OCR A-Level Chemistry Synthesis and analytical techniques (02), June 2022: Question 4

1 mark · Easy difficulty · Multiple Choice

Identify the functional groups present in the given skeletal formula of an organic compound.

Practise this question

Question

Question 4 shows the skeletal formula of an organic molecule with an amide group (a nitrogen atom bonded to two methyl groups and a carbonyl carbon) and an alcohol group (-OH attached to a CH2 group). Multiple choice options are A: amide and alcohol, B: amide and carboxylic acid, C: amine and carboxylic acid, D: amine, ketone and alcohol.
Question text

4 The skeletal formula of an organic compound is shown below.

N

OH

O

Which functional groups are present?

A amide and alcohol

B amide and carboxylic acid

C amine and carboxylic acid

D amine, ketone and alcohol

Your answer

[1]

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme The mark scheme indicates that the correct answer for question 4 is A.

4 A 1 AO1.1

How to answer it

Identifying Functional Groups from Skeletal Formulae

What this question tests

This question assesses your ability to recognise and distinguish between common organic functional groups (specifically amides, amines, carboxylic acids, ketones, and alcohols) when presented in skeletal formula format (AO1.1).

Question Part 4

Multiple Choice Question

✅ Correct Answer

A (amide and alcohol)

Marks: 1 / 1

💡 Key Knowledge

  • Amide group: A carbonyl group ( C=O ) directly bonded to a nitrogen atom ( -C(=O)-NR₂ ). In this molecule, it is a tertiary amide with two methyl groups attached to the nitrogen.
  • Alcohol group: A hydroxyl group ( -OH ) attached to an aliphatic carbon chain.

🧠 Exam Technique

  • Break down the skeletal formula section by section. Look at the nitrogen atom bonded to a carbonyl carbon ( N-C=O ) rather than confusing it with a standalone amine or ketone.
  • Eliminate options systematically: the molecule has a hydroxyl group ( -OH ), instantly ruling out options C and D.

❌ Common Errors

Students frequently confuse amides with amines or carboxylic acids. Because the C=O and the -N are connected together as a single functional group, it is an amide, not an amine next to a ketone.

Topics

Module 4: Core organic chemistry · Module 6: Organic chemistry and analysis · 4.1 Basic concepts and hydrocarbons · 4.2 Alcohols, haloalkanes and analysis · 6.2 Nitrogen compounds, polymers and synthesis

Question and mark scheme from the OCR A-Level Chemistry examination, Synthesis and analytical techniques (02), June 2022. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.