DSE Chemistry
DSE Chemistry: Chemistry of Carbon Compounds — Practice Questions & Answers
Functional groups and reaction pathways of alcohols, carboxylic acids and esters, with addition and condensation polymers.
402 practice questions available for this topic — here are 10 with full answers and explanations.
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Practice questions with answers
1
Multiple choice · Medium
Which of the following compounds can be used as a monomer to make an addition polymer?
- CF2=CF2
- CH3CH2OH
- CH3COOH
- CH3CH2CH3
Tap an answer to check it.
WhyA monomer for addition polymerisation must contain a C=C double bond, as in CF2=CF2.
2
Multiple choice · Medium
Poly(ethenyl ethanoate) is formed from ethenyl ethanoate by addition polymerisation. This is possible because the monomer contains
- a carbon-carbon double bond
- a carboxylic acid group
- an ionic bond
- a triple bond
Tap an answer to check it.
WhyIt contains a C=C double bond that opens during addition polymerisation.
3
Multiple choice · Easy
In addition polymerisation, the number of small molecules released as by-products is
- zero
- one per linkage
- two per linkage
- equal to the number of monomers
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WhyAddition polymerisation releases no small molecules; condensation polymerisation does.
4
Fill in the blank · Easy
Monomers that undergo addition polymerisation must contain a carbon-carbon bond.
Answer:
double
WhyThis is the key requirement.
5
Fill in the blank · Medium
In polymerisation, a small molecule such as water is released each time two monomers join, unlike in addition polymerisation.
Answer:
condensation
WhyPolyamides and polyesters form this way.
6
Fill in the blank · Medium
The repeating part of a polymer chain is called the unit.
Answer:
repeating / repeat
WhyIt comes from the monomer.
7
Multiple choice · Easy
Natural rubber contains C=C double bonds. Adding bromine across a C=C double bond is an example of
- an addition reaction
- a substitution reaction
- a condensation reaction
- a neutralisation reaction
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WhyBromine adds across the double bond in an addition reaction.
8
Multiple choice · Medium
When bromine reacts with the C=C bonds of natural rubber, the rubber becomes brittle because
- the double bonds are used up, changing the structure of the polymer
- bromine dissolves the rubber completely
- the rubber gains many new C=C bonds
- bromine raises the temperature of the rubber
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WhyAddition of bromine removes the C=C double bonds and the cross-links/chain flexibility are destroyed, so the material hardens and cracks.
9
Multiple choice · Hard
Which observation confirms that an alkene (or unsaturated rubber) has reacted with bromine?
- The orange-brown colour of bromine fades
- A white precipitate forms
- A gas is given off with a squeaky pop
- The mixture turns blue
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WhyBromine (orange/brown) is decolourised when it adds across C=C.
10
Fill in the blank · Easy
A molecule containing a carbon-carbon double bond is described as .
Answer:
unsaturated
WhyUnsaturated.
Key terms in Chemistry of Carbon Compounds
Functional group: An atom or group of atoms that gives an organic compound its characteristic reactions.
Homologous series: A family of organic compounds with the same functional group and general formula.
Structural formula: A representation showing how the atoms in a molecule are connected together.
Isomerism: The existence of compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures.
Structural isomer: One of two or more compounds with the same molecular formula but different connectivity.
Alkanol: An alcohol, an organic compound containing the hydroxyl (-OH) functional group.
Alcohol: An organic compound containing the -OH functional group bonded to a carbon atom.
Alkanoic acid: A carboxylic acid, an organic compound containing the carboxyl (-COOH) functional group.
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