Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes the Wurtz reaction used in the synthesis of alkanes?

Accepted Answer

It involves the coupling of two alkyl halides in the presence of sodium metal to form a higher alkane. 
$$2R-X + 2Na \rightarrow R-R + 2NaX$$

Question 2

Which method is commonly used for the laboratory preparation of dihydric alcohols (glycols)?

Accepted Answer

Hydration of alkenes using cold, dilute $$KMnO_4 ($$Baeyer's reagent).

Question 3

Which of the following is the correct IUPAC name for the compound with the structure $$CH_3CH_2CH(CH_3$)CH_2CH_3$$?

Accepted Answer

3-Methylpentane

Question 4

Which reaction is used to synthesize alkanes by decarboxylation of carboxylic acids?

Accepted Answer

Soda lime decarboxylation: $$RCOONa + NaOH \xrightarrow{\Delta} RH + Na_2CO_3$$

Question 5

Which of the following statements about the acidity of alcohols is correct?

Accepted Answer

Primary alcohols are more acidic than tertiary alcohols due to less electron-donating alkyl groups.

Question 6

Which reagent is used to distinguish between aldehydes and ketones in a chemical test?

Accepted Answer

Tollen's reagent ($$Ag(NH_3$)_2^+)$$

Question 7

What is the product when ethylene oxide (an epoxide) reacts with a Grignard reagent ($$RMgX$$)?

Accepted Answer

A primary alcohol after hydrolysis: $$RCH_2CH_2OH$$

Question 8

Which of the following is a correct statement about the Kolbe reaction?

Accepted Answer

It involves the electrolysis of sodium salts of carboxylic acids to produce alkanes.

Question 9

Which of the following is the correct product for the acid-catalyzed ring opening of ethylene oxide?

Accepted Answer

Ethylene glycol ($$HOCH_2CH_2OH)$$

Question 10

Which of the following is a correct IUPAC name for a trihydric alcohol?

Accepted Answer

Propane-1,2,3-triol

Question 11

Which of the following reactions is used for the synthesis of ethers?

Accepted Answer

Williamson synthesis: $$R-X + R'O^- \rightarrow R-O-R' + X^-$$

Question 12

Which of the following is a correct statement about the physical properties of alkanes?

Accepted Answer

Alkanes are generally non-polar and insoluble in water.

Question 13

Which of the following is the correct product when acetone reacts with hydrazine ($$NH_2NH_2$$)?

Accepted Answer

Hydrazone: $$CH_3COCH_3 + NH_2NH_2 \rightarrow CH_3C($$NHNH_2$$)CH_3$ + H_2O$$

Question 14

Which of the following is a correct method for the preparation of aldehydes from acid chlorides?

Accepted Answer

Rosenmund reduction: $$RCOCl + H_2$ \xrightarrow{Pd/$$BaSO_4$$} RCHO + HCl$$

Question 15

Which of the following is a correct statement about the reaction of ethers with HI?

Accepted Answer

Ethers are cleaved by HI to form alkyl iodides and alcohols.

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about the reaction of aldehydes with $$NaHSO_3$$?

Accepted Answer

Aldehydes form crystalline bisulfite addition compounds.

Question 17

Which of the following is the correct product when formaldehyde reacts with HCN?

Accepted Answer

Formaldehyde cyanohydrin: $$HCHO + HCN \rightarrow HOCH_2CN$$

Question 18

Which of the following is a correct statement about the chemical reactivity of the carbonyl group?

Accepted Answer

The carbonyl carbon is electrophilic due to the polarization of the $$C=O$$ bond.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct method for the synthesis of ketones from nitriles?

Accepted Answer

Hydrolysis of nitriles followed by reaction with Grignard reagent.

Question 20

Which of the following is a correct statement about the reaction of epoxides with organolithium reagents?

Accepted Answer

Epoxides react with organolithium reagents to give alcohols after hydrolysis.

Organic Chemistry Study Guide: Alkanes, Alcohols, Ethers, Epoxides, Aldehydes, and Ketones

Study Guide - Practice Questions