Examiners’ Report

June 2014

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

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June 2014

Publications Code IA038354

All the material in this publication is copyright

© Pearson Education Ltd 2014

2 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

Introduction
This was the second session of the International Advanced Level Chemistry Unit 4 paper.
There was a small entry for the first paper in January 2014, but there was a larger entry for
the June paper. The specification and style of examination paper are exactly the same as
the 6CH04 paper, so the candidates had plenty of opportunity to work through past papers
to develop their examination technique.
Successful candidates:
• read the questions carefully and addressed all parts of the question in their answer;
• used scientific terminology correctly;
• completed calculations correctly;
• gave concise but detailed explanations where required;
• drew a clear mechanism for the reaction between propanal and cyanide ions;
• used the information given in the question and thought about the chemistry involved;
• wrote balanced equations;
• checked their work, particularly in calculations, to avoid careless errors such as missing
or incorrect signs or units.
Less successful candidates:
• did not read the questions carefully and assumed the answer required was the same as
in a past paper;
• made careless errors in calculations and did not think about the chemistry involved to
realise that their answer could not be correct;
• did not express their understanding clearly when explaining concepts;
• did not use all the information given in the questions to help them in their answers;
• did not write balanced equations;
• did not relate a rate equation to the mechanism of a reaction;
• did not understand the use of curly arrows, dipoles and charges in an organic
mechanism.
The majority of candidates were proficient in carrying out calculations and just made an
occasional careless slip. In future, candidates need to concentrate on expressing their ideas
clearly and concisely when explaining chemical concepts.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 3

 Question 18 (a)
Although many candidates were able to work out the molecular formula for citronellal, a
significant number wrote down the wrong number of hydrogen atoms. Some candidates
gave a structural formula, some wrote C9H17CHO and some even tried to give a systematic
name as their answer.

Examiner Comments

This candidate drew a structural formula by the skeletal formula but then
used this to help work out the correct molecular formula. This response
scored 1 mark.

Examiner Tip

It is often helpful to draw a displayed or structural formula

by the skeletal formula and then count the numbers of atoms
from that.

4 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

Question 18 (b)
The majority of candidates could identify the chiral carbon atom. A small number of
candidates thought that it was the carbon atom joined by the double bond to oxygen.

Examiner Comments

This candidate has circled a carbon atom with two hydrogen atoms attached,
so did not score a mark.

Examiner Tip

Chiral carbon atoms have four different atoms or groups of

atoms attached to them.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 5

 Examiner Comments

This candidate has identified the correct chiral carbon atom and scored 1
mark.

6 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

Question 18 (c) (i)
Many candidates did score both marks for this answer, but a significant number just
mentioned restricted rotation, without referring to the C=C or ∏ bond.  Many candidates
did not make it clear that there must be two different atoms or groups of atoms attached
to each carbon atom in the double bond. A few candidates used a simple diagram to
explain their answer. A small number of candidates thought that the C=O gives rise to
E-Z isomerism and some described optical isomerism or the general requirements for
stereoisomerism. Some candidates gave elaborate explanations of the E-Z system and
did not answer the question. Some candidates incorrectly described different molecules
attached to the carbon atoms in the C=C.

Examiner Comments

This answer did not score any marks as there is no mention of restricted
rotation around the C=C and it refers to molecules attached to a carbon
atom. There are different atoms or groups of atoms attached to the carbon
atoms but not molecules.

Examiner Tip

Make sure you understand the difference between an

atom, a molecule and a group of atoms and use the correct
terminology in answers.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 7

 Examiner Comments

This response refers to the restricted rotation around the ∏

bond, but there is no mention about the requirement for two
different atoms or groups of atoms attached to each carbon
atom. This scored 1 mark.

Examiner Comments

This is a good answer and it scored 2 marks.

8 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

Question 18 (c) (ii)
The majority of candidates could circle the correct double bond. A few candidates circled
both double bonds, even though one of them has two CH3 groups attached, showing they
did not understand E-Z isomerism. A small number of candidates circled the aldehyde
group.

Examiner Comments

This answer did not score a mark. The double bond circled
here has two CH3 groups and one of the requirements for E-Z
isomerism is that each carbon atom must be attached to two
different atoms or groups of atoms.

Examiner Comments

Many candidates circled the correct double bond and scored 1

mark.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 9

 Question 18 (d)
The majority of candidates were familiar with one of the tests for aldehydes. Common
errors included: not mentioning that a red precipitate forms with Benedict's or Fehling's
solution, omitting the use of sulfuric acid with potassium dichromate(VI) solution and mixing
up the reagents and observations. Only a small number of candidates suggested using
2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine to test for the aldehydes which on its own, is not sufficient.

Examiner Comments Examiner Tip

This candidate has added a correct Revise the reagents and observations for the tests
reagent, so scores 1 mark. However, for aldehydes so that you do not mix them up.
they have given the observation for a
different reagent.

Examiner Comments

This is a correct answer and scored 2 marks.

10 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

Question 18 (e) (i-ii)
The majority of candidates were familiar with skeletal formulae and were able to
differentiate between the reducing abilities of hydrogen and lithium tetrahydridoaluminate.
However, some candidates thought that hydrogen with a nickel catalyst would reduce the
aldehyde group or reduce the double bonds and aldehyde group and some candidates
thought that lithium tetrahydridoaluminate(III) would reduce the double bonds. Some
candidates did not draw the skeletal formulae accurately and they missed out a carbon
atom, particularly in part (ii) by attaching the OH group directly to the C=C, or lost a methyl
group. Candidates should be aware that additional hydrogen atoms that are not part of a
functional group do not need to be shown in a skeletal formula, although on this occasion,
additional hydrogens were allowed alongside the OH group.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 11

 Examiner Comments

This candidate reduced the aldehyde and double bonds with hydrogen and a nickel catalyst,
instead of just the double bonds. They also reduced one of the double bonds with lithium
tetrahydroidoaluminate(III) instead of the aldehyde. This answer did not score any marks.

Examiner Tip

Learn which groups are reduced by the different

reducing agents in the specification.

12 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

 Examiner Comments

This candidate has scored 1 mark for the correct answer to (ii). They have
oxidized the aldehyde to a carboxylic acid in (i), which is incorrect. Hydrogen is
a reducing agent.

Examiner Tip

The 2 additional hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon with the OH group are
not needed in a skeletal formula as they are not part of the functional group.
However, they were allowed on this occasion.
Draw skeletal formulae without any additional hydrogen atoms.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 13

 Examiner Comments

This candidate has scored 1 mark for (i). They have left the double bonds in
their answer to (ii) and reduced the aldehyde to an alcohol which is correct, but
they have lost a carbon atom on the right of the chain by linking the OH group
directly to the C=C.

Examiner Tip

Draw skeletal formulae carefully and check that you have the correct number
of carbon atoms.

14 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

Question 19 (a)
The majority of candidates were awarded full marks for this question.
Some candidates did not explain their reasoning for the orders in (i) and omitted need
to keep the concentrations of the reactants, other than the one being changed, constant.
Those who chose to use experiments 2 and 3 to deduce the order of reaction with respect
to H+ ions, invariably got into difficulty. Some candidates did not understand the significance
of the graph in part (ii) and thought it was zero order as it was a straight line. Candidates
should look carefully at the axes for the graph. Some candidates did state that the reaction
was first order with respect to iodide ions but gave an imprecise explanation such as 'the
rate increases as the concentraion increases'. Some candidates omitted the units in (iv).

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 15

16 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01
 Examiner Comments

This candidate has explained the order with respect to hydrogen peroxide, so scored
1 mark for part (i). They have chosen experiments 2 and 3 to deduce the order with
respect to hydrogen ions, but have not realised that the concentration of hydrogen
peroxide is also changing.
The order with respect to iodide ions is incorrect so did not score a mark. If it was zero
order, there would be a straight, horizontal line showing that the rate does not change as
the concentration changes.
The rate equation and rate constant in parts (iii) and (iv) are consequentially correct and
scored 1 and 2 marks respectively.

Examiner Tip

When deducing an order of reaction, select

experiments where the concentration of only one
substance is changing, if possible.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 17

18 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01
 Examiner Comments

This candidate has answered all parts of the question correctly.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 19

 Question 19 (b) (i)
Some candidates answered this question very well as they were able to deduce balanced
equations for the mechanism. A wide variety of equations were accepted on this occasion
but candidates should try to think about whether the mechanism they have suggested is
one that is likely to take place. Many candidates showed that they did not understand the
link between rate equations and mechanisms. Some candidates did not use the fact that the
reaction is second order with respect to nitrogen dioxide and started the rate determining
step with just one molecule of nitrogen dioxide or they included other species. Candidates
should check that their equations are balanced in terms of atoms and charges, and that
the two steps add up to the overall equation.

Examiner Comments

This answer scored 1 mark for a correct rate determining step.

The equation for Step 2 is not balanced.

Examiner Comments

Always check that your equations are balanced.

20 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

 Examiner Comments

These equations did not score any marks. The rate determining
step does not start with 2NO2 and the two equations do not add
up to the overall equation.

Examiner Tip

Use the orders to work out the rate determining step. The rate
determining step for this reaction must only have two molecules of
nitrogen dioxide on the left of the equation as the reaction is second
order with respect to nitrogen dioxide and zero order with respect to
carbon monoxide. You can then deduce the equation for Step 2 as the
two equations must add up to the overall equation.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 21

 Examiner Comments

This is a very good answer and it scored 2 marks.

22 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

Question 19 (b) (ii-iv)
The majority of candidates scored full marks for these question.
A few candidates looked up the wrong entropies from the Data Booklet and a few wrote
them down incorrectly, for example, they wrote 213 instead of 213.6. A few candidates
added and subtracted the numbers incorrectly. The majority of candidates did include the
correct sign and unit in their answer. A few candidates confused J and kJ in part (iii) and
some forgot the minus sign in front of the enthalpy change. A few candidates tried to add
together entropy changes in different units in part (iv). A few candidates were confused
about the difference between enthalpy and entropy and wrote statements such as 'ΔS is
positive so the reaction is endothermic and not feasible'.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 23

 Examiner Comments

Part (ii) is correct and scored 2 marks.

The candidate has used 266 in their working instead of 226 so the
numerical value is incorrect and the sign is also incorrect so no mark
was awarded in part (iii).
Part (iv) is consequentially correct and scored 2 marks.

Examiner Tip

Check that you copy numerical data from questions carefully.

Check the sign carefully. If there are two minus signs, the final
answer will be positive.

24 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

 Examiner Comments

This candidate has selected the correct entropy values from the Data
Booklet but they have multiplied two of them by 2, even though
there are no balancing numbers in the overall equation. They scored
1 mark for part (ii).
Part (iii) is correct and part (iv) is consequentially correct on the
incorrect value from part (ii), so these both scored 2 marks.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 25

 Examiner Comments

This candidate scored 2 marks for each part of the

answer.

26 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

Question 20 (a) (i)
Many candidates drew clear mechanisms with a correct dipole, curly arrows and
intermediate. Some candidates lost a mark as they omitted the dipole. Some candidates
drew inaccurate curly arrows that seemed to start and end in space, showing that they
have not understood the meaning of the curly arrows and they had just tried to memorise
the mechanism. Candidates should understand that a curly arrow represents movement of
electrons. Common errors included not showing the charge on the cyanide ion, starting the
curly arrow at the carbon atom of the C=O instead of the bond, joining the cyanide through
the nitrogen atom rather than the carbon atom and the arrow from O- to H+ was frequently
drawn the wrong way round. A few candidates chose to write the mechanism for propanone
instead of propanal and they lost a mark for this.

Examiner Comments Examiner Tip

This candidate has scored 2 marks for the A curly arrow with a full arrow head represents the
correct dipole on the carbonyl group and movement of a pair of electrons.
the correct intermediate. They have drawn A curly arrow with a half arrow head represents the
curly arrows with half arrow heads, which movement of a single electron. These are used in
is incorrect. reactions that involve free radicals.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 27

 Examiner Comments

This candidate has omitted the dipole on the carbonyl group. The
first two curly arrows and the intermediate are correct and scored
2 marks. There is a curly arrow from the H+ ion to the lone pair of
electrons on the oxygen, which is incorrect.

Examiner Tip

A curly arrow represents the movement of a pair of electrons so it

cannot start from an H+ ion that has no electrons! Curly arrows can
show the breaking of a bond by starting at a bond and moving to
the atom that takes the electrons or they can show the formation of
a bond by starting at a lone pair of electrons on an atom and moving
towards the atom that will join to it.

28 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

 Examiner Comments

This is an example of a correct mechanism, scoring 4 marks.

Examiner Tip

Draw mechanisms clearly, as in this example.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 29

 Question 20 (a) (ii)
The majority of candidates knew that this was a nucleophilic addition reaction, although a
number included SN1 or SN2 in their answer and lost a mark.

Question 20 (b) (i)

Many candidates knew that propanoyl chloride was the required reagent for Step 1.
Candidates were asked to identify the reagent by name or formula. Some candidates
decided to give both name and formula, however, if one of these was incorrect, they did not
score the mark. 'Propyl chloride' and 'propanyl chloride' were frequently seen as incorrect
names and CH3CH2COOCl was a common incorrect formula.

Examiner Comments Examiner Tip

This candidate gave the correct formula If you give a name and formula, both must be
but the name is incorrect, so they did not correct to score the mark. It is better to give the one
score a mark you are most confident is correct.

30 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

 Examiner Comments

This candidate gave the correct name and formula so scored 1

mark.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 31

 Question 20 (b) (ii)
This is similar to (b)(i). If the name and formula are given, both must be correct to score
the mark. A number of candidates gave ammonia as the reagent for Step 3 and a few
mentioned an amide.

Examiner Comments

This candidate has given the correct name and formula, so

scored 1 mark.

32 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

 Examiner Comments

Ammonia was a common incorrect reagent.

Examiner Tip

Learn the reagents required for the reactions in

the specification.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 33

 Question 20 (b) (iii)
The majority of candidates could work out that there are 4 peaks in the spectrum.

Question 20 (c)
Many candidates only scored 1 mark as they did not write a balanced equation and omitted
the water that is also produced. Some candidates started with propanoic acid and propan-
2-ol but drew the ester formed from propan-1-ol.   A few candidates omitted the hydrogen
atom from the central carbon atom of propan-2-ol in the alcohol and/or the ester, leaving
a three co-ordinate carbon atom. Some candidates wrote an equation for propanoic acid
reacting with propan-1-ol instead of propan-2-ol. However, they were given 1 mark if the
equation, including water as a product, was completely correct.

Examiner Comments

This candidate has shown the correct structure for the ester and
scored 1 mark. However, they have omitted water from the equation.

Examiner Tip

Check that your equations are balanced. Remember

that carboxylic acid + alcohol → ester + water.

34 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

 Examiner Comments

This candidate has underlined propan-2-ol in the question but has

written an equation with propan-1-ol. The equation is correct so they
were awarded 1 mark.

Examiner Tip

Read the question carefully and check that you have

written the correct formula for the reactants.

Examiner Comments

This candidate has written a correct balanced equation and scored 2

marks.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 35

 Question 20 (d)
The majority of candidates identified compound Q as an alcohol from the absorbance of the
O-H bond on the spectrum. Many candidates just stated that it was propanol. They were
told that it was formed from propanoic acid, so they should have stated that it was propan-
1-ol. Some candidates thought that they could identify an amine group on the spectrum.
This was surprising as they were told that compound Q was formed by the reduction of
propanoic acid. Candidates need to use all the information given in the question and not just
try to identify a peak using the Data Booklet.

Examiner Comments

This candidate has identified propan-1-ol and stated there is an OH

absorption but they have not stated which peak is caused by the OH
group. This answer scored 1 mark.

Examiner Tip

Always identify a peak by stating the bond that causes

it and quoting the wavenumbers or indicating it on the
spectrum.

36 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

 Examiner Comments

This is an example of a common error. The candidate has identified

the alcohol group from the wavenumber, but has not stated which
propanol is formed. This answer scored 1 mark.

Examiner Tip

If there are two or more possible isomers, state which

one is present.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 37

 Examiner Comments

This candidate has identified the OH peak and the specific alcohol and
scored 2 marks.

38 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

Question 21 (a)
Many candidates were able to give correct expressions for Kp and to calculate its value.
Some candidtes omitted to show the partial pressures in the expression and some used
square brackets. A small number of candidates gave the symbols of hydrogen and iodine as
H and I. There were many correct calculations and many of the successful candidates set
out their working clearly, using a table. Some candidates gave incorrect equilibrium moles
for hydrogen and/or hydrogen iodide but they did receive consequential marks following
from these errors. The majority of candidates stated that there were no units or showed
them cancelling, but a few just left out this easy mark.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 39

 Examiner Comments

The expression for Kp is correct and scored 1 mark.

The number of moles of hydrogen at equilibrium is correct but the
number of moles of hydrogen iodide is incorrect. However, the rest
of the calculation is consequentially correct, including the units, so
this answer scored 4 marks.

Examiner Tip

Always show your working clearly as you can still score

consequential marks, even if you make an error in a
calculation.

40 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

 Examiner Tip
Examiner Comments

This candidate has given incorrect symbols for Use correct formulae for the
hydrogen and iodine so does not score the mark reactants and products from the
for part (i). The calculation in part (ii) is correct, balanced equation.
including the units, so 5 marks were awarded.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 41

 Examiner Comments Examiner Tip

Set out your working for calculations clearly, as in

This is an example of a completely
this answer. If you do make a mistake, the examiner
correct answer, scoring 6 marks.
can see where you have gone wrong and award
consequential marks for the rest of your answer.

42 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

Question 21 (b)
The majority of candidates realised that there were the same number of moles of gas
on each side of the equation, so increasing the pressure would have no effect on the
equilibrium position.

Examiner Comments Examiner Tip

Count the number of gas molecules carefully. There

This candidate thought that there
are two moles of gas on the left and two moles of gas
were fewer moles of gas on the right
on the right of the equation.
of the equation, so did not score a
mark.

Examiner Comments Examiner Tip

The candidate should have referred to the When writing about the effect of a change
moles of gas but in this equation all of the of pressure on a system in equilibrium,
reactants and products are gases so this was always refer to the number of moles of gas
awarded 1 mark. molecules.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 43

 Question 21 (c)
Many candidates did get both parts of this question correct. A small number did not
look at the enthalpy change at the start of the question, so they did not realise that the
reaction was exothermic and so ΔSsurroundings would become less positive and ΔStotal would
also decrease as the temperature increases. Many candidates did state that the value for
Kp would decrease and the yield of hydrogen iodide would also decrease but they explained
their answer in terms of Le Chatelier's Principle instead of the relationship between ΔStotal
and lnKp. Some candidates stated that the equilibrium position would shift to the left but
they omitted to state what would happen to the yield of hydrogen iodide.

Examiner Comments

In part (i), the effect of increasing the temperature on ΔSsurroundings is

correct and scores 1 mark. The effect on ΔStotal is incorrect.
Part (ii) scores 1 mark based on the incorrect change of ΔStotal in (i).

44 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

 Examiner Comments

Part (i) is correct and scores 2 marks.

Part (ii) scores 1 mark for stating the effect of increasing temperature on
Kp, but the candidate has not explained the relationship between ΔStotal
and lnKp.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 45

 Examiner Comments

This is an example of a correct answer, scoring 4

marks.

46 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

Question 22 (a) (i)
The majority of candidates knew that acids are proton donors. Some candidates stated that
acids release protons but did not indicate that they donate them (to another substance that
acts as a base).

Examiner Comments

The acid will have a conjugate base but the important point of
the definition is missing. This answer did not score a mark.

Examiner Tip

Learn the Bronsted-Lowry definitions for an acid and a

base.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 47

 Question 22 (a) (ii-iii)
Many candidates were able to write the equation for lactic acid with water and the
expression for Ka. Some candidates omitted some or all of the square brackets from Ka.

Examiner Comments

This candidate has not written a balanced equation for part (ii),
so did not score the mark.
They have included water in the expression for Ka, so did not
score the mark for part (iii).

Examiner Tip

Always check that your equations are balanced.

Do not include H2O in expressions for Ka.

48 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

 Examiner Comments

This is an example of a correct answer, scoring both marks.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 49

 Question 22 (a) (iv)
The majority of candidates were able to calculate the correct pH. Some candidates used
the pKa value as if it were Ka and calculated a very low value of the pH of a weak acid, or
they calculated an incorrect value of Ka from pKa . Many candidates were able to give two
assumptions that they made in the calculation, but some stated the same assumption
twice, albeit in different words. For example, 'no hydrogen ions from water' is the same
assumption as 'all the hydrogen ions are from the acid' or 'the concentration of hydrogen
ions is the same as the concentration of lactate ions'.

50 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

 Examiner Comments

This candidate has correctly converted pKa into Ka at the start of their
answer, but has then copied it incorrectly in the next stage. However, the
rest of the working is correct. There is also one correct assumption so
this answer scored 3 marks.

Examiner Tip

Check that you have copied numbers correctly.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 51

 Examiner Comments

This candidate has carried out a correct calculation and given

one assumption, so has scored 4 marks.

52 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

 Examiner Comments

This is an example of a correct calculation with two correct

assumptions and it scored 5 marks.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 53

 Question 22 (b) (i-ii)
The majority of candidates calculated the pH of the sodium hydroxide solution correctly, but
some did not read the question and did not round it to one decimal place. Many candidates
were able to complete the titration curve, although many ignored the pH they had just
calculated and extended the curve to above pH 13.2. Candidates should realise that the pH
will never reach the value of the alkali that is being added as the excess alkali will be diluted
down at the end of the titration. A few candidates did not continue the curve to show the
addition of 50.0 cm3 of sodium hydroxide solution and a few drew careless curves that rose
to a maximum and dipped down at the end.

54 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

 Examiner Comments Examiner Tip

This candidate has scored 1 mark for part (i) Titration curves should end at a lower pH
as they have calculated the pH correctly, but than the solution being added.
not given their answer to one decimal place.
The titration curve is finishing at a pH higher
than that of the sodium hydroxide solution,
so scores no mark.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 55

 Examiner Comments

This candidate has scored 2 marks for part (i) as the calculation
is correct (using the pOH route) and they have given the value
to one decimal place.
The titration curve ends at a pH lower than 13.2, so part (ii)
scored 1 mark.

56 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

Question 22 (b) (iii-iv)
Many candidates were able to select a correct indicator for the titration and justify their
reason. Some candidates omitted to write the colour change of the indicator, even though
these are in the Data Booklet.
Part (iv) proved very challenging for many candidates. The majority of candidates stated the
pH when lactic acid is half-neutralized. However, sodium lactate is present when the acid is
completely neutralized and they should have selected the pH at the mid-point of the vertical
section of the titration curve.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 57

 Examiner Comments

This candidate has chosen a suitable indicator, stated the colour

change and justified their choice. This scored 3 marks for part (iii).
They have selected the pH at the half-neutralization point so scored 0
for part (iv).

Examiner Tip

The pH of the salt formed during a titration can be found

from the mid-point of the vertical section of the titration
curve as there is none of the original acid left and excess
alkali has not been added to it.

58 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

 Examiner Comments

This candidate has scored 3 marks for a correct answer to part (iii).
They have scored 1 mark for a correct pH in part (iv), but there is not
enough explanation for the second mark.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 59

60 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01
 Examiner Comments

This is an excellent answer that scored 3 marks for part (iii) and 2
marks for part (iv).

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 61

 Question 22 (b) (v)
Many candidates started their answer with a definition of a buffer solution that was not
needed here as the question asked for an explanation of how a buffer solution works.
Many candidates gave good descriptions of a buffer solution and how it can work. Some
candidates gave statements and ionic equations that were contradictory, for example, they
stated that lactic acid only partially dissociates in water but then gave an equation to show
complete dissociation. Some candidates did not include ionic equations to show how the
added H+ and OH- ions are removed.

Examiner Comments

This candidate has described the buffer solution and given equations
for how it is formed. However, they have not explained how the buffer
solution reacts with added H+ or OH- ions. This answer scored 1 mark.

Examiner Tip

Explain why the pH of the buffer solution only changes a

little when small amounts of acid or alkali is added to it.

62 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

 Examiner Comments

This is a good description of how a buffer solution removes the added

H+ and OH- ions. However, there is no mention that the buffer solution
contains a reservoir of the weak acid and its conjugate base to react
with the added ions. This answer scored 3 marks.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 63

 Examiner Comments

This is an excellent answer that scored 4 marks.

64 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

Question 22 (c)
Many candidates found this a challenging question. Many of them did not compare the pKa
values of the two acids to see that lactic acid is a stronger acid than ethanoic acid, so it
donates the proton and ethanoic acid accepts the proton.

Examiner Comments

This candidate has shown ethanoic acid donating a proton to

lactic acid and has not scored a mark.

Examiner Tip

Use the pKa values to find out which is the stronger

acid. The stronger acid donates a proton to the weaker
acid.

Examiner Comments

This candidate has realised that lactic acid is a stronger acid

than ethanoic acid, so has scored the mark.

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 65

 In order to improve their performance, candidates should:
• read the questions carefully and use all the information given;
• check their answers to calculations to avoid careless errors;
• explain their answers clearly and concisely;
• write balanced equations;
• understand how a rate equation relates to a mechanism;
• understand the use of dipoles, curly arrows and charges in an organic mechanism.

66 IAL Chemistry WCH04 01

Grade Boundaries
Grade boundaries for this, and all other papers, can be found on the website on this link:
http://www.edexcel.com/iwantto/Pages/grade-boundaries.aspx

IAL Chemistry WCH04 01 67

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