DP Chemistry (last assessment 2024)

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Question 19N.3.hl.TZ0.26

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Date November 2019 Marks available [Maximum mark: 2] Reference code 19N.3.hl.TZ0.26
Level hl Paper 3 Time zone TZ0
Command term Apply, Describe, State Question number 26 Adapted from N/A
26.
[Maximum mark: 2]
19N.3.hl.TZ0.26

Taxol is an anticancer drug.

(a)

State the feature of Taxol that is a major challenge in its synthesis. Use section 37 of the data booklet.

[1]

Markscheme

numerous stereoisomers/chiral carbons/chiral centres/stereocentres/optical isomers ✔

NOTE: Accept exact number of chiral carbons ie 11, but do not accept just “chiral”.

(b)

Describe how the challenge in (a) was resolved by pharmaceutical companies.

[1]

Markscheme

chiral auxiliaries/molecule binds to reactant blocking one reaction site «by steric hindrance»
OR
asymmetric synthesis / enantioselective catalysis «producing a specific enantiomer»
OR
biosynthesis / genetically modified bacteria/microorganisms ✔

NOTE: Accept “use of a chiral auxiliary leading to «the synthesis of» the desired enantiomer”.

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