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Organic Chemistry (A2 2)

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

How are organic molecules classified, named and represented, and what is a homologous series?

The classification of organic compounds by functional group, homologous series and general formulae, IUPAC nomenclature, the different ways of representing organic molecules, and the meaning of structural isomerism.
A CCEA Life and Health Sciences answer on organic classification: functional groups, homologous series and general formulae, IUPAC nomenclature, the ways of representing organic molecules, and an introduction to structural isomerism.
12 min answer →

How do chemists identify organic compounds using modern instruments?

The principles and uses of instrumental methods for identifying organic compounds, including mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy and chromatography, and how data from these methods are interpreted to determine structure.
A CCEA Life and Health Sciences answer on instrumental analysis: the principles and uses of mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy and chromatography, and how their data are interpreted to identify and determine the structure of organic compounds.
12 min answer →

How can molecules with the same formula have different structures and properties?

Structural isomerism (chain, position and functional group isomers), stereoisomerism including cis-trans (E-Z) isomerism in alkenes, the conditions needed for each, and why isomers can have different properties.
A CCEA Life and Health Sciences answer on isomerism: structural isomerism (chain, position and functional group), stereoisomerism including cis-trans (E-Z) isomerism in alkenes, the conditions for each, and why isomers differ in properties.
12 min answer →

How are polymers made from small molecules, and what are the two main types of polymerisation?

Addition polymerisation of alkenes and condensation polymerisation, the structures of the polymers formed, the differences between the two types, and the uses and environmental impact of polymers including biodegradability and disposal.
A CCEA Life and Health Sciences answer on polymers: addition polymerisation of alkenes and condensation polymerisation, the structures formed, the differences between the two types, and the uses and environmental impact of polymers.
12 min answer →

What are the characteristic reactions of the main families of organic compounds?

The characteristic reactions of alkanes (combustion and substitution), alkenes (addition), alcohols (oxidation, combustion and dehydration) and carboxylic acids, and the reaction types of combustion, substitution, addition and oxidation.
A CCEA Life and Health Sciences answer on organic reactions: the characteristic reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alcohols and carboxylic acids, and the reaction types of combustion, substitution, addition and oxidation.
13 min answer →