Topic 4.

3 - Covalent Structures Short Answer Questions [157 marks]

1a. [1 mark]
Iron (II) sulfide reacts with hydrochloric acid to form hydrogen sulfide, H2S.
Draw the Lewis (electron dot) structure of hydrogen sulfide.

1b. [1 mark]
Predict the shape of the hydrogen sulfide molecule.

1c. [1  mark]

In aqueous solution, hydrogen sulfide acts as an acid.
State the formula of its conjugate base.

1d. [1 mark]
Saturated aqueous hydrogen sulfide has a concentration of 0.10 mol dm−3 and a pH of 4.0. Demonstrate whether
it is a strong or weak acid.
1e. [1  mark]
Calculate the hydroxide ion concentration in saturated aqueous hydrogen sulfide.

1f. [3 marks]
A gaseous sample of nitrogen, contaminated only with hydrogen sulfide, was reacted with excess sodium
hydroxide solution at constant temperature. The volume of the gas changed from 550 cm3 to 525 cm3.
Determine the mole percentage of hydrogen sulfide in the sample, stating one assumption you made.

2a. [2 marks]
The properties of elements can be predicted from their position in the periodic table.
Explain why Si has a smaller atomic radius than Al.

2b. [2 marks]
Explain the decrease in radius from Na to Na+.
2c. [2  marks]
State the condensed electron configurations for Cr and Cr3+.

2d. [3 marks]
Describe metallic bonding and how it contributes to electrical conductivity.

2e. [2  marks]

Deduce the Lewis (electron dot) structure and molecular geometry of sulfur dichloride, SCl2.
2f. [3 marks]
Suggest, giving reasons, the relative volatilities of SCl2 and H2O.

2g. [3 marks]
Consider the following equilibrium reaction:
2SO2 (g) + O2 (g) ⇌ 2SO3 (g)
State and explain how the equilibrium would be affected by increasing the volume of the reaction container at a
constant temperature.
3a. [1 mark]
Oxygen exists as two allotropes, diatomic oxygen, O2, and ozone, O3.
Draw a Lewis (electron dot) structure for ozone.

3b. [2 marks]
Discuss the relative length of the two O−O bonds in ozone.
3c. [2  marks]
Explain why there are frequencies of UV light that will dissociate O3 but not O2.

3d. [2 marks]
Explain, using equations, how the presence of CCl2 F 2 results in a chain reaction that decreases the
concentration of ozone in the stratosphere.

4a. [2 marks]
Explain why Si has a smaller atomic radius than Al.

4b. [2 marks]
Explain why the first ionization energy of sulfur is lower than that of phosphorus.
4c. [2  marks]
State the condensed electron configurations for Cr and Cr3+.

4d. [3 marks]
Describe metallic bonding and how it contributes to electrical conductivity.

4e. [1  mark]

Deduce, giving a reason, which complex ion [Cr(CN)6]3− or [Cr(OH)6]3− absorbs higher energy light. Use
section 15 of the data booklet.
4f. [1 mark]
[Cr(OH)6]3− forms a green solution. Estimate a wavelength of light absorbed by this complex, using section 17
of the data booklet.

4g. [4 marks]
Deduce the Lewis (electron dot) structure and molecular geometry of sulfur tetrafluoride, SF4, and sulfur
dichloride, SCl2.

4h. [3 marks]
Suggest, giving reasons, the relative volatilities of SCl2 and H2O.
5a. [2 marks]
Compound A is in equilibrium with compound B.

Predict the electron domain and molecular geometries around the oxygen atom of molecule A using VSEPR.

5b. [1 mark]
The IR spectrum of one of the compounds is shown:
COBLENTZ SOCIETY. Collection © 2018 copyright by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce on behalf of the
United States of America. All rights reserved.

Deduce, giving a reason, the compound producing this spectrum.

5c. [2  marks]

Compound A and B are isomers. Draw two other structural isomers with the formula C 3 H 6 O.

5d. [1 mark]
The equilibrium constant, K c , for the conversion of A to B is 1.0 ×108 in water at 298 K.
Deduce, giving a reason, which compound, A or B, is present in greater concentration when equilibrium is
reached.

6a. [2 marks]
Predict the electron domain and molecular geometries around the oxygen atom of molecule A using VSEPR
 
6b. [1 mark]
State the type of hybridization shown by the central carbon atom in molecule B.

6c. [1  mark]

State the number of sigma (σ ) and pi (π) bonds around the central carbon atom in molecule B.

6d. [1 mark]
The IR spectrum of one of the compounds is shown:

COBLENTZ SOCIETY. Collection © 2018 copyright by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce on behalf of the
United States of America. All rights reserved.
Deduce, giving a reason, the compound producing this spectrum.
6e. [2  marks]
Compound A and B are isomers. Draw two other structural isomers with the formula C 3 H 6 O.

6f. [1 mark]
The equilibrium constant, K c , for the conversion of A to B is 1.0 ×108 in water at 298 K.
Deduce, giving a reason, which compound, A or B, is present in greater concentration when equilibrium is
reached.

6g. [1 mark]
Calculate the standard Gibbs free energy change, G , in kJ mol1, for the reaction (A to B) at 298 K. Use
❑

sections 1 and 2 of the data booklet.

6h. [3 marks]
Propanone can be synthesized in two steps from propene. Suggest the synthetic route including all the necessary
reactants and steps.
6i. [2  marks]
Propanone can be synthesized in two steps from propene.
Suggest why propanal is a minor product obtained from the synthetic route in (g)(i).

7a. [2 marks]
The equations show steps in the formation and decomposition of ozone in the stratosphere, some of which
absorb ultraviolet light.

Step 1    O2 → 2O•
Step 2    O• + O2 → O3
Step 3    O3 → O• + O2
Step 4    O• + O3 → 2O2
Draw the Lewis structures of oxygen, O2, and ozone, O3.

7b. [2 marks]
Outline why both bonds in the ozone molecule are the same length and predict the bond length in the ozone
molecule. Refer to section 10 of the data booklet.
Reason: 
Length:

7c. [1  mark]

Distinguish ultraviolet light from visible light in terms of wavelength and energy.

7d. [2 marks]
Discuss how the different bond strengths between the oxygen atoms in O2 and O3 in the ozone layer affect
radiation reaching the Earth’s surface.

8a. [1 mark]
Both vinegar (a dilute aqueous solution of ethanoic acid) and bleach are used as cleaning agents.
Outline why ethanoic acid is classified as a weak acid.
8b. [3 marks]
A solution of bleach can be made by reacting chlorine gas with a sodium hydroxide solution.
Cl2 (g) + 2NaOH (aq) ⇌ NaOCl (aq) + NaCl (aq) + H2O (l)
Suggest, with reference to Le Châtelier’s principle, why it is dangerous to mix vinegar and bleach together as
cleaners.

8c. [1  mark]

Bleach reacts with ammonia, also used as a cleaning agent, to produce the poisonous compound chloramine,
NH2Cl.
Draw a Lewis (electron dot) structure of chloramine.

8d. [2 marks]
Deduce the molecular geometry of chloramine and estimate its H–N–H bond angle.
 
Molecular geometry:
H–N–H bond angle:
9a. [1 mark]
Ethyne, C2H2, reacts with oxygen in welding torches.
Write an equation for the complete combustion of ethyne.

9b. [1 mark]
Deduce the Lewis (electron dot) structure of ethyne.

9c. [1  mark]

Compare, giving a reason, the length of the bond between the carbon atoms in ethyne with that in ethane, C2H6.

9d. [1 mark]
Identify the type of interaction that must be overcome when liquid ethyne vaporizes.
9e. [1  mark]
Ethyne reacts with steam.
C2H2 (g) + H2O (g) → C2H4O (g)
Two possible products are:

Product A contains a carbon–carbon double bond. State the type of reactions that compounds containing this
bond are likely to undergo.

9f. [1 mark]
State the name of product B, applying IUPAC rules.

9g. [3 marks]
Determine the enthalpy change for the reaction, in kJ, to produce A using section 11 of the data booklet.
9h. [1 mark]
The enthalpy change for the reaction to produce B is −213 kJ. Predict, giving a reason, which product is the
most stable.

9i. [2  marks]

The IR spectrum and low resolution 1H NMR spectrum of the actual product formed are shown.

Deduce whether the product is A or B, using evidence from these spectra together with sections 26 and 27 of
the data booklet.
 
Identity of product:
One piece of evidence from IR:
One piece of evidence from 1H NMR:

9j. [2 marks]
Product B, CH3CHO, can also be synthesized from ethanol.
Suggest the reagents and conditions required to ensure a good yield of product B.
 
Reagents:
Conditions:

9k. [1 mark]
Deduce the average oxidation state of carbon in product B.

9l. [3  marks]

Explain why product B is water soluble.
10a. [1 mark]
Both vinegar (a dilute aqueous solution of ethanoic acid) and bleach are used as cleaning agents.
Outline why ethanoic acid is classified as a weak acid.

10b. [3 marks]
A solution of bleach can be made by reacting chlorine gas with a sodium hydroxide solution.
Cl2 (g) + 2NaOH (aq) ⇌ NaOCl (aq) + NaCl (aq) + H2O (l)
Suggest, with reference to Le Châtelier’s principle, why it is dangerous to mix vinegar and bleach together as
cleaners.

10c. [1  mark]

Bleach reacts with ammonia, also used as a cleaning agent, to produce the poisonous compound chloramine,
NH2Cl.
Draw a Lewis (electron dot) structure of chloramine.
10d. [1 mark]
State the hybridization of the nitrogen atom in chloramine.

10e. [2  marks]

Deduce the molecular geometry of chloramine and estimate its H–N–H bond angle.
Molecular geometry:
H–N–H bond angle:

10f. [1 mark]
State the type of bond formed when chloramine is protonated.

10g. [2 marks]
Sketch a graph of pH against volume of hydrochloric acid added to ammonia solution, showing how you would
determine the pKa of the ammonium ion.

10h. [1 mark]
Suggest a suitable indicator for the titration, using section 22 of the data booklet.

10i. [2  marks]

Explain, using two equations, how an equimolar solution of ammonia and ammonium ions acts as a buffer
solution when small amounts of acid or base are added.
11a. [1 mark]
Ethyne, C2H2, reacts with oxygen in welding torches.
Write an equation for the complete combustion of ethyne.

11b. [1 mark]
Deduce the Lewis (electron dot) structure of ethyne.

11c. [1  mark]

Compare, giving a reason, the length of the bond between the carbon atoms in ethyne with that in ethane, C2H6.

11d. [1 mark]
Identify the type of interaction that must be overcome when liquid ethyne vaporizes.

11e. [1  mark]

Ethyne reacts with steam.
C2H2 (g) + H2O (g) → C2H4O (g)
Two possible products are:

State the name of product B, applying IUPAC rules.

11f. [3 marks]
Determine the enthalpy change for the reaction, in kJ, to produce A using section 11 of the data booklet.

11g. [1 mark]
The enthalpy change for the reaction to produce B is −213 kJ.
Predict, giving a reason, which product is the most stable.

11h. [2 marks]
The IR spectrum and low resolution 1H NMR spectrum of the actual product formed are shown.

Deduce whether the product is A or B, using evidence from these spectra together with sections 26 and 27 of
the  data booklet.
Identity of product:
One piece of evidence from IR:
One piece of evidence from 1H NMR:
 
11i. [2  marks]
Deduce the splitting pattern you would expect for the signals in a high resolution 1H NMR spectrum.
2.3 ppm:
9.8 ppm:

11j. [2 marks]
Product B, CH3CHO, can also be synthesized from ethanol.
Suggest the reagents and conditions required to ensure a good yield of product B.
Reagents: 
Conditions:

11k. [1 mark]
Deduce the average oxidation state of carbon in product B.

11l. [3  marks]

Explain why product B is water soluble.
12a. [1 mark]
Dinitrogen monoxide, N2O, causes depletion of ozone in the stratosphere.
Outline why ozone in the stratosphere is important.

12b. [2 marks]
Dinitrogen monoxide in the stratosphere is converted to nitrogen monoxide, NO (g).
Write two equations to show how NO (g) catalyses the decomposition of ozone.

12c. [1  mark]

Different sources of N2O have different ratios of 14N : 15N.
State one analytical technique that could be used to determine the ratio of 14N : 15N.
12d. [2 marks]
A sample of gas was enriched to contain 2 % by mass of 15N with the remainder being 14N.
Calculate the relative molecular mass of the resulting N2O.

12e. [2  marks]

Predict, giving two reasons, how the first ionization energy of 15N compares with that of 14N.

12f. [2 marks]
Explain why the first ionization energy of nitrogen is greater than both carbon and oxygen.
Nitrogen and carbon:
Nitrogen and oxygen:

12g. [1 mark]
The Lewis (electron dot) structure of the dinitrogen monoxide molecule can be represented as:

State what the presence of alternative Lewis structures shows about the nature of the bonding in the molecule.

12h. [1 mark]
State, giving a reason, the shape of the dinitrogen monoxide molecule.

12i. [1  mark]

Deduce the hybridization of the central nitrogen atom in the molecule.

13a. [1 mark]
Bromine can form the bromate(V) ion, BrO3−.
State the electron configuration of a bromine atom.

13b. [1 mark]
Sketch the orbital diagram of the valence shell of a bromine atom (ground state) on the energy axis provided.
Use boxes to represent orbitals and arrows to represent electrons.
13c. [1  mark]
Draw the Lewis (electron dot) structure for BrO3− that obeys the octet rule.

13d. [3 marks]
Predict, using the VSEPR theory, the geometry of the BrO3− ion and the O−Br−O bond angles.

13e. [2  marks]

Bromate(V) ions act as oxidizing agents in acidic conditions to form bromide ions.
Deduce the half-equation for this reduction reaction.
13f. [1 mark]
Bromate(V) ions oxidize iron(II) ions, Fe2+, to iron(III) ions, Fe3+.
Deduce the equation for this redox reaction.