International Chemistry Olympiad

IChO 2003

Athens, Greece · 35 theory problems with complete solutions

  1. Problem 1: Solubility of thorium iodate

    SECTION A: General Chemistry

    QUESTION 1

    The molar solubility \(s\) (mol dm\(^{-3}\)) of \(\ce{Th(IO3)4}\) as a function of the solubility product \(K_{sp}\) of this sparingly soluble thorium salt is given by the equation:

    (a) \(\displaystyle s=(K_{sp}/128)^{1/4}\qquad\boxed{(\quad)}\)

    (b) \(\displaystyle s=(K_{sp}/256)^{1/5}\qquad\boxed{(\quad)}\)

    (c) \(\displaystyle s=256\,K_{sp}^{1/4}\qquad\boxed{(\quad)}\)

    (d) \(\displaystyle s=(128\,K_{sp})^{1/4}\qquad\boxed{(\quad)}\)

    (e) \(\displaystyle s=(256\,K_{sp})^{1/5}\qquad\boxed{(\quad)}\)

    (f) \(\displaystyle s=(K_{sp}/128)^{1/5}/2\qquad\boxed{(\quad)}\)

    Official English text of the problem.

  2. Problem 2: Exact hydrogen ion concentration of hydrochloric acid

    Which one of the following equations must be used for the exact calculation of \([\ce{H+}]\) of an aqueous \(\ce{HCl}\) solution at any concentration \(c_{\ce{HCl}}\)? \((K_w = 1\times10^{-14})\).

    (a) \([\ce{H+}] = c_{\ce{HCl}}\) ( )

    (b) \([\ce{H+}] = c_{\ce{HCl}} + K_w/[\ce{H+}]\) ( )

    (c) \([\ce{H+}] = c_{\ce{HCl}} + K_w\) ( )

    (d) \([\ce{H+}] = c_{\ce{HCl}} - K_w/[\ce{H+}]\) ( )

    Official English text of the problem.

  3. Problem 3: Statements about a glucose solution

    The molar mass of glucose (\(\ce{C6H12O6}\)) is 180 g mol\(^{-1}\) and \(N_A\) is the Avogadro constant. Which one of the following statements is not correct?

    (a) An aqueous 0.5 M solution of glucose is prepared by dissolving 90 g of glucose to give 1000 cm\(^3\) of solution. ( )

    (b) 1.00 mmol amount of glucose has a mass of 180 mg. ( )

    (c) 0.0100 mol of glucose comprises of \(0.0100\times24\times N_A\) atoms. ( )

    (d) 90.0 g glucose contain \(3\times N_A\) atoms of carbon. ( )

    (e) 100 cm\(^3\) of a 0.10 M solution contain 18 g of glucose. ( )

    Official English text of the problem.

  4. Problem 4: Number of molecules in a liquid

    If the density of a liquid compound B is \(\rho\) (in \(\mathrm{g\,cm^{-3}}\)), \(M\) is the molar mass of B and \(N_A\) is the Avogadro constant, then the number of molecules of B in \(1\ \mathrm{dm^3}\) of this compound is:

    (a) \((1000\times\rho)/(M\times N_A)\) ( )

    (b) \((1000\times\rho\times N_A)/M\) ( )

    (c) \((N_A\times\rho)/(M\times1000)\) ( )

    (d) \((N_A\times\rho\times M)/1000\) ( )

    Official English text of the problem.

  5. Problem 5: Converting silver chromate into silver chloride

    The equilibrium constant of the reaction:

    Figure 1

    is given by the equation:

    (a) \(K = K_{sp}(\ce{Ag2CrO4}) / K_{sp}(\ce{AgCl})^{2}\qquad(\quad)\)

    (b) \(K = K_{sp}(\ce{Ag2CrO4}) \times K_{sp}(\ce{AgCl})^{2}\qquad(\quad)\)

    (c) \(K = K_{sp}(\ce{AgCl}) / K_{sp}(\ce{Ag2CrO4})\qquad(\quad)\)

    (d) \(K = K_{sp}(\ce{AgCl})^{2} / K_{sp}(\ce{Ag2CrO4})\qquad(\quad)\)

    (e) \(K = K_{sp}(\ce{Ag2CrO4}) / K_{sp}(\ce{AgCl})\qquad(\quad)\)

    Official English text of the problem.

  6. Problem 6: Preparing a phosphate buffer

    How many \(\mathrm{cm^3}\) of 1.00 M \(\ce{NaOH}\) solution must be added to 100.0 \(\mathrm{cm^3}\) of 0.100 M \(\ce{H3PO4}\) solution to obtain a phosphate buffer solution with \(pH\) of about 7.2? (The \(pK\) values for \(\ce{H3PO4}\) are \(pK_1 = 2.1\), \(pK_2 = 7.2\), \(pK_3 = 12.0\))

    (a) 5.0 \(\mathrm{cm^3}\) ( )

    (b) 10.0 \(\mathrm{cm^3}\) ( )

    (c) 15.0 mL ( )

    (d) 20.0 mL ( )

    Official English text of the problem.

  7. Problem 7: Titration curves of phosphate solutions

    Solutions containing \(\ce{H3PO4}\) and/or \(\ce{NaH2PO4}\) are titrated with a strong base standard solution. Associate the contents of these solutions with the titration curves (\(pH\) vs. volume of titrant) shown in the figure:

    (For \(\ce{H3PO4}\): \(pK_1 = 2.1,\ pK_2 = 7.2,\ pK_3 = 12.0\))

    Figure 1

    a) The sample contains \(\ce{H3PO4}\) only.

    Curve A ( ), Curve B ( ), Curve C ( ), Curve D ( )

    b) The sample contains both in a mole ratio \(\ce{H3PO4} : \ce{NaH2PO4} = 2 : 1\).

    Curve A ( ), Curve B ( ), Curve C ( ), Curve D ( )

    c) The sample contains both in a mole ratio \(\ce{H3PO4} : \ce{NaH2PO4} = 1 : 1\).

    Curve A ( ), Curve B ( ), Curve C ( ), Curve D ( )

    Official English text of the problem.

  8. Problem 8: A dimethylhydrazine and dinitrogen tetroxide propellant

    A fuel/oxidant system consisting of N,N-dimethylhydrazine \(\ce{(CH3)2NNH2}\) and \(\ce{N2O4}\) (both liquids) is commonly used in space vehicle propulsion. Components are mixed stoichiometrically so that \(\ce{N2}\), \(\ce{CO2}\) and \(\ce{H2O}\) are the only products (all gases under the same reaction conditions). How many moles of gases are produced from 1 mol of \(\ce{(CH3)2NNH2}\)?

    (a) 8 ( )
    (b) 9 ( )
    (c) 10 ( )
    (d) 11 ( )
    (e) 12 ( )

    Official English text of the problem.

  9. Problem 9: Charge needed to electrolyse water

    The complete electrolysis of 1 mol of water requires the following amount of electric charge (F is the Faraday constant):

    (a) F ( )

    (b) (4/3) F ( )

    (c) (3/2) F ( )

    (d) 2 F ( )

    (e) 3 F ( )

    Official English text of the problem.

  10. Problem 10: Particles emitted in nuclear reactions

    Identify particle X in each of the following nuclear reactions:

    a)

    Figure 1

    alpha ( ), beta ( ), gamma ( ), neutron ( )

    b)

    Figure 2

    alpha ( ), beta ( ), gamma ( ), neutron ( )

    c)

    Figure 3

    alpha ( ), beta ( ), gamma ( ), neutron ( )

    d)

    Figure 4

    alpha ( ), beta ( ), gamma ( ), neutron ( )

    e)

    Figure 5

    alpha ( ), beta ( ), gamma ( ), neutron ( )

    Official English text of the problem.

  11. Problem 11: Heat of neutralisation in a calorimeter

    10.0 cm\(^3\) of 0.50 M \(\ce{HCl}\) and 10.0 cm\(^3\) of 0.50 M \(\ce{NaOH}\) solutions, both at the same temperature, are mixed in a calorimeter. A temperature increase of \(\Delta T\) is recorded. Estimate the temperature increase if 5.0 cm\(^3\) of 0.50 M \(\ce{NaOH}\) were used instead of 10.0 cm\(^3\). Thermal losses are negligible and the specific heats of both solutions are taken as equal.

    (a) \((1/2)\,\Delta T\) ( )

    (b) \((2/3)\,\Delta T\) ( )

    (c) \((3/4)\,\Delta T\) ( )

    (d) \(\Delta T\) ( )

    Official English text of the problem.

  12. Problem 12: Mass spectrum of the SbHCl+ ion

    Natural antimony consists of the following 2 stable isotopes: \(\ce{^{121}Sb}\), \(\ce{^{123}Sb}\). Natural chlorine consists of the following 2 stable isotopes: \(\ce{^{35}Cl}\), \(\ce{^{37}Cl}\). Natural hydrogen consists of the following 2 stable isotopes: \(\ce{^{1}H}\), \(\ce{^{2}H}\). How many peaks are expected in a low resolution mass spectrum for the ionic fragment \(\ce{SbHCl+}\)?

    (a) 4 ( )
    (b) 5 ( )
    (c) 6 ( )
    (d) 7 ( )
    (e) 8 ( )
    (f) 9 ( )

    Official English text of the problem.

  13. Problem 13: X-ray diffraction angles

    The smallest diffraction angle of a monochromatic beam of X-rays in a certain experiment is 11.5°. Based on this we must expect a beam of X-rays diffracted at:

    (a) 22.0 degrees ( )

    (b) 22.5 degrees ( )

    (c) 23.0 degrees ( )

    (d) 23.5 degrees ( )

    (e) 24.0 degrees ( )

    (f) 24.5 degrees ( )

    Official English text of the problem.

  14. Problem 14: Extraction of a weak acid

    The undissociated form of a weak organic acid \(\ce{HA}\) can be extracted from the aqueous phase by a water-immiscible organic solvent according to the scheme:

    Figure 1

    Regarding this extraction, are the following statements correct (Y) or not (N)?

    (a) The distribution constant (\(K_D\)) of the acid \(\ce{HA}\) depends on the \(pH\) of the aqueous phase. (Y) (N)

    (b) \(\ce{HA}\) can be efficiently extracted only from acidic aqueous solutions. (Y) (N)

    (c) The distribution ratio (\(D\)) of the acid \(\ce{HA}\) depends on the pH of the aqueous phase. (Y) (N)

    (d) The distribution ratio (\(D\)) of the acid \(\ce{HA}\) depends mainly on its concentration. (Y) (N)

    Official English text of the problem.

  15. Problem 15: Statements about Beer's law

    Regarding Beer's law, are the following statements correct (Y) or not (N)?

    (a) The absorbance is proportional to the concentration of the absorbing compound. (Y) (N)

    (b) The absorbance is linearly related to the wavelength of the incident light. (Y) (N)

    (c) The logarithm of transmittance is proportional to the concentration of the absorbing compound. (Y) (N)

    (d) The transmittance is inversely proportional to the logarithm of absorbance. (Y) (N)

    (e) The transmittance is inversely proportional to the concentration of the absorbing compound. (Y) (N)

    Official English text of the problem.

  16. Problem 16: Wavelengths of monochromatic radiation

    Calculate the corresponding wavelength in nanometers (nm) for monochromatic radiation with the following numerical characteristics:

    a) \(3000\ \text{Å}\) 150 nm ( ), 300 nm ( ), 600 nm ( ), 5000 nm ( )
    b) \(5\times10^{14}\ \mathrm{Hz}\) 150 nm ( ), 300 nm ( ), 600 nm ( ), 5000 nm ( )
    c) \(2000\ \mathrm{cm^{-1}}\) 150 nm ( ), 300 nm ( ), 600 nm ( ), 5000 nm ( )
    d) \(2\times10^{6}\ \mathrm{GHz}\) 150 nm ( ), 300 nm ( ), 600 nm ( ), 5000 nm ( )

    Official English text of the problem.

  17. Problem 17: Working curves for a weak acid

    The absorbance of solutions of the weak acid \(\ce{HX}\) were obtained. Associate the expected form of the resulting working curve with those shown in figure, under the following conditions:

    Figure 1

    a) Pure aqueous solutions of \(\ce{HX}\) were used. Only the undissociated species \(\ce{HX}\) absorb.

    Curve A ( ), Curve B ( ), Curve C ( ), Curve D ( )

    b) Pure aqueous solutions of \(\ce{HX}\) were used. Only the anionic species \(\ce{X^-}\) absorb.

    Curve A ( ), Curve B ( ), Curve C ( ), Curve D ( )

    c) All solutions of \(\ce{HX}\) contain an excess of a strong base. Only the undissociated \(\ce{HX}\) species absorb.

    Curve A ( ), Curve B ( ), Curve C ( ), Curve D ( )

    d) All solutions of \(\ce{HX}\) contain an excess of a strong acid. Only the undissociated \(\ce{HX}\) species absorb.

    Curve A ( ), Curve B ( ), Curve C ( ), Curve D ( )

    e) Pure aqueous solutions of \(\ce{HX}\) were used. Both \(\ce{HX}\) and \(\ce{X^-}\) absorb. Measurements were obtained at a wavelength where the molar absorptivities of \(\ce{X^-}\) and \(\ce{HX}\) are equal and different than zero.

    Curve A ( ), Curve B ( ), Curve C ( ), Curve D ( )

    Official English text of the problem.

  18. Problem 18: The strongest chlorine oxoacid

    Which of the following acids is the strongest?

    a) perchloric acid, \(\ce{HClO4}\) ( )

    b) chloric acid, \(\ce{HClO3}\) ( )

    c) chlorous acid, \(\ce{HClO2}\) ( )

    d) hypochlorous, \(\ce{HClO}\) ( )

    (e) All of them are equally strong because they all contain chlorine ( )

    Official English text of the problem.

  19. Problem 19: Crystal structure of iron

    Which structure describes best the crystal system of iron in which the coordination number is 8?

    a) simple cubic ( )
    b) body-centered cubic ( )
    c) cubic closest packed ( )
    d) hexagonal closest packed ( )
    e) none of the above ( )

    Official English text of the problem.

  20. Problem 20: Largest third ionisation energy

    Which of the following elements has the largest third ionization energy?

    a) \(\ce{B}\) \(\boxed{(\;)}\)
    b) \(\ce{C}\) \(\boxed{(\;)}\)
    c) \(\ce{N}\) \(\boxed{(\;)}\)
    d) \(\ce{Mg}\) \(\boxed{(\;)}\)
    e) \(\ce{Al}\) \(\boxed{(\;)}\)

    Official English text of the problem.

  21. Problem 21: A second-period element from its ionisation energies

    Which second period (row) element has the first six ionization energies (\(IE\) in electron volts, eV) listed below?

    \(IE_1\) \(IE_2\) \(IE_3\) \(IE_4\) \(IE_5\) \(IE_6\)
    11 24 48 64 392 490

    a) \(\ce{B}\) ( )
    b) \(\ce{C}\) ( )
    c) \(\ce{N}\) ( )
    d) \(\ce{O}\) ( )
    e) \(\ce{F}\) ( )

    Official English text of the problem.

  22. Problem 22: Face-centred cubic silver

    Silver metal exists as a face-centered cubic (fcc) packed solid.

    a) Draw an fcc unit cell.

    Figure 1

    b) How many atoms are present in the fcc unit cell?

    c) The density of silver has been determined to be \(10.5\ \mathrm{g\,cm^{-3}}\). What is the length of each edge of the unit cell?

    d) What is the atomic radius of the silver atoms in the crystal?

    Official English text of the problem.

  23. Problem 23: Hydrogen halides, buffers and electrolysis

    Are the following statements correct (Y) or not (N)?

    a) \(\ce{HF}\) boils at a higher temperature than \(\ce{HCl}\). (Y) (N)

    b) \(\ce{HBr}\) boils at a lower temperature than \(\ce{HI}\) (Y) (N)

    c) Pure \(\ce{HI}\) can be produced by reacting concentrated sulfuric acid with \(\ce{KI}\). (Y) (N)

    d) Ammonia solutions are buffer solutions because they contain the conjugate pair \(\ce{NH3}\) – \(\ce{NH4+}\). (Y) (N)

    e) Pure water at 80 °C is acidic. (Y) (N)

    f) During electrolysis of an aqueous \(\ce{KI}\) solution with graphite electrodes, the pH near the cathode is below 7. (Y) (N)

    Official English text of the problem.

  24. Problem 24: Zinc and nitric acid

    Under certain conditions of concentration and temperature \(\ce{HNO3}\) reacts with \(\ce{Zn}\) and its reduction products are \(\ce{NO2}\) and \(\ce{NO}\) in a molar ratio 1 : 3. How many moles of \(\ce{HNO3}\) are consumed by 1 mol of \(\ce{Zn}\)?

    a) 2.2 ( )
    b) 2.4 ( )
    c) 2.6 ( )
    d) 2.8 ( )
    e) 3.0 ( )
    f) 3.2 ( )

    Official English text of the problem.

  25. Problem 25: Muon

    SECTION B: PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY

    PROBLEM 25 Muon

    The muon (\(\mu\)) is a subatomic particle of the lepton family which has same charge and magnetic behavior as the electron, but has a different mass and is unstable, i.e., it disintegrates into other particles within microseconds after its creation. Here you will attempt to determine the mass of the muon using two rather different approaches.

    a) The most common spontaneous disintegration reaction for the muon is:

    Figure 1

    where \(\overline{\nu}_e\) is the electron antineutrino, and \(\nu_\mu\) the muon neutrino. In a given experiment using a stationary muon, \(\overline{\nu}_e+\nu_\mu\), carried away a total energy of \(2.000\times10^{-12}\ \mathrm{J}\), while the electron was moving with a kinetic energy of \(1.4846\times10^{-11}\ \mathrm{J}\). Determine the mass of the muon.

    b) Many experiments have studied the spectroscopy of atoms that have captured a muon in place of an electron. These exotic atoms are formed in a variety of excited states. The transition from the third excited state to the first excited state of an atom consisting of a \(\ce{^1H}\) nucleus and a muon attached to it was observed at a wavelength of \(2.615\ \mathrm{nm}\). Determine the mass of the muon.

    Official English text of the problem.

  26. Problem 26: Spectrum of CO

    PROBLEM 26 Spectrum of \(\ce{CO}\)

    Rotational energy levels of diatomic molecules are well described by the formula \(E_J = B\,J(J+1)\), where \(J\) is the rotational quantum number of the molecule and \(B\) its rotational constant. Constant \(B\) is related to the reduced mass \(\mu\) and the bond length \(R\) of the molecule through the equation

    \[ B=\frac{h^2}{8\pi^2\mu R^2}. \]

    In general, spectroscopic transitions appear at photon energies which are equal to the energy difference between appropriate states of a molecule (\(h\nu=\Delta E\)). The observed rotational transitions occur between adjacent rotational levels, hence \(\Delta E=E_{J+1}-E_J=2B(J+1)\). Consequently, successive rotational transitions that appear on the spectrum (such as the one shown here) follow the equation \(h(\Delta\nu)=2B\).

    By inspecting the spectrum provided, determine the following quantities for \(\ce{^{12}C^{16}O}\) with appropriate units:

    a) \(\Delta\nu\)

    b) \(B\)

    c) \(R\)

    Figure 1

    Official English text of the problem.

  27. Problem 27: Hydrogen molecule

    Using the information provided on this graph, give numerical answers with appropriate units to the following questions:

    Figure 1
    1. What are the equilibrium bond lengths of \(\ce{H2}\) and \(\ce{H2+}\)?
    2. What are the binding energies of \(\ce{H2}\) and \(\ce{H2+}\)?
    3. What is the ionisation energy of the \(\ce{H2}\) molecule?
    4. What is the ionisation energy of the \(\ce{H}\) atom?
    5. If we use electromagnetic radiation of frequency \(3.9\times10^{15}\ \mathrm{Hz}\) in order to ionise \(\ce{H2}\), what will be the velocity of the extracted electrons? (Ignore molecular vibrational energy.)

    Official English text of the problem.

  28. Problem 28: Cryoscopy

    Chemists often need a bath in which to carry out a process that has a temperature below the water freezing point (\(0\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\)) and well above the \(\ce{CO2}\) sublimation point (\(-78\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\)) this case they mix water ice prepared at its melting point and \(\ce{NaCl}\). Depending on the quantities used temperatures as low as \(-20\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\) can be reached.

    We prepare a cold bath mixing 1 kg of ice at \(0\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\) with 150 g of \(\ce{NaCl}\) in a thermally insulated container. Circle the letters Y or N to indicate if the following statements are correct (Y) or not (N).

    a) The mixing process is spontaneous. (Y) (N)

    b) The change of entropy during the mixing process is negative. (Y) (N)

    c) The following diagram depicts the freezing point of aqueous solutions of \(\ce{NaCl}\) as a function of the composition of the solution (per cent by weight). What is is the freezing point of the bath based on the diagram?

    Figure 1

    d) If an equal mass of \(\ce{MgCl2}\) were used instead of \(\ce{NaCl}\), would the freezing point be higher? (Y) (N)

    Official English text of the problem.

  29. Problem 29: Pool

    A very large swimming pool filled with water of temperature equal to 20 °C is heated by a resistor with a heating power of 500 W for 20 minutes. Assuming the water in the pool is not in any contact with anything besides the resistor, determine:

    a) The heat delivered to the water.

    b) Is the change of entropy of the resistor positive, negative, or zero?

    (i) \(\Delta S_{\mathrm{res}} > 0\) ( )

    (ii) \(\Delta S_{\mathrm{res}} = 0\) ( )

    (iii) \(\Delta S_{\mathrm{res}} < 0\) ( )

    c) Is the change of entropy of the water positive, negative, or zero?

    i) \(\Delta S_{\mathrm{pool}} > 0\) ( )

    (ii) \(\Delta S_{\mathrm{pool}} = 0\) ( )

    (iii) \(\Delta S_{\mathrm{pool}} < 0\) ( )

    d) Is the change of entropy of the system positive, negative, or zero?

    (i) \(\Delta S_{\mathrm{total}} > 0\) ( )

    (ii) \(\Delta S_{\mathrm{total}} = 0\) ( )

    (iii) \(\Delta S_{\mathrm{total}} < 0\) ( )

    e) Is the process reversible? (Y) (N)

    Official English text of the problem.

  30. Problem 30: Gas velocity

    The experiment described here gives a simple way to determine the mean velocity \(u\) of the molecules in the gas phase of a volatile liquid. A wide shallow container (a Petri dish) half filled with ethanol is placed on an electronic balance with its lid next to it and the balance is zeroed at time \(t = 0\). Balance readings are recorded as shown on the diagram.

    Figure 1

    At \(t = 5\) min the lid is placed over the dish. The liquid no longer evaporates, but the trapped molecules push against the lid, hence lowering the measurement of the balance by \(\delta m\). Therefore, the force exerted on the lid is \(f = \delta m\,g\). The force is also equal to the rate of change of the momentum of the evaporating molecules, i.e., \(f = \tfrac12 u\,\mathrm{d}m/\mathrm{d}t\). Using the data provided determine the mean velocity of ethanol molecules at 290 K. Assume \(g = 9.8\ \mathrm{m\,s^{-2}}\).

    Official English text of the problem.

  31. Problem 31: Ester identification

    SECTION C: Organic Chemistry

    PROBLEM 31 Ester identification

    2.81 g of an optically active diester A, containing only \(\ce{C}\), \(\ce{H}\) and \(\ce{O}\) were saponified with 30.00 \(\mathrm{cm^3}\) of a 1.00 M \(\ce{NaOH}\) solution. Following the saponification, the solution required 6.00 \(\mathrm{cm^3}\) of a 1.00 M \(\ce{HCl}\) solution to titrate the unused \(\ce{NaOH}\) only. The saponification products were an optically inactive dicarboxylic acid B, \(\ce{MeOH}\) and an optically active alcohol C. Alcohol C reacted with \(\ce{I2/NaOH}\) to give a yellow precipitate and \(\ce{C6H5COONa}\). The diacid B reacted with \(\ce{Br2}\) in \(\ce{CCl4}\) to give a single, optically inactive product (compound D). Ozonolysis of B gave only one product.

    a) Determine the molecular mass of compound A.

    b) Give the structural formulas of A, B, and C without stereochemical information.

    c) Give the possible stereochemical formulas (with bold and dashed bonds) for C.

    d) Give the stereochemical formula for D, using a Fischer projection.

    e) Give the stereochemical formula for B.

    The diester A also reacted with \(\ce{Br2}\) in \(\ce{CCl4}\) and was converted to a mixture of two compounds (E, F) both optically active.

    f) Give all the possible stereochemical formulas for E and F, using Fischer projections. Name all the stereogenic centers as either \(R\) or \(S\) on all the formulas.

    If we use \(\ce{Na^{18}OH}\) for the saponification of compound A, would the oxygen isotope be incorporated in (either or both of) the products B and C?

    g) Mark the correct answer:

    i) Only B ( )

    ii) Only C ( )

    iii) Both B and C ( )

    Official English text of the problem.

  32. Problem 32: NMR puzzle

    An organic compound A (\(\ce{C8H10}\)) gives the following chain of reactions:

    Figure 1

    Based on the \({}^{1}\mathrm{H}\)-NMR spectra given, draw the structures of compounds A, B, C, D, E and F, and match the groups of the hydrogen atoms of each compound to the corresponding \({}^{1}\mathrm{H}\)-NMR peaks, as shown in the example.

    Figure 2
    Figure 3

    General remarks: NMR spectra were ecorded in \(\ce{CDCl3}\) on a 60 MHz Perkin Elmer Spectrometer. Under ordinary conditions (exposure to air, light and water vapour) acidic impurities may develop in \(\ce{CDCl3}\) solutions and catalyse rapid exchange of some particular protons.

    Official English text of the problem.

  33. Problem 33: Peptides

    Racemization of α-aminoacids and peptides can occur by an α-enolization mechanism and both heat and the presence of strong bases greatly accelerate the process:

    Figure 1

    1. Draw stereochemical formulas I and II (with bold and dashed bonds) for the aminoacid components of the mixture that has reached equilibrium through the α-enolization mechanism described above operating on each of the following hydroxyaminoacids A and B:

    A: serine (\(\mathrm{R}=\ce{-CH2OH}\))

    B: \((2S,3R)\)-threonine (\(\mathrm{R}=\)

    Figure 2

    )

    2. Mark the box that corresponds to the correct definition of the relationship between the structures you have drawn in each of the above cases A and B.

    enantiomers diastereomers
    \(\mathbf{A}_{\mathrm{I,II}}\) ☐ ☐
    \(\mathbf{B}_{\mathrm{I,II}}\) ☐ ☐

    During peptide synthesis, in order to form a new peptide bond the carboxyl group has to be activated, that is, it must bear a good leaving group, represented in a simplified scheme below:

    Figure 3

    It is at this stage of the synthesis that a second racemization mechanism may occur; the amidic carbonyl oxygen is five atoms away from the activated carboxyl group and can intramolecularly attack the activated carboxyl forming a five membered cyclic intermediate (an azalactone) which quickly equilibrates its hydrogen at the stereogenic center, represented in a simplified scheme below:

    Figure 4

    3. Write the structural formula for the intermediate C that interconverts the two azalactones and thus explains the scrambling of the stereochemistry at the stereogenic center.

    Azalactones are very reactive substances that can still react with the amino group of an aminoacid. Therefore, the coupling reaction can proceed to completion albeit affording racemized or epimerized products.

    4. If N-benzoyl glycine, \(\ce{C9H9NO3}\), is warmed to \(40\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\) with acetic anhydride it is converted into a highly reactive substance, \(\ce{C9H7NO2}\) (P₁).

    a) Propose a structure for substance P₁.

    b) Write the reaction product(s) of the substance P₁ with S-alanine ethyl ester (P₂) (the side chain R of the aminoacid alanine is a methyl group) using stereochemical formulas (with bold and dashed bonds) for both reactants and product.

    Official English text of the problem.

  34. Problem 34: Aluminium

    SECTION D: Inorganic Chemistry

    PROBLEM 34 Aluminium

    One of the largest factories in Greece, located near the ancient city of Delphi, produces alumina (\(\ce{Al2O3}\)) and aluminium metal using the mineral bauxite mined from the Parnassus mountain. Bauxite is a mixed aluminium oxide hydroxide – \(\ce{AlO_x(OH)_{3-2x}}\) where \(0<x<1\).

    Production of \(\ce{Al}\) metal follows a two-stage process:

    (i) Bayer process: Extraction, purification and dehydration of bauxite (typical compositions for industrially used bauxites are \(\ce{Al2O3}\) 40 – 60 %, \(\ce{H2O}\) 12 – 30 %, \(\ce{SiO2}\) free and combined 1 – 15 %, \(\ce{Fe2O3}\) 7 – 30 %, \(\ce{TiO2}\) 3 – 4 %, \(\ce{F}\), \(\ce{P2O5}\), \(\ce{V2O5}\), etc., 0.05 – 0.2 %). This involves dissolution in aqueous \(\ce{NaOH}\), separation from insoluble impurities, partial precipitation of the aluminium hydroxide and heating at \(1200\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\).

    Complete and balance the following chemical reactions:

    Figure 1

    ii) Héroult-Hall process: Electrolysis of pure alumina dissolved in molten cryolite, \(\ce{Na3AlF6}\). Typical electrolyte composition ranges are \(\ce{Na3AlF6}\) (80 – 85 %), \(\ce{CaF2}\) (5 – 7 %), \(\ce{AlF3}\) (5 – 7 %), \(\ce{Al2O3}\) (2 – 8 % intermittently recharged). Electrolysis is carried out at \(940\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\), under constant pressure of 1 atm, in a carbon-lined steel cell (cathode) with carbon anodes. Balance the main reaction of the electrolysis:

    Figure 2

    Since cryolite is a rather rare mineral, it is prepared according to the following reaction.

    Complete and balance this reaction:

    Figure 3

    During the electrolysis process several parallel reactions take place that degrade the graphite (\(\ce{C}\)) anodes or reduce the yield.

    iii) By using the thermodynamic data given below, which are taken to be independent on temperature, determine the thermodynamic quantities \(\Delta H\), \(\Delta S\) and \(\Delta G\) at \(940\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\) for the reaction:

    Figure 4
    \(\ce{Al(s)}\) \(\ce{Al2O3(s)}\) \(\ce{C}\) (graphite) \(\ce{CO(g)}\) \(\ce{CO2(g)}\) \(\ce{O2(g)}\)
    \(\Delta_f H^\circ\) (\(\mathrm{kJ\,mol^{-1}}\)) 0 −1676 0 −111 −394
    \(S^\circ\) (\(\mathrm{J\,K^{-1}\,mol^{-1}}\)) 28 51 6 198 214 205
    \(\Delta_{\mathrm{fus}}H\) (\(\mathrm{kJ\,mol^{-1}}\)) 11 109

    iv) At the same temperature and using the data from the table in part (iii) determine the quantities \(\Delta H\) and \(\Delta G\) for the reaction

    Figure 5

    given that \(\Delta S=-126\ \mathrm{J\,K^{-1}\,mol^{-1}}\). (Show your calculations)

    v) Pure aluminium is a silvery-white metal with a face-centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure. Aluminium is readily soluble in hot concentrated hydrochloric acid producing the cation \(\ce{[Al(H2O)6]^3+}\), as well as in strong bases at room temperature producing hydrated tetrahydroxyaluminate anion, \(\ce{[Al(OH)4]^-(aq)}\). In both cases liberation of \(\ce{H2}\) occurs. \(\ce{AlF3}\) is made by treating \(\ce{Al2O3}\) with \(\ce{HF}\) gas at \(700\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\), while the other trihalides, \(\ce{AlX3}\), are made by the direct exothermic reaction of \(\ce{Al}\) with the corresponding dihalogen. Write all 4 chemical reactions described above.

    vi) The \(\ce{AlCl3}\) is a crystalline solid having a layer lattice with 6-coordinate \(\ce{Al(III)}\), but at the melting point (\(192.4\,^\circ\mathrm{C}\)) the structure changes to a 4-coordinate molecular dimer, \(\ce{Al2Cl6}\). The covalently bonded molecular dimer, in the gas phase and at high temperature, dissociates into trigonal planar \(\ce{AlCl3}\) molecules.

    For the molecular dimer \(\ce{Al2Cl6}\), in the gas phase, two different \(\ce{Al-Cl}\) distances (206 and 221 pm) were measured. Draw the stereostructure of the dimer, and write down the corresponding \(\ce{Al-Cl}\) distances.

    vii) What is the hybridization of the \(\ce{Al}\) atom(s) in \(\ce{Al2Cl6}\) and \(\ce{AlCl3}\)?

    Official English text of the problem.

  35. Problem 35: Kinetics

    The acid-catalyzed reaction \(\ce{CH3COCH3 + I2 -> CH3COCH2I + HI}\) was found to be of first order with respect to hydrogen ions. At constant hydrogen ion concentration the time needed for the concentration of iodine to be reduced by \(0.010\ \mathrm{mol\,dm^{-3}}\) was measured under various concentrations of the reactants.

    Based on the information provided in the table, answer fulfil the following tasks:

    \([\ce{CH3COCH3}]\) \([\ce{I2}]\) Time
    \((\mathrm{mol\,dm^{-3}})\) \((\mathrm{mol\,dm^{-3}})\) \((\mathrm{min})\)
    0.25 0.050 7.2
    0.50 0.050 3.6
    1.00 0.050 1.8
    0.50 0.100 3.6
    0.25 0.100 …
    1.50 … …
    … … 0.36

    a) Derive the rate law for the reaction and calculate the rate constant.

    b) Calculate the time needed for 75 % of \(\ce{CH3COCH3}\) to react in excess \(\ce{I2}\).

    c) Show graphically the dependence of the rate on \([\ce{CH3COCH3}]\) and on \([\ce{I2}]\), for fixed initial concentration of the other reagents.

    d) If the rate is doubled by raising the temperature by 10 °C from 298 K, calculate the activation energy for this reaction.

    Official English text of the problem.