DP Chemistry (first assessment 2025)
Question 19M.2.SL.TZ2.e
Date | May 2019 | Marks available | [Maximum mark: 1] | Reference code | 19M.2.SL.TZ2.e |
Level | SL | Paper | 2 | Time zone | TZ2 |
Command term | Identify | Question number | e | Adapted from | N/A |
e.
[Maximum mark: 1]
19M.2.SL.TZ2.e
The minor product, C6H5–CH2–CH2Br, can be directly converted to an intermediate compound, X, which can then be directly converted to the acid C6H5–CH2–COOH.
C6H5–CH2–CH2Br → X → C6H5–CH2–COOH
Identify X.
[1]
Markscheme
C6H5–CH2–CH2OH [✔]
Examiners report
Quite well answered though some candidates suggested an aldehyde rather than the alcohol, or forgot that C has two hydrogens apart from the -OH. In other cases, they left a Br there.

Syllabus sections
Reactivity 3. What are the mechanisms of chemical change? » Reactivity 3.4—Electron-pair sharing reactions » Reactivity 3.4.2—In a nucleophilic substitution reaction, a nucleophile donates an electron pair to form a new bond, as another bond breaks producing a leaving group. Deduce equations with descriptions and explanations of the movement of electron pairs in nucleophilic substitution reactions.
Reactivity 3. What are the mechanisms of chemical change? » Reactivity 3.2—Electron transfer reactions » Reactivity 3.2.9—Functional groups in organic compounds may undergo oxidation. Deduce equations to show changes in the functional groups during oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols, including the two-step reaction in the oxidation of primary alcohols.