← Chemistry syllabus

EnglandChemistry

Module 6: Organic chemistry and analysis (6.1.1 Aromatic compounds)

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

Why is benzene so stable, and how does it react by substitution?

The delocalised model of benzene and the evidence for it, the stability of the ring, and the electrophilic substitution reactions of benzene (nitration, halogenation and Friedel-Crafts acylation).
An OCR H432 module 6 answer on aromatic compounds: the delocalised model of benzene and the evidence for it, its stability, and the electrophilic substitution reactions of nitration, halogenation and Friedel-Crafts acylation.
12 min answer →

How do we distinguish aldehydes from ketones, and what reactions does the carbonyl group undergo?

Aldehydes and ketones, oxidation of aldehydes, reduction with sodium tetrahydridoborate, nucleophilic addition of hydrogen cyanide, and the tests for carbonyl compounds (2,4-DNPH, Tollens' reagent and Fehling's solution).
An OCR H432 module 6 answer on carbonyl compounds: aldehydes and ketones, oxidation of aldehydes, reduction with sodium tetrahydridoborate, nucleophilic addition of hydrogen cyanide, and the 2,4-DNPH, Tollens and Fehling tests.
12 min answer →

How do carboxylic acids behave as acids, and how are esters and acyl derivatives made and broken?

Acidity of carboxylic acids and their reactions with metals, alkalis and carbonates; esterification and ester hydrolysis (acid and alkaline); and the reactions of acyl chlorides and acid anhydrides.
An OCR H432 module 6 answer on carboxylic acids and esters: acidity and reactions with metals, alkalis and carbonates, esterification and acid and alkaline ester hydrolysis, and the reactions of acyl chlorides and acid anhydrides.
12 min answer →

How do chromatography and NMR spectroscopy let us separate mixtures and determine structures?

Chromatography (thin-layer with Rf values and gas chromatography with retention times), carbon-13 and proton NMR spectroscopy (chemical shift, integration and the n+1 splitting rule with TMS reference), and combining analytical techniques to identify structures.
An OCR H432 module 6 answer on chromatography and NMR: thin-layer and gas chromatography, carbon-13 and proton NMR with chemical shift, integration and the n+1 splitting rule, and combining analytical techniques to deduce structures.
13 min answer →

How do amines act as bases, what is a chiral centre, and how do condensation polymers form?

Amines and their basicity and preparation, amino acids and the amide link, optical isomerism and chirality, condensation polymers (polyesters and polyamides), carbon-carbon bond formation using nitriles, and multi-step organic synthesis.
An OCR H432 module 6 answer on nitrogen compounds and polymers: amine basicity and preparation, amino acids and the amide link, optical isomerism, condensation polymers (polyesters and polyamides), carbon-carbon bond formation with nitriles, and organic synthesis.
13 min answer →