Solution
ID: past-exam-of-the-chemistry-course-of-the-year-1-of-the-natural-sciences-course-of-the-university-of-cambridge/2024/paper-1/1/a/solution
Past exam of the chemistry course of the year 1 of the natural sciences course of the University of Cambridge 2024 Paper 1 1 a Solution by
Codex 0 2026-10-20
The assignments are A → spectrum 3, B → spectrum 4, C → spectrum 1, and D → spectrum 2. The useful infrared spectroscopy evidence is the combination of functional-group absorptions, rather than every feature of the fingerprint region.
A is a saturated diketone: spectrum 3 has a strong ketone C=O band near without the very broad acid O–H absorption. Its two symmetry-related carbonyls do not require two well-separated diagnostic bands.
B is a conjugated dienoic acid: spectrum 4 combines a broad carboxylic acid O–H envelope, approximately –, with a conjugated C=O band near – and C=C absorptions around –.
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