Revision NotesExam QuestionsPast Papers
A LevelChemistryCIERevision Notes3. Organic Chemistry3.9 Organic Synthesis3.9.1 Organic Synthesis

Organic Synthesis (CIE A Level Chemistry)

Revision Note

Francesca

Author

Francesca

Last updated

Elucidating Organic Molecules

  • You are expected to be able to identify organic functional groups, their properties, how to test for their presence and how they are made 

Functional groups

  • The table below summarises the tests to identify the presence of certain functional groups and the reactions to make them

Functional groups, their reactions & identifying tests table

Organic Synthesis Table 1 (1)_Elucidating Organic Molecules, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

Organic Synthesis Table 1 (2)_Elucidating Organic Molecules, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes Organic Synthesis Table 1 (3)_Elucidating Organic Molecules, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

Organic Synthesis Functional Groups Flowchart (1), downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes Organic Synthesis Functional Groups Flowchart (2), downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

Types of reactions

  • You should also be aware of the different type of reactions that functional groups can undergo

Reactions of functional groups table

Organic Synthesis Table 2 (1)_Elucidating Organic Molecules, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

Organic Synthesis Table 2 (2)_Elucidating Organic Molecules, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

Oxidising & reducing agents

  • Certain functional groups only react with specific oxidising and reducing agents which you should be aware of

Oxidising & reducing agents table

Organic Synthesis Table 3 (1)_Elucidating Organic Molecules, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

copy-of-3-9-organic-synthesis-table-reducing-agents

Tests

  • The test also requires you to distinguish between the different tests that identify functional groups in a compound

Tests identifying functional groups in a compound table

3-9-organic-synthesis-table-4_elucidating-organic-molecules

Worked example: Elucidating organic molecules

Organic Synthesis Worked example - Elucidating organic molecules, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

copy-of-3-9-organic-synthesis-answers-worked-example-part1-new copy-of-3-9-organic-synthesis-answers-worked-example-part2-new

You've read 0 of your 5 free revision notes this week

Sign up now. It’s free!

Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams

the (exam) results speak for themselves:

    Test yourself

    Did this page help you?

    Previous:3.8.2 Disposal of PolymersNext:3.9.2 Multi-Step Synthesis
    Francesca

    Author: Francesca

    Expertise: Head of Science

    Fran studied for a BSc in Chemistry with Forensic Science, and since graduating taught A level Chemistry in the UK for over 11 years. She studied for an MBA in Senior Leadership, and has held a number of roles during her time in Education, including Head of Chemistry, Head of Science and most recently as an Assistant Headteacher. In this role, she used her passion for education to drive improvement and success for staff and students across a number of subjects in addition to Science, supporting them to achieve their full potential. Fran has co-written Science textbooks, delivered CPD for teachers, and worked as an examiner for a number of UK exam boards.