Syllabus Edition

First teaching 2023

First exams 2025

|

Covalent Bonding & Coordinate (Dative Covalent) Bonding (CIE AS Chemistry)

Exam Questions

54 mins15 questions
1a2 marks

The reaction between an ammonia molecule and a hydrogen ion forms an ammonium ion.

This ion can be represented as shown in the diagram below.

Uap03LiJ_1-3-5a-e-ammonium-ion

i)
Name the type of bond represented in the diagram by N—H.
[1]

ii)
Name the type of bond represented in the diagram by N→H
[1]

1b1 mark

In terms of electrons, explain why an arrow is used to represent this N→H bond.

1c2 marks

In terms of electron pairs, explain why the bond angles in the NH4+ ion are all 109.5°.

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1a2 marks

Alkenes contain a carbon to carbon double bond that consists of a σ bond and a π bond.

Complete the diagram to show the areas of electron density for each bond.
Label the σ bond and the π bond.

q21a-paper-1-jan-2022-edexcel-ial-chemistry

1b3 marks

Use the information in Table 5.1 to explain why ethene contains stronger covalent bonds between carbons atoms than ethane.   

Table 5.1.

Bond Bond Length
C-C 150 pm
C=C 134 pm

1c3 marks

Bond length and bond energies can be used to compare the reactivity of covalent molecules. 

Compare the reactivity of hydrogen halides using the information in Table 5.2.

Table 5.2

  Bond energy  Bond length (pm)
HCl 431 127
HBr 366 141
HI 299 161

1d6 marks

The boiling points of the hydrogen halides are shown in Table 5.3. 

Table 5.3

Hydrogen halide Boiling Point (K)
H-F 293
H-Cl 188
H-Br 207
H-I 238

i)
Explain why hydrogen halides have relatively low boiling points despite having strong covalent bonds
[2]

ii)
Explain why HF has a higher boiling point than HCl.
You should refer to the van der Waals' forces found in each substance in your answer.
[4]

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2a2 marks

This question is about hybridisation.

Consider the molecule shown below in Fig. 2.1.

q5c_14-1_ib_hl_medium_sq

Fig. 2.1

Identify the number of sigma and pi bonds in this molecule.

2b1 mark

A molecule of ethanol is shown below in Fig. 2.2.

q2d_14-2_ib_hl_medium_sq

Fig. 2.2

Deduce the hybridisation of the carbon atom marked in the diagram below.

2c3 marks

A different alcohol, methanol, bonds in a similar way to ethanol. Draw a sketch to show the orbital overlap in methanol. In your sketch include any lone pairs that are present.

 

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3a3 marks

Explain how the concept of hybridisation can be used to explain the triple bond present in propyne.

3b1 mark

Consider the molecule in Fig. 3.1 which contains both sigma and pi bonds.

q4b_14-2_medium_ib_hl_sq

Fig. 3.1

 State the number of carbon atoms that exhibit sp2 hybridisation.

3c3 marks

Table 3.1 shows three different compounds containing nitrogen. Deduce the hybridisation shown by the nitrogen atoms in these molecules.

Table 3.1

   NF4+ N2H2 N2H4
Hybridisation      

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1a4 marks

Phosphorus reacts with chlorine to form PCl5.

i)
State the shape of a molecule of PCl5  and give two different bond angles within a molecule of PCl5.

shape of PCl5 ...........................................................................
bond angles in PCl5 ...........................................................................

[2]

ii)
Draw the dot-and-cross diagram of a molecule of PCl5. Show the outer electrons only.

[2]

1b2 marks

PCl5 is an example of a compound that exists as two structures depending on the conditions.

2PCl5 (g) rightwards harpoon over leftwards harpoon [PCl4]+[PCl6](s)

Draw diagrams to suggest the shapes of [PCl4]+ and [PCl6].

[PCl4]+   [PCl6]-

1c2 marks

A student suggests that the PCl5 molecule has sp3 hybridisation. Explain why the student is not correct.

1d2 marks

Antimony(V) chloride is another Group 15 chloride. Under standard conditions, it is a liquid made from SbCl5 molecules.

Explain why phosphorus(V) chloride in its solid form has a higher melting point than antimony(V) chloride.

1e1 mark

Under the right conditions, molecules of SbCl5 join together to form Sb2Cl10.

Complete Fig. 4.1 to show the bonding in Sb2Cl10.

sb2cl10
Fig. 4.1

1f1 mark

The other Group 15 elements also form pentachlorides with the exception of nitrogen.

Suggest a reason why nitrogen does not form NCl5.

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