International Chemistry Olympiad

IChO 1997

Montreal, Canada · 8 theory problems with complete solutions

  1. Problem 1: Structure of a trisaccharide from cottonseed meal

    Compound X is a trisaccharide which occurs principally in cottonseed meal.
    Compound X does not react with Benedict’s or Fehling’s solutions nor does it mutarotate.
    Acid-catalyzed hydrolysis gives three different D-hexoses, A, B, and C. Compounds A and B, as well as compound 1 (see below), all give the same osazone upon reaction with excess acidic phenylhydrazine. Compound C reacts with nitric acid to give an optically inactive compound D. The Kiliani-Fischer approach is used to establish the configurational relationship between D-glyceraldehyde and C. The intermediate aldotetrose which leads to C does not give a meso compound when oxidized by nitric acid. When A is treated with nitric acid, the dicarboxylic acid (aldaric acid) produced is optically active. Both A and B react with 5 moles of \(\ce{HIO4}\); one mole of A gives 5 moles of methanoic (formic) acid and one mole of methanal (formaldehyde) while one mole of B gives 3 moles of methanoic (formic) acid and 2 moles of methanal (formaldehyde) and one mole of carbon dioxide. Both A and B are related to the same aldotetrose which is the diastereoisomer of the one to which C is related. Methylation of X followed by hydrolysis gives a 2,3,4-tri-O-methyl-D-hexose (E) (derived from A), a 1,3,4,6-tetra-O-methyl-D-hexose (F) (derived from B), and a 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-methyl-D-hexose (G) (derived from C).

    1.1 On the answer sheet, draw Fischer projection formulas of A, B, C, and D.

    1.2 On the answer sheet, complete the appropriate Haworth projection formulas to clearly show the ring size and absolute stereochemistry of E, F, and G. Either of the anomeric forms are acceptable as an answer.

    1.3 On the answer sheet, underline the correct representation of the connectivity sequence of the three monosaccharides present in trisaccharide X.

    Figure 1

    Official English text of the problem.

  2. Problem 2: Atmospheric formation of sulfuric acid: kinetics

    Professor Molina of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology won the 1995 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on atmospheric chemistry. One reaction that he has studied in detail is the acid rain reaction which produces \(\ce{H2SO4}\) in the atmosphere. He has proposed two possible stoichiometric reactions:

    Figure 1

    2.1 Using simple collision theory, what reaction orders would be expected for Proposal A and for Proposal B?

    Proposal B is thought to proceed by the following two-step process:

    Figure 2

    (\(\ce{SO3 * 2H2O}\) is a complex which is stabilized by hydrogen bonds and \(k_2 \ll k_1\) or \(k_{-1}\))

    2.2 By applying the principle of stationary (steady) states, derive the appropriate rate law and hence the reaction order of the two-step mechanism for Proposal B.

    2.3 Recent quantum chemical calculations have shown that the overall reaction activation energies for the two proposals are:

    \(E_A = +80\ \mathrm{kJ\,mol^{-1}}\) for Proposal A
    \(E_B = -20\ \mathrm{kJ\,mol^{-1}}\) for Proposal B

    State the relationship between the rate constant and the temperature (Arrhenius relationship) for each proposal and predict the temperature dependence of the rate constants for each proposal.

    2.4 The formation of \(\ce{H2SO4}\) is faster in the upper atmosphere (\(T = 175\ \mathrm{K}\)) than at the earth’s surface (\(T = 300\ \mathrm{K}\)). Which proposed pathway must dominate in the upper atmosphere given the activation energies in part (iii) and your understanding of the Arrhenius equation?

    Official English text of the problem.

  3. Problem 3: Synthesis of the thiol side chain of the anti-asthma drug MK-0476

    Chemists at Merck Frosst Canada in Montréal have developed a promising drug which is useful against asthma. The structure of MK-0476 is shown below.

    Figure 1

    During their investigation, they devised a simple and efficient synthesis, depicted below, for the thiolated portion of MK-0476 starting from diethyl ester A.

    3.1 Give the structures of the intermediate products B - F prepared during this synthesis.

    Figure 2

    In one of the last steps of the synthesis on MK-0476, the dilithium salt of the above thiol acid (G) was coupled with the side chain of the rest of the molecule as shown below.

    Figure 3

    3.2 Based on the observed stereochemistry of the above reaction, what is the mechanistic designation of this coupling process?

    3.3 If the process proceeds by your proposed mechanism, what change would occur to the overall rate of the reaction if the concentration of both the thiolate salt and the substrate H were simultaneously tripled?

    3.4 For the nucleophilic substitution reaction, model studies were carried out using bromoethane as the substrate to perfect the above coupling. Draw only the structure of the major product of the reaction of one molar equivalent of bromoethane with:

    a) G plus two molar equivalents of base

    b) G plus one molar equivalent of base

    3.5 A side reaction of G is its oxidative dimerization.

    Draw the structure of the dimeric product, showing all non-bonded electrons.

    Official English text of the problem.

  4. Problem 4: Spectrophotometry of an acid-base indicator

    Graph paper is provided for your optional use in this question.

    If you choose to use it, print your name and identification code in the upper right corner of the graph paper.

    ****************************

    \(\ce{HIn}\) is a weakly acidic indicator.

    Figure 1

    also written as

    Figure 2

    At normal temperatures, the acid dissociation constant for this indicator is \(K_{\mathrm a}=2.93\times10^{-5}\).

    The absorbance data (1.00 cm cells) for \(5.00\times10^{-4}\) M (\(\mathrm{mol\,dm^{-3}}\)) solutions of this indicator in strongly acidic and strongly alkaline solutions are given in the following table.

    Absorbance Data (A)

    \(\lambda\), nm \(pH=1.00\) \(pH=13.00\)
    400 0.401 0.067
    470 0.447 0.050
    485 0.453 0.052
    490 0.452 0.054
    505 0.443 0.073
    535 0.390 0.170
    555 0.342 0.342
    570 0.303 0.515
    585 0.263 0.648
    615 0.195 0.816
    625 0.176 0.823
    635 0.170 0.816
    650 0.137 0.763
    680 0.097 0.588
    Figure 3

    4.1 Predict the observed colour of the a) acidic and b) basic forms of the indicator.

    Using a “50 nm wide bar”, shade the appropriate area of the wavelength scale on the answer sheet which would correspond to the colour of the indicator at the \(pH\) values given in the table.

    For example, if observed colour is green, your answer would appear as:

    Figure 4

    4.2 A filter is located between the light source and the sample. What colour filter would be most suitable for the photometric analysis of the indicator in a strongly acidic medium?

    4.3 What wavelength range would be most suitable for the photometric analysis of the indicator in a strongly basic medium?

    4.4 What would be the absorbance of a \(1.00\times10^{-4}\) M (\(\mathrm{mol\,dm^{-3}}\)) solution of the indicator in alkaline form if measured at 545 nm in a 2.50 cm cell?

    4.5 Solutions of the indicator were prepared in a strongly acidic solution (\(\ce{HCl}\), \(pH=1\)) and in a strongly basic solution (\(\ce{NaOH}\), \(pH=13\)). Perfectly linear relationships between absorbance and concentration were observed in both media at 490 nm and 625 nm, respectively.

    The molar absorptivities at the two wavelengths are:

    \(\lambda=490\ \mathrm{nm}\) \(\lambda=625\ \mathrm{nm}\)
    \(\ce{HIn}\) (\(\ce{HCl}\)) \(9.04\times10^2\ \mathrm{M^{-1}\,cm^{-1}}\) \(3.52\times10^2\ \mathrm{M^{-1}\,cm^{-1}}\)
    \(\ce{In-}\) (\(\ce{NaOH}\)) \(1.08\times10^2\ \mathrm{M^{-1}\,cm^{-1}}\) \(1.65\times10^3\ \mathrm{M^{-1}\,cm^{-1}}\)

    \((\mathrm{M}=\mathrm{mol\,dm^{-3}})\)

    Calculate the absorbance (1.00 cm cell) at the two wavelengths for an aqueous \(1.80\times10^{-3}\) M (\(\mathrm{mol\,dm^{-3}}\)) solution of the indicator \(\ce{HIn}\).

    Official English text of the problem.

  5. Problem 5: Allotropes of iron and the density of martensite

    Iron metal melts at 1811 K. Between room temperature and its melting point, iron metal can exist in different allotropic or crystalline forms. From room temperature to 1185 K, the crystal structure of iron metal exists as a body-centred cubic (bcc) lattice known as α-iron. From 1185 K to 1667 K, the structure becomes face-centred cubic (fcc) and is called γ-iron. Above 1667 K, and up to its melting point, iron reverts to a bcc structure similar to that of α-iron. The latter phase is called δ-iron.

    Given that the density of pure iron metal is \(7.874\ \mathrm{g\,cm^{-3}}\) at 293 K:

    5.1 Calculate the atomic radius of iron (expressed in cm).

    5.2 Calculate its density (expressed in \(\mathrm{g\,cm^{-3}}\)) at 1250 K.

    Notes: Ignore the small effects due to the thermal expansion of the metal.

    Clearly define any symbols which you use, e.g. \(r\) = atomic radius of \(\ce{Fe}\).

    Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon in which some of the interstitial spaces (“holes”) of the crystal lattice (iron) are occupied by small atoms (carbon). Its carbon content typically ranges from 0.1 % to 4.0 %. In a blast-furnace, the melting of iron is facilitated when it contains 4.3 % of carbon by mass. If this mixture is cooled too rapidly the carbon atoms remain dispersed within the α-iron phase. This new solid, called martensite, is extremely hard and brittle. Although is it slightly distorted, the size of the unit cell of this solid (martensite) is the same as that of α-iron (bcc).

    Assuming that the carbon atoms are evenly distributed in the iron structure:

    5.3 Calculate the average number of carbon atoms per unit cell of α-iron in martensite containing 4.3 % \(\ce{C}\) by mass.

    5.4 Calculate the density (expressed in \(\mathrm{g\,cm^{-3}}\)) of this material.

    Molar masses and constants:

    \(M(\ce{Fe}) = 55.847\ \mathrm{g\,mol^{-1}}\)

    \(M(\ce{C}) = 12.011\ \mathrm{g\,mol^{-1}}\)

    \(N_{\mathrm A} = 6.02214\times10^{23}\ \mathrm{mol^{-1}}\)

    Official English text of the problem.

  6. Problem 6: Refining of platinum metals; a main-group chloride and ammonia

    6.1 Much of the world’s supply of platinum group metals is derived from the residues recovered from the electrolytic refining of copper and nickel. A flow chart for the recovery of platinum and palladium is shown on the following page.

    i) Clearly draw the shape (geometry) of both the \(\ce{PtCl6^2-}\) and the \(\ce{PdCl4^2-}\) anions.

    ii) Clearly draw all possible stereoisomeric structures of monomeric \(\ce{Pd(NH3)2Cl2}\). Label the structures that you have drawn with their correct stereochemical descriptors.

    iii) What is the role of the \(\ce{FeSO4}\) in the second step of the flow chart? Write a balanced equation for the reaction of \(\ce{FeSO4}\) in this step.

    iv) Write a complete balanced equation for the ignition of \(\ce{Pd(NH3)2Cl2}\) in air to give \(\ce{Pd}\) metal. In this reaction, what is being oxidized and what is being reduced?

    6.2 Reaction of a main group chloride (24.71 g) with ammonia (10.90 g) gave a mixture of products consisting of \(\ce{NH4Cl}\) (25.68 g), a solid element A (2.57 g) and a yellow crystalline nitride of this element (7.37 g) according to the equation below.

    Figure 1

    (where n, m, p, q, r, w, x, y and z are coefficients to be determined)

    A sample of the nitride exploded violently when struck with a hammer, but it underwent controlled polymerization on heating to give a bronze-coloured, fibrous solid which exhibits metallic conductivity. Element A also undergoes polymerization to a high molecular weight linear polymer upon heating.

    Molar masses:

    \[ M(\ce{Cl})=35.453\ \mathrm{g\,mol^{-1}} \qquad M(\ce{N})=14.007\ \mathrm{g\,mol^{-1}} \qquad M(\ce{H})=1.008\ \mathrm{g\,mol^{-1}} \]

    i) Identify element A.

    ii) Write a complete balanced equation for the reaction of the chloride with ammonia.

    iii) Assuming conventional oxidation states, write the balanced redox half-reaction equations involved in this reaction.

    Figure 2

    Method of Purification of Platinum and Palladium

    Official English text of the problem.

  7. Problem 7: Thermodynamics of chlorine expansion and of nickel ammine/ethylenediamine complexes

    7.1 One mole of \(\ce{Cl2(g)}\), which may be assumed to obey the ideal gas law, initially at 300 K and \(1.01325\times10^7\) Pa, is expanded against a constant external pressure of \(1.01325\times10^5\) Pa to a final pressure of \(1.01325\times10^5\) Pa. As a result of the expansion, the gas cooled to a temperature of 239 K (which is the normal boiling point of \(\ce{Cl2}\)), and 0.100 mol of \(\ce{Cl2}\) condensed.

    The enthalpy of vaporization of \(\ce{Cl2(l)}\) is 20.42 kJ mol\(^{-1}\) at the normal boiling point, the molar heat capacity of \(\ce{Cl2(g)}\) at constant volume is \(C_v=28.66\) J K\(^{-1}\) mol\(^{-1}\) and the density of \(\ce{Cl2(l)}\) is 1.56 g cm\(^{-3}\) (at 239 K). Assume that the molar heat capacity at constant pressure for \(\ce{Cl2(g)}\) is \(C_p=C_v+R\).

    (1 atm \(=1.01325\times10^5\) Pa, \(R=8.314510\) J K\(^{-1}\) mol\(^{-1}=0.0820584\) L atm K\(^{-1}\) mol\(^{-1}\))

    i) Either draw a complete molecular orbital energy diagram or write the complete electronic configuration of \(\ce{Cl2}\). Predict the bond order of \(\ce{Cl2}\) and thus whether this molecule will be diamagnetic, ferromagnetic, or paramagnetic.

    ii) For the changes described above, calculate the change in the internal energy \((\Delta E)\) and the change in the entropy \((\Delta S_{\mathrm{sys}})\) of the system.

    7.2 For the following reactions occurring in dilute aqueous solution at 298 K:

    Figure 1

    \(\ln K_c=11.60\) and \(\Delta H^0=-33.5\) kJ mol\(^{-1}\)

    Figure 2

    \(\ln K_c=17.78\) and \(\Delta H^0=-37.2\) kJ mol\(^{-1}\)

    Note: \(en\) is ethylenediamine (a neutral bidentate ligand)

    (\(R=8.314510\) J K\(^{-1}\) mol\(^{-1}=0.0820584\) L atm K\(^{-1}\) mol\(^{-1}\))

    Calculate \(\Delta G^0\), \(\Delta S^0\), and \(K_c\) at 298 K for reaction [3] occurring in a dilute aqueous solution:

    Figure 3

    Official English text of the problem.

  8. Problem 8: Electrodeposition of copper monolayers on Pt(100)

    An electrolyte is prepared from \(\ce{H2SO4}\), \(\ce{CuSO4}\) and distilled water and its volume is \(100.0\ \mathrm{cm^3}\). The concentrations of \(\ce{H+}\) and \(\ce{Cu^2+}\) in the electrolyte are \(c(\ce{H+}) = 1.000\ \mathrm{M}\) \((\mathrm{mol\ dm^{-3}})\) and \(c(\ce{Cu^2+}) = 1.000\times10^{-2}\ \mathrm{M}\) \((\mathrm{mol\ dm^{-3}})\), respectively. Two cubic platinum electrodes are immersed in the electrolyte. Both of the electrodes are single crystals with only one face (100) exposed to the electrolyte (the other five faces are blocked physically by an insulator which is stable in the electrolyte). The exposed surface area of each electrode is equal to \(1.000\ \mathrm{cm^2}\). During an electrolysis a total charge of \(2.0000\ \mathrm{C}\) is passed between the cathode and the anode. At the cathode, two simultaneous processes are occurring: deposition of an epitaxial (layer-by-layer) \(\ce{Cu}\) layer and \(\ce{H2}\) gas generation. At the anode, \(\ce{O2}\) gas is generated. The \(\ce{H2}\) gas is collected in a flask under the following conditions (assume ideal gas behaviour):

    \(T = 273.15\ \mathrm{K}\) and \(P(\ce{H2}) = 1.01325\times10^4\ \mathrm{Pa}\); the volume of \(\ce{H2}\) is equal to \(2.0000\ \mathrm{cm^3}\)

    8.1 Write equations of the processes taking place at the electrodes.

    8.2 Calculate the number of moles of \(\ce{H2}\) gas generated at the cathode and the number of moles of \(\ce{Cu}\) deposited on the electrode.

    8.3 Calculate the number of \(\ce{Cu}\) monolayers formed on the \(\ce{Pt}\) (100) cathode.

    Note that the lattice constant of \(\ce{Pt}\) is \(a(\ce{Pt}) = 3.9236\times10^{-8}\ \mathrm{cm}\).

    Both \(\ce{Pt}\) and \(\ce{Cu}\) have the fcc (face centred cubic) crystallographic structure.

    Molar masses and constants:

    \(M(\ce{H}) = 1.00795\ \mathrm{g\ mol^{-1}}\)

    \(M(\ce{Cu}) = 63.546\ \mathrm{g\ mol^{-1}}\)

    \(e = 1.60218\times10^{-19}\ \mathrm{C}\)

    \(F = 96485.3\ \mathrm{C\ mol^{-1}}\)

    \(R = 8.314510\ \mathrm{J\ K^{-1}\ mol^{-1}} = 0.0820584\ \mathrm{L\ atm\ K^{-1}\ mol^{-1}}\)

    \(V_m = 22.4141\ \mathrm{dm^3}\)

    \(1\ \mathrm{atm} = 1.01325\times10^5\ \mathrm{Pa}\)

    \(N_{\mathrm A} = 6.02214\times10^{23}\ \mathrm{mol^{-1}}\)

    Official English text of the problem.