Question 1

The flow chart summarises an industrial process for the synthesis of ethane-1,2-diol.

Explain THREE factors that may have been considered in the design of this industrial process. Make specific reference to the flow chart.

Accepted Answer

The usage and demand for the by-products of this process is another key factor that
addresses the wastage and economics of production.

Question 2

Analyse how a student could design a chemical synthesis process to be undertaken in the school laboratory. In your response, use a specific process relating to the synthesis of an organic compound, including a chemical equation, and refer to:

- selection of reagent(s)

- reaction conditions

- any potential hazards and any safety precautions to minimise the risk

- yield and purity of the product(s).

Accepted Answer

Yield and purity
→ Concentrated sulfuric acid, used as a catalyst, also acts as a
dehydrating agent that removes water from the system and
improves yield.
→ When the reaction reaches equilibrium, the ester can be
separated from the mixture by adding excess sodium carbonate solution in order to neutralise the acid.
→ Transfer to a separation funnel to separate the organic layer
(containing the ester) from the aqueous layer.
→ Then use fractional distillation to separate the ester from the
organic layer.

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