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Question 11

But-2-ene (C4H8\text{C}_4\text{H}_8C4​H8​) and but-2-yne (C4H6\text{C}_4\text{H}_6C4​H6​) are unsaturated hydrocarbons with various industrial uses.

a.

But-2-ene can be converted into butan-2-ol by reaction with steam. Identify a suitable catalyst and an appropriate temperature for this industrial hydration process.

[2]
b.

Write a chemical equation for this hydration reaction.

[1]
c.

In a laboratory, butan-2-ol can be dehydrated back to but-2-ene. What type of reaction is dehydration?

[1]
d.

Write a chemical equation for the dehydration of butan-2-ol to form but-2-ene.

[1]
e.

But-2-ene and but-2-yne can both be burned as fuels. The equations for their complete combustion are:

  • But-2-ene: \ \text{C}_4\text{H}_8 + 6\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 4\text{CO}_2 + 4\text{H}_2\text{O}{\char"24}$
  • But-2-yne: \ \text{C}_4\text{H}_6 + 5.5\text{O}_2 \rightarrow 4\text{CO}_2 + 3\text{H}_2\text{O}{\char"24}$

Under restricted oxygen supply, incomplete combustion is a significant risk. Suggest why but-2-ene is more susceptible to incomplete combustion than but-2-yne per mole of fuel burned.

[2]
f.

Name the dangerous gas produced during incomplete combustion and explain why it is toxic to humans.

[2]
Markscheme

Alcohols Questions

  1. IGCSE
  2. /Chemistry
  3. /Alcohols

15 exam-style questions on Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry Alcohols. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.

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