OCR A-Level Chemistry Synthesis and analytical techniques (02), June 2017: Question 2

1 mark · Easy difficulty · Multiple Choice

Identify the correct description of the given organic molecule as alicyclic and saturated, aromatic, or unsaturated.

Practise this question

Question

Multiple choice question 2 asking 'How can the molecule below be described?'. The chemical structure shows a cyclohexane ring attached to a CH(OH)CH3 side chain. Four options are provided: A, aromatic and alicyclic; B, aliphatic and unsaturated; C, aromatic and unsaturated; D, alicyclic and saturated, along with an answer box.
Question text

2 How can the molecule below be described?

OH

A Aromatic and alicyclic

B Aliphatic and unsaturated

C Aromatic and unsaturated

D Alicyclic and saturated

Your answer

[1]

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme The mark scheme indicates the correct answer for question 2 is D.

2 D 1

How to answer it

Classifying Organic Molecules

What this question tests

This question assesses your foundational knowledge of organic chemistry terminology, specifically the ability to classify carbon skeletons as aliphatic, alicyclic, or aromatic, and to determine whether a molecule contains multiple carbon-carbon bonds (saturated vs. unsaturated).

Question Analysis & Answer

Multiple Choice Question 2

✅ Correct Answer: D

The molecule is alicyclic and saturated.

Marks available: 1 mark

💡 Key Knowledge

  • Alicyclic: Contains a non-aromatic ring structure (the cyclohexane ring).
  • Saturated: Contains only single C-C bonds (no C=C double bonds or benzene rings present). Note that the OH group is an alcohol functional group, not a site of unsaturation in terms of carbon-carbon multiple bonds.

🧠 Exam Technique

Break down the molecule into distinct structural features systematically:

  1. Look at the ring: It's a closed ring of carbons, but not a benzene ring (no delocalized electrons/circle inside). Therefore, it is alicyclic, not aromatic. This immediately eliminates options A and C.
  2. Look at the bonding: Scan all carbon-carbon bonds. There are only single bonds present. Therefore, it is saturated, eliminating option B.

❌ Common Errors

  • The OH Trap: Many students mistakenly confuse the oxygen-hydrogen single bond (or functional group) with "unsaturation." Remember, saturation specifically refers to the absence of multiple carbon-carbon (C=C or C≡C) bonds.
  • Ring Confusion: Confusing alicyclic rings with aromatic benzene rings is a frequent slip-up in early organic chemistry modules.

Topics

Module 4: Core organic chemistry · 4.1 Basic concepts and hydrocarbons

Question and mark scheme from the OCR A-Level Chemistry examination, Synthesis and analytical techniques (02), June 2017. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.