QCEVault

Organic chemistry — Question 6

QCAA 2023, Paper 2 · 6 marks

Q6 · 2023 · Paper 2Unclassified6 marks

QUESTION 6 (6 marks)

The reaction shows the base hydrolysis (saponification) of a triglyceride to produce glycerol and a soap.

O

CH2 OH

CH2 O (CH2)14 CH3

C

O

O

+

+

CH O (CH2)14 CH3 3NaOH

CH OH 3H3C (CH2)14

ONa

C

C

O

CH2 O (CH2)14 CH3

C

CH2 OH

Triglyceride

Soap

Glycerol

(a) Identify which compound in the reaction is an ester.

[1 mark]

(b) Contrast the structure of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.

[1 mark]

(c) Explain how the cleaning action of soap is related to its structure.

[4 marks]

Question linkQCAA assessment resources

Related questions

  1. Q2 · 2025 QCAA · Paper 1 · 1 mark
    QUESTION 2 Determine the tertiary haloalkane. (A) 2,2-dibromobutane (B) 2,3,3-tribromobutane (C) 2-bromo-2-methylbutane (D) 2-bromo-3-methylbutane
    Organic chemistry
  2. Q4 · 2025 QCAA · Paper 1 · 1 mark
    QUESTION 4 Which type of reaction occurs when an alcohol reacts with a carboxylic acid to form an ester? (A) addition (B) hydrolysis (C) condensation (D) polymerisation
    Organic chemistry
  3. Q12 · 2025 QCAA · Paper 1 · 1 mark
    QUESTION 12 Predict the colour change that occurs when 1-propanol is oxidised to propanoic acid using acidified potassium dichromate (VI). (A) red to yellow (B) orange to green (C) purple to brown (D) pink to colourless
    Organic chemistry
  4. Q24 · 2025 QCAA · Paper 1 · 4 marks
    QUESTION 24  (4 marks) Citronellol is a common ingredient used in the fragrance industry and a component of citronella oil, an insect repellant. Its structure is shown. CH3 CH3 CH3 CH3 CH3 CH3 CH2 CH2 CH2 CH2 CH2 CH2 CH2 CH2 C CH CH CH CH OH OH a) Classify citronellol as saturated or unsaturated. Explain your reasoning. [2 marks] b) Describe a chemical tes…
    Organic chemistry