A student is comparing two unknown organic liquids, A and B, that each contain a single functional group. The student performs the tests below using separate small samples.
Test 1: Reaction with aqueous sodium carbonate, \(\mathrm{Na_2CO_3(aq)}\)
- Liquid A: vigorous bubbling observed.
- Liquid B: no visible change.
Test 2: Reaction with dilute hydrochloric acid, \(\mathrm{HCl(aq)}\)
- Liquid A: no visible change.
- Liquid B: a clear solution forms and the mixture becomes warm.
Test 3: pH of an aqueous solution
- Aqueous solution of A has pH 3.1.
- Aqueous solution of B has pH 10.8.
The student is told that one liquid is a carboxylic acid and the other is an amine. Assume both liquids are reasonably soluble in water for the purposes of these tests.
Use the observations from Tests 1–3 to decide which liquid (A or B) is the carboxylic acid and which is the amine. Justify your decision by referring to at least two different tests.
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Create Free Account Log inThis is a free HSC HSC Chemistry practice question worth 3 marks, testing your understanding of Investigate the differences between an organic acid. It falls under Reactions of Organic Acids and Bases in Module 7: Module 7: Organic Chemistry. Submit your answer above to receive instant AI-powered marking and personalised feedback.
Students focus on the principles and applications of chemical synthesis in the field of organic chemistry. Current and future applications of chemistry include techniques to synthesise new substances – including pharmaceuticals, fuels and polymers – to meet the needs of society. Each class of organic compounds displays characteristic chemical properties and undergoes specific reactions based on the functional groups present. These reactions, including acid/base and oxidation reactions, are used to identify the class of an organic compound. In this module, students investigate the many classes of organic compounds and their characteristic chemical reactions. By considering the primary, secondary and tertiary structures of organic materials, students are provided with opportunities to gain an understanding of the properties of materials – including strength, density and biodegradability – and relate these to proteins, carbohydrates and synthetic polymers.
Inquiry question: What are the properties of organic acids and bases?
investigate the differences between an organic acid and organic base
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