DP Chemistry (first assessment 2025)

Question 22M.2.SL.TZ2.8a(i)

Date	May 2022	Marks available	[Maximum mark: 2]	Reference code	22M.2.SL.TZ2.8a(i)
Level	SL	Paper	2	Time zone	TZ2
Command term	Outline	Question number	a(i)	Adapted from	N/A

a(i).

[Maximum mark: 2]

22M.2.SL.TZ2.8a(i)

(a(i))

Outline two differences between the bonding of carbon atoms in C₆₀ and diamond.

[2]

Markscheme

Any two of:

C₆₀ fullerene: bonded to 3 C AND diamond: bonded to 4 C ✔

C₆₀ fullerene: delocalized/resonance AND diamond: not delocalized / no resonance ✔

C₆₀ fullerene: sp² AND diamond: sp³✔

C₆₀ fullerene: bond angles between 109–120° AND diamond: 109° ✔

Accept "bonds in fullerene are shorter/stronger/have higher bond order OR bonds in diamond longer/weaker/have lower bond order".

Examiners report

A challenging question, requiring accurate knowledge of the bonding in these allotropes (some referred to graphite, clearly the most familiar allotrope). The most frequent (correct) answer was the difference in number of bonded C atoms and hybridisation in second place. However, only 30% got a mark.

Syllabus sections

Structure 2. Models of bonding and structure » Structure 2.2—The covalent model » Structure 2.2.7—Carbon and silicon form covalent network structures. Describe the structures and explain the properties of silicon, silicon dioxide and carbon’s allotropes: diamond, graphite, fullerenes and graphene.

Question 22M.2.SL.TZ2.8a(i)

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