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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 the physical properties of limonene and octanal
Answer
Limonene is a cyclic compound with a characteristic lemon scent, and it is a liquid at room temperature. Its physical state and smell can differentiate it from octanal, which is an aldehyde with a higher boiling point and a smell reminiscent of orange. Both differences in physical states and distinctive odors can be used to distinguish them.
Step 2
Comment on the chemical properties of vitamin C and citric acid
Answer
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a powerful antioxidant, which means it can undergo reduction reactions, whereas citric acid has multiple carboxylic acid groups and can act as an acid in reactions. This differential chemical behavior can be observed through their reactions with bases, indicating different properties.
Step 3
Comment on the differences in structure and reactivity
Answer
The structural differences mean limonene and beta-carotene are non-polar, while compounds like vitamin C and citric acid have polar groups which influence their solubility in water. For instance, vitamin C is highly soluble in water due to its hydroxyl groups, while beta-carotene's non-polar structure makes it less soluble, highlighting how these properties affect their use in products.