OxfordAQA International A Level Chemistry
OxfordAQA International A Level Chemistry 3.3.1 Introduction to Organic Chemistry Exam Questions
Free OxfordAQA International A Level Chemistry revision for 3.3.1 Introduction to Organic Chemistry: what you need to know, common mistakes and exam-style questions with answers. Covers types of formulae, homologous series, functional groups, IUPAC naming, reaction mechanisms and curly arrows, structural isomerism and E-Z stereoisomerism.
Practise 3.3.1 Introduction to Organic Chemistry with past papers
Once you have learnt this topic, find the 3.3.1 Introduction to Organic Chemistry questions in real OxfordAQA International A Level Chemistry past papers and mark them with the mark scheme. Doing lots of real questions is the quickest way to learn how examiners ask about each idea.
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About OxfordAQA International A Level Chemistry 3.3.1 Introduction to Organic Chemistry
Introduction to organic chemistry is the first organic topic and is examined in Unit 2. It gives you the language used throughout the organic sections: empirical, molecular, general, structural, displayed and skeletal formulae, homologous series and functional groups, and IUPAC naming of compounds with chains and rings of up to six carbon atoms. You also need to understand how mechanisms are shown, with free radicals using dot notation and other mechanisms using curly arrows, and to identify chain, position and functional group isomers and E-Z stereoisomers using the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog priority rules. Examiners test naming and isomer drawing in nearly every paper.
What you need to know
- Types of formula Learn empirical, molecular, general, structural, displayed and skeletal formulae. In skeletal formulae, each line end or junction is a carbon atom and hydrogens on carbon are not shown.
- Homologous series A homologous series has the same functional group and general formula, with each member differing by CH2. Members show a gradual change in physical properties and similar chemical properties.
- Naming Use IUPAC rules: find the longest carbon chain, number from the end that gives the functional group or substituents the lowest numbers, and list substituents alphabetically, for example 2-methylbutane or but-2-ene.
- Mechanisms Free radicals have an unpaired electron, shown as a dot, and are not drawn with curly arrows. In other mechanisms, a curly arrow shows the movement of a pair of electrons from a bond or lone pair.
- Structural isomers Structural isomers have the same molecular formula but different structural formulae: chain isomers (different carbon skeleton), position isomers (functional group in a different position) and functional group isomers (different functional group).
- E-Z isomerism E-Z isomers arise because rotation about a C=C bond is restricted and each carbon of the double bond has two different groups. Use the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog rules: the higher atomic number has priority; Z means the two higher-priority groups are on the same side, E means opposite sides.
Common mistakes in 3.3.1 Introduction to Organic Chemistry
- Choosing a chain that is not the longest when naming. Always look for the longest continuous carbon chain, which may bend.
- Drawing curly arrows starting from an atom rather than a bond or lone pair.
- Saying any alkene shows E-Z isomerism. Each carbon in the C=C must have two different groups attached.
- Using cis and trans when E and Z are asked for. Apply CIP priorities, which do not always match cis and trans.
Try three 3.3.1 Introduction to Organic Chemistry exam-style questions
1. Name the compound CH3CH(CH3)CH2CH2OH. (1 mark)
Show the mark scheme answer
3-methylbutan-1-ol.
2. Draw the skeletal formula of the E isomer of pent-2-ene and explain why it is E. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Skeletal zigzag with C=C between C2 and C3 and the CH3 and C2H5 groups on opposite sides; the higher priority groups (CH3 on C2 and C2H5 on C3) are on opposite sides of the double bond.
3. Give the number of structural isomers with the formula C4H10 and name them. (2 marks)
Show the mark scheme answer
Two; butane and 2-methylpropane.
3.3.1 Introduction to Organic Chemistry FAQs
What does OxfordAQA International A Level Chemistry 3.3.1 Introduction to Organic Chemistry cover?
It covers types of formulae, homologous series, functional groups, IUPAC naming, reaction mechanisms and curly arrows, structural isomerism and E-Z stereoisomerism.
Which unit is 3.3.1 Introduction to Organic Chemistry examined in?
It is examined in Unit 2, the second International AS paper, which covers organic and physical chemistry. The Unit 5 practical and synoptic paper at A2 can also assess it.
How do I assign E and Z using CIP rules?
For each carbon of the C=C, compare the atomic numbers of the atoms directly attached; the higher atomic number has priority. If the two priority groups are on the same side it is Z; on opposite sides it is E.
