Back to Separate Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

Paper 2

Organic Chemistry

Both
Practice this
Structural formulas of alkanes and alkenes

Alkanes: single bonds (CnH2n+2). Alkenes: double bond (CnH2n).

Key Facts

  • Complete combustion produces CO2 and water.
  • Crude oil is separated by fractional distillation.

Topics Covered

Alkanes and Alkenes

What you need to know

  • Alkanes are saturated; alkenes are unsaturated.
  • Alkenes decolourise bromine water.

Exam Tips

  • Use general formulae to identify series.

Polymers

What you need to know

  • Addition polymerisation uses alkenes.
  • Repeat units show how monomers join.

Exam Tips

  • Show brackets and n in polymer structures.

Alcohols and Carboxylic Acids

What you need to know

  • Ethanol is made by fermentation or hydration of ethene.
  • Carboxylic acids are weak acids.

Exam Tips

  • State conditions: yeast for fermentation.

Key Terms

Saturated

Only single bonds between carbon atoms.

Unsaturated

Contains one or more double bonds.

Loading practice drills...

Common Exam Questions

How do you test for an alkene?

2 markseasyPaper 2

Model Answer

Add bromine water; it changes from orange to colorless.

What examiners want to see

  • Name bromine water.
  • State color change.

Related Topics

Other topics you might find useful

Ready to test your knowledge?

Try exam-style questions on this topic in exam mode

Start Exam Mode