A-Level Chemistry: Organic Chemistry Revision

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How do alkenes typically react with bromine?

Organic Chemistry is a core part of A-Level Chemistry. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.

Key concepts

Homologous seriesA family of compounds with the same functional group and general formula.

Functional groupThe reactive part of a molecule that determines its reactions.

IsomerismMolecules with the same formula but different structures or arrangements.

Reaction mechanismStep-by-step electron movement showing how a reaction proceeds.

Alkanes & alkenesSaturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons.

AlcoholsOrganic compounds containing the -OH group.

AlkaneC-C single bonds; CnH(2n+2).

AlkeneContains C=C; CnH2n.

HaloalkaneHalogen replaces H; R-X.

AlcoholContains -OH; R-OH.

Carboxylic acidContains -COOH; weak acid.

EsterContains -COO-R'; formed from acid + alcohol.

Primary alcoholR-CH2OH; oxidises to aldehyde then acid.

Secondary alcoholR2CHOH; oxidises to ketone.

What your exam board covers

Where Organic Chemistry sits in each exam board's specification. Tap a board to see what it lists.

AQAIntroduction to organic chemistrySpec 7405

Part of: Organic chemistry

Source: AQA A-level Chemistry (7405) specification — Subject content, accessed 23 June 2026.

AQAOrganic synthesis (A-level only)Spec 7405

Part of: Organic chemistry

Source: AQA A-level Chemistry (7405) specification — Subject content, accessed 23 June 2026.

CCEAA2 1 — Further physical and organic chemistrySpec 1110

Lattice enthalpy
Enthalpy, entropy and free energy
Rates of reaction
Equilibrium
Acid-base equilibria
Isomerism
Aldehydes and ketones
Carboxylic acids
Derivatives of carboxylic acids
Aromatic chemistry

Source: CCEA A-Level Chemistry specification, accessed 23 June 2026.

Eduqas/WJECOA1 — Higher concepts in organic chemistrySpec A410QS (QAN 601/5645/4)

Stereoisomerism
Aromaticity

Source: Eduqas/WJEC A-Level Chemistry specification (from 2015), accessed 24 June 2026.

Eduqas/WJECOA4 — Organic synthesis and analysisSpec A410QS (QAN 601/5645/4)

Synthetic routes, practical techniques and combined instrumental analysis

Source: Eduqas/WJEC A-Level Chemistry specification (from 2015), accessed 24 June 2026.

OCRModule 4 — Core organic chemistrySpec H432

Basic concepts
Hydrocarbons
Alcohols and haloalkanes
Organic synthesis
Analytical techniques (IR and MS)

Source: OCR A Level Chemistry A (H432) specification, accessed 23 June 2026.

OCRModule 6 — Organic chemistry and analysisSpec H432

Aromatic compounds
Carbonyl compounds
Carboxylic acids and esters
Nitrogen compounds
Polymers
Organic synthesis
Chromatography and spectroscopy (NMR)

Source: OCR A Level Chemistry A (H432) specification, accessed 23 June 2026.

Learn Organic Chemistry step by step

Free interactive mini-lessons: short screens, worked examples and quick checks. Pick your exam board:

Other boards:Edexcel

Common mistakes to avoid

Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:

How do alkenes typically react with bromine?✗ Bromine substitutes for a hydrogen on the alkene, releasing HBr. ✓ By electrophilic addition — bromine adds across the double bond to form a dibromoalkane.

What is the product of mild oxidation of a primary alcohol?✗ A primary alcohol is oxidised directly to a ketone. ✓ An aldehyde (which can be further oxidised to a carboxylic acid).

Members of a homologous series share:✗ The same molecular mass ✓ The same functional group and general formula

Why do tertiary halogenoalkanes typically react via SN1 rather than SN2?✗ Tertiary halogenoalkanes react via SN1 because they are more reactive in every way. ✓ The tertiary carbocation intermediate is stabilised by three alkyl groups (positive inductive effect), making the SN1 pathway favourable.

Practise Organic Chemistry — free games

Test yourself with these quick revision games for this topic:

▶ Two Truths, One Lie ▶ Reveal Race ▶ Connections Grid ▶ Falling Words ▶ Word Web

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Organic Chemistry

Key concepts

What your exam board covers

Common mistakes to avoid

Practise Organic Chemistry — free games

More A-Level Chemistry topics