DP Chemistry (last assessment 2024)

Test builder »

Question 19M.3.hl.TZ2.b

Select a Test
Date May 2019 Marks available [Maximum mark: 2] Reference code 19M.3.hl.TZ2.b
Level hl Paper 3 Time zone TZ2
Command term Explain Question number b Adapted from N/A
b.
[Maximum mark: 2]
19M.3.hl.TZ2.b

Medicines and drugs are tested for effectiveness and safety.

Explain why diamorphine (heroin) is more potent than morphine using section 37 of the data booklet.

[2]

Markscheme

morphine has «two» hydroxyl groups AND diamorphine has «two» ester/ethanoate/acetate groups
OR
molecule of diamorphine is less polar than morphine
OR
groups in morphine are replaced with less polar/non-polar groups in diamorphine  [✔]

«less polar molecules» cross the blood–brain barrier faster/more easily
OR
diamorphine is more soluble in non-polar environment of CNS/central nervous system than morphine  [✔]

 

Note: Accept “alcohol/hydroxy” for “hydroxyl” but not “hydroxide”.

Accept “fats” for “lipid”.

Accept “heroin” for “diamorphine”.

Examiners report

This part was reasonably well answered with some very good answers.