bonded atoms. Hardly any could explain delocalization in
terms of the overlap of p-orbitals, or the extension of a π-bond, over more than two atoms, though its effect on
structure and stability were better known. In part (c), which tested Aim 8 of the syllabus, most managed to gain some
of the marks available for atmospheric pollution from oxides of nitrogen. Inevitably, owing to some overlap in
assessment statements these concepts would be more familiar to those studying the Environmental Chemistry option,
but undoubtedly studying other options assists in other areas, such as organic chemistry.

State one product formed from their reaction with water. [1 mark]
26e.
 Markscheme
nitric acid/HNO3 / nitrous acid/nitric(III) acid/HNO2 ;

Accept “form acidic solutions / acid rain”.

Examiners report
It was distressing how many students taking HL Chemistry (over 50%?) do not know the formula of the nitrate ion!
Many students also gave the type of bonding present between the ions, rather than the nature of the force asked for,
though almost all could correctly identify the covalently bonded atoms. Hardly any could explain delocalization in
terms of the overlap of p-orbitals, or the extension of a π-bond, over more than two atoms, though its effect on
structure and stability were better known. In part (c), which tested Aim 8 of the syllabus, most managed to gain some
of the marks available for atmospheric pollution from oxides of nitrogen. Inevitably, owing to some overlap in
assessment statements these concepts would be more familiar to those studying the Environmental Chemistry option,
but undoubtedly studying other options assists in other areas, such as organic chemistry.

State one environmental problem caused by these atmospheric pollutants. [1 mark]

26f.

Markscheme
acid deposition/rain / respiratory problems / corrosion problems / decomposition of ozone layer / photochemical smog
/ acidification/pollution of lakes / damage to plants/ trees;

Accept “acid rain” in either part (ii) or part (iii) but not both.

Do not accept air pollution.

Examiners report
It was distressing how many students taking HL Chemistry (over 50%?) do not know the formula of the nitrate ion!
Many students also gave the type of bonding present between the ions, rather than the nature of the force asked for,
though almost all could correctly identify the covalently bonded atoms. Hardly any could explain delocalization in
terms of the overlap of p-orbitals, or the extension of a π-bond, over more than two atoms, though its effect on
structure and stability were better known. In part (c), which tested Aim 8 of the syllabus, most managed to gain some
of the marks available for atmospheric pollution from oxides of nitrogen. Inevitably, owing to some overlap in
assessment statements these concepts would be more familiar to those studying the Environmental Chemistry option,
but undoubtedly studying other options assists in other areas, such as organic chemistry.
 Two groups of students (Group A and Group B) carried out a project* on the chemistry of some group 7 elements (the
halogens) and their compounds.

* Adapted from J Derek Woollins, (2009), Inorganic Experiments and Open University, (2008), Exploring the Molecular
World.

When iodine reacts with excess chlorine, ICl3 can form. Deduce the Lewis (electron dot) structure of ICl3 and [4 marks]
27a.
ICl −
2 and state the name of the shape of each species.

Markscheme

No ECF for shape if Lewis structure is incorrect.

 Examiners report
Part (e) was by far one of the most disappointing questions on the entire paper with only the top-end candidates
scoring all four marks. Many mistakes were seen, such as the usual mistakes of omitting lone pairs on terminal atoms
and not including square brackets and the negative charge for the Lewis structure of the anion. The biggest problem
however for candidates was failing to realise that for Lewis structures based on five negative charge centres or five
electron domains, the lone pairs are inserted in the equatorial position and not the axial position, resulting in a T-
shaped molecular geometry for ICl3 and a linear shape for ICl −
2 . Candidates may benefit in class from a careful
discussion of the various angles resulting from LP-LP, LP-BP and BP-BP repulsions for such structures emanating from
five electron domains. As a result of poor comprehension of this aspect of VSEPR Theory, a common incorrect
molecular geometry of trigonal planar was often cited for the molecular geometry forICl3 .

In this project the students explored several aspects of the chemistry of the halogens. In the original preparation of
ICl(l), they observed the yellow-green colour of chlorine gas, Cl2(g), reacting with solid iodine, I2(s).

27b.
State the full electron configuration of iodine (Z = 53). [1 mark]

Markscheme
1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p6 5s2 4d10 5p5 /1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 5s2 5p5 ;
No mark for 2,8,18,18,7 or [Kr] 5s24d105p5.

Allow electron configurations with order of sublevels interchanged.

Electrons must be represented as superscript to award mark.

Examiners report
In part (f), the better candidates gave the correct full electron configuration for iodine. Surprisingly some of the weaker
candidates gave electron arrangements which scored no marks and a few candidates gave rather sloppy
configurations, either putting subscripts instead of superscripts or not putting the number of electrons as superscripts,
which was rather disconcerting to see at HL.

27c. One important use of chlorine is in the synthesis of poly(chloroethene), PVC. Identify the monomer used to make [2 marks]
PVC and state one of the uses of PVC.

Monomer:

Use:
 Markscheme
Monomer:

/ chloroethene /CH2 CHCl;

Accept vinyl chloride or chloroethylene.

Allow C2H 3Cl.

Use:

raincoats / packaging / window frames / pipes / carpets / gutters / electrical cable sheathing / covers for electrical
wires / rope / bottles;

Accept suitable alternatives.

Do not allow glue.

Do not allow just plastic(s) or just windows.

Allow plastic bag.

Examiners report
In part (iii), a large number of candidates stated chloroethane instead of chloroethene for the monomer. Plastic was
often given as a use of PVC. This however was not allowed for M2 and a more precise answer was required.

Lithium and boron are elements in period 2 of the periodic table. Lithium occurs in group 1 (the alkali metals) and
boron occurs in group 3. Isotopes exist for both elements.

2 2 1
28a. The electron configuration of boron is 1s 2s 2p . Draw the shape of an s orbital and a px orbital on the axes [1 mark]
below.

Markscheme
symmetrical shape of s orbital and dumbbell-shaped p orbital with electron density along x-axis;
 Examiners report
In part (iii), a common mistake involved candidates drawing the lobe of electron density around the y or z axes for the
px orbital. Some candidates drew three dumbells for the s-orbital. Other candidates incorrectly drew hybrid orbitals.

3+
28b. (ii) Cobalt is a transition metal. One common ion of cobalt is Co . Draw the orbital diagram (using the arrow-
[5 marks]
in-box notation) for the Co 3+ ion.

(iii) State the other most common ion of cobalt.

(iv) Explain why the complex [Co(NH3 )6 ]Cl3 is coloured.

Markscheme
(ii)

Allow full arrows instead of half-arrows for example ↑↓.

Do not allow arrows with the same spin for example ↑↑ or ↓↓ in the same orbital.
Do not allow an orbital diagram with a
4s1 3d 5 configuration.

(iii) Co2+ ;
Accept +2, 2+, cobalt(II), II.

(iv) partially filled/incomplete d subshell/sub-level/orbitals;

d orbitals split (into two sets of different energies);

(colour due to) electron transition between (split) d orbitals / d to d transitions / frequencies of visible light absorbed by
electrons moving from lower to higher d levels ;

colour due to remaining frequencies / complementary colour seen;

Allow wavelength as well as frequency.

 Examiners report
The orbital diagram in (ii) also proved to be quite a good discriminating question. Many candidates failed to realise
that the electrons are removed from the 4s level before the 3d for a first-row transition metal ion. In addition, a
significant number of candidates showed poor understanding of Hund‟s Rule of Maximum Multiplicity which states that
when degenerate orbitals are available, electrons fill the orbitals singly before filling them in pairs. Hence, in many
cases incorrect representations were seen for the 3d which involved three pairs of electrons of opposite spin being
inserted in three 3d orbitals. Most candidates stated the Co2+ ion, though a common incorrect answer was Co4+ . Part
(iv) involved candidates having to explain why the complex [Co(NH3 )6 ]Cl3 is coloured. This question was asked a
number of times in previous examinations and previously was typically really very poorly answered. In N12, the
explanations certainly were better though some candidates mixed up the principles of the line emission spectrum of
hydrogen with the d to d transitions involved in the explanation of colour pertaining to a transition metal complex.

Ethene, C2H 4, and hydrazine, N2H 4, are hydrides of adjacent elements in the periodic table.

29a.
(i) Draw Lewis (electron dot) structures for C2 H4 and N2 H4 showing all valence electrons. [7 marks]

(ii) State and explain the H–C–H bond angle in ethene and the H–N–H bond angle in hydrazine.

Markscheme

(i)

Accept x’s, dots or lines for electron pairs

(ii) H–C–H:

any angle between 118° and 122°;

due to three negative charge centres/electron domains/electron pairs;

H–N–H:

any angle between 104° and 108°;

due to four negative charge centres/electron domains/electron pairs;

extra repulsion due to lone electron pairs;

Do not allow ECF for wrong Lewis structures.

Examiners report
This was a popular question and was answered quite successfully. The Lewis structure for ethene was given correctly
by the great majority of the candidates, but that of hydrazine by only about half of them. Incorrect answers had double
bonds appearing between the 2 nitrogen atoms and lone pairs on nitrogen atoms not shown. Those who could draw
the correct structure in (i) gave the correct bond angle, but the explanation was not given correctly by many. Only very
few scored the five marks as many failed to mention the extra repulsion of the lone pair.

The polarity of a molecule can be explained in terms of electronegativity.

(i) Define the term electronegativity. [4 marks]

29b.
(ii) Compare the relative polarities of the C–H bond in ethene and the N–H bond in hydrazine.

(iii) Hydrazine is a polar molecule and ethene is non-polar. Explain why ethene is non-polar.
 Markscheme
(i) (relative) measure of an atoms attraction for electrons;

in a covalent bond / shared pair;

(ii) C–H is less polar as C is less electronegative / N–H bond is more polar as N is more electronegative / difference in
electronegativity is greater for N-H than C-H;

(iii) bond polarities cancel in C2 H4 / OWTTE;

Examiners report
The definition of electronegativity was not well known and many forgot to mention covalent bond or got confused with
ionization and electron affinity and talked about a mole of gaseous atoms.

The boiling point of hydrazine is much higher than that of ethene. Explain this difference in terms of the [2 marks]
29c.
intermolecular forces in each compound.

Markscheme
weaker van der Waals’/London/dispersion/intermolecular forces in ethene;

stronger (intermolecular) hydrogen bonding in hydrazine;

If no comparison between strengths then [1 max].

Examiners report
In part (c) most knew that hydrogen bonding in hydrazine was stronger than the van der Waals’ forces in ethene and
explained its higher boiling point. However, some candidates described hydrogen bonding as the bond between N and
H in the molecule, and some omitted a comparison of the relative strengths.

29d. Hydrazine is a valuable rocket fuel. [3 marks]

The equation for the reaction between hydrazine and oxygen is given below.

N2 H4 (g) + O2 (g) → N2 (g) + 2H2 O(g)

Use the bond enthalpy values from Table 10 of the Data Booklet to determine the enthalpy change for this reaction.

Markscheme
bonds broken: 4 N–H, N–N, O=O / +2220 (kJ mol−1 );
bonds formed: N≡N, 4O–H / −2801 (kJ mol−1 );
−581 (kJ mol−1 );
Award [3] for correct final answer.

Examiners report
The calculation for the enthalpy change produced some completely correct calculations but many candidates lost
marks here for using the wrong bond energies, although ECF was applied to the structures drawn in part (a).

State the name of the product and identify the type of reaction which occurs between ethene and hydrogen [2 marks]
29e.
chloride.
 Markscheme
chloroethane;

(electrophilic) addition;

Do not accept free radical/nucleophilic addition.

Examiners report
In (e) ‘addition’ was correctly identified as the reaction type by most but when asked in (f) to identify the final reaction
type few recognised it as an acid-base reaction, however, the bond angle was given correctly by many.

The reaction between N2H 4(aq) and HCl (aq) can be represented by the following equation.

N2 H4 (aq) + 2HCl(aq) → N2 H2+ −

6 (aq) + 2Cl (aq)

29f. (i) Identify the type of reaction that occurs. [2 marks]

2+
(ii) Predict the value of the H–N–H bond angle in N2 H6 .

Markscheme
(i) acid-base/neutralization;

(ii) 109°/109.5°;

Examiners report
In (e) ‘addition’ was correctly identified as the reaction type by most but when asked in (f) to identify the final reaction
type few recognised it as an acid-base reaction, however, the bond angle was given correctly by many.

30. SF2, SF4 and SF6 have different shapes. Draw their Lewis structures and use the VSEPR theory to predict the name [6 marks]
of the shape of each molecule.
 Markscheme

Penalise missing lone pairs on fluorine atoms once in correct structures only.

For Lewis structures candidates are not expected to draw exact shapes of molecules.

Do not allow ECF for wrong Lewis structures.

Accept dots or crosses instead of lines.

Examiners report
This question was generally well answered and many high scores were seen. Common errors included the omission of
non-bonding pairs of electrons on fluorine atoms and sometimes on sulfur. The shape of SF4 was not well known but
candidates were able to write correctly the name of the shape for SF2 and SF6.

Consider the structure and bonding in MgCl2 and PCl5 .

State and explain the difference in the electrical conductivity in the liquid state of the two chlorides. [3 marks]
31a.

Markscheme
MgCl2 conducts and PCl5 does not;
MgCl2 ionic and PCl5 covalent/molecular/(consists of) molecules;
Award [1 max] for MgCl2 conducts and ionic.

Award [1 max] for PCl5 does not conduct and covalent/molecular/(consists of molecules).

ions can move in liquid (in MgCl2 ) / OWTTE;

Examiners report
This was usually well answered.
 31b. Compare the formation of sigma (σ) and pi (π) bonds between the carbon atoms in a molecule of ethyne. [2 marks]

Markscheme
σ bond:
end-on/axial overlap with electron density between the two carbon atoms/nuclei / end-on/axial overlap of orbitals so
shared electrons are between atoms / OWTTE;

π bond:
sideways/parallel overlap of p orbitals with electron density above and below internuclear axis/σ bond /
sideways/parallel overlap of p orbitals so shared electrons are above and below internuclear axis/σ bond / OWTTE;

Marks can be scored from a suitable diagram.

Award [1 max] for stating end-on/axial overlap for

σ and sideways/parallel overlap for
π only i.e. without mentioning electron density OR stating electron density between the two atoms/nuclei for σ and
above and below internuclear axis for π.

Examiners report
Very few candidates scored both marks on sigma and pi bonds.

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2017

International Baccalaureate® - Baccalauréat International® - Bachillerato Internacional®

Printed for Southeast High School