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Differences in physical and chemical properties can be used to distinguish one compound from another - Scottish Highers Chemistry - Question 11 - 2019
Question 11
Differences in physical and chemical properties can be used to distinguish one compound from another. The compounds extracted from orange juice include antioxidants... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Differences in physical and chemical properties can be used to distinguish one compound from another - Scottish Highers Chemistry - Question 11 - 2019
Step 1
Comment on Physical Properties
Answer
The physical properties such as boiling points, melting points, and solubility can be used to distinguish these compounds. For example, limonene is a nonpolar compound with a lower boiling point due to its hydrocarbon structure, while fructose, being a sugar, has a higher boiling point and is soluble in water due to its polar hydroxyl groups.
Step 2
Comment on Chemical Properties
Answer
Chemical properties, including reactivity with acids or bases, can differentiate these compounds. For instance, citric acid will react with bases to form salts, while compounds like beta-carotene may not show such reactivity due to their stable structures.
Step 3
Differentiate Based on Functional Groups
Answer
The presence and type of functional groups are also crucial for distinguishing these compounds. For example, the hydroxyl (-OH) groups in vitamin C and fructose make them more reactive compared to limonene and octanal, which primarily consist of hydrocarbon structures.