OCR GCE A-level CHEMISTRY A

(advanced level chemistry specification syllabus, H432)

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT YOU NEED TO REVISE ALL of the two years work for the final A Level Examination - anything can come up!

 Doc Brown's Unofficial Support for OCR GCE A-Level Chemistry

OCR AS Chemistry A (separate page)

Doc Brown's Chemistry Clinic - chemistry revision notes for the OCR A level chemistry course from September 2015

UNOFFICIAL HELP for this OCR A level chemistry UK based Advanced Level Chemistry Courses

First examinations in the summer of 2017 for A level

Selected links to my Advanced Level Chemistry revision notes based on the three index pages ...

[ORGANIC CHEMISTRY] * [INORGANIC CHEMISTRY] * [PHYSICAL-THEORETICAL CHEMISTRY]

PLEASE NOTE for students doing the OCR A level chemistry course.

1. My notes are not in anyway to be an alternative to your teacher, your textbooks or lesson notes for the OCR A level chemistry course.
2. BUT, sometimes a different presentation of a topic in your OCR A level chemistry course can help your understanding.
3. SO, a little 'study supplement' to your academic diet is freely available online via doc brown's website.
4. Scrolling down the page, you will find the links to my notes are organised to fit in with topic/unit/module headings in the order specified in the official syllabus-specification for the OCR A level chemistry course.
5. More links will be added over the next year and the A level chemistry notes expanded to cover more topics in the OCR A level chemistry course. There will be plenty of links ready for September 2015!
6. When following a link to potentially useful study material, also check out the sub-index links at the top or bottom of page.
7. You will find the [Google Search Box] at the bottom of the page very useful for looking up aspects of your OCR A level chemistry course.
8. I don't really have time to deliver extended responses to email questions, and do NOT ask for past papers for the OCR A level chemistry examinations though I will do my best to provide links to past papers as they appear on the OCR A level chemistry exam board website.
9. I don't mind queries or comments on my web pages irrespective of their usefulness to the OCR A level chemistry examination course.

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry

Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry

Module 3 – Periodic table and energy

Module 4 – Core organic chemistry

Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements

Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Qualitative Analysis Tests for inorganic gases, ions (cations and anions) etc. (use alphabetical index)

Uses of pH meter: Everyday examples of acids, alkalis, pH scale, Changes in pH in a neutralisation reaction

pH scale, strong/weak acids/bases, titrations - pH curves

Molarity, volumes and solution concentrations (and diagrams of apparatus)

How to do acid-alkali titration calculations, diagrams of apparatus, details of procedures

Chromatography - the basics of paper chromatography

Simple cells, notation and construction

Index of rates of reaction notes - kinetics (lots of stuff!!!)

Heating under reflux and fractional distillation - making an ester

Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Module 2.1 Atoms and reactions (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Module 2.1.1 Atomic structure and isotopes (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Atomic structure, sub-atomic particles, Bohr model and isotopes

Mass spectrometry - introduction (including determination of relative atomic mass)

What is relative atomic mass?, relative isotopic mass & calculating relative atomic mass

Module 2.1.2 Compounds, formulae and equations (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Equations and formulae - the basics of working them all out and a simple m/c quiz on balancing equations

Formulae - some common inorganic compound formulae

Ionic compounds - prediction of formulae from periodic table

Module 2.1.3 Amount of substance (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Chemical Calculations - Index (lots of pages to browse through, examples and quizzes on the basics!)

Introducing moles: The connection between moles, mass and formula mass - the basis of reacting mole ratio calculations (relating reacting masses and formula mass)

Using moles to calculate empirical formula and deduce molecular formula of a compound/molecule (starting with reacting masses or % composition)

Moles and the molar volume of a gas, Avogadro's Law

Reacting gas volume ratios, Avogadro's Law and Gay-Lussac's Law (ratio of gaseous reactants-products)

Molarity, volumes and solution concentrations (and diagrams of apparatus)

water of crystallisation calculations

PVT calculations and PV = nRT calculations

% reaction yield * atom economy

Module 2.1.4 Acids (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Acids, Bases, Salts, pH, titrations - all the basics (8 linked pages of the basics)

Everyday examples of acids, alkalis & hazard warning signs

pH scale, indicator colours, ionic theory of acids, alkalis (bases) & neutralisation

Acid reactions with metals/oxides/hydroxides/carbonates, neutralisation reactions

Reactions of bases-alkalis like sodium hydroxide

Methods of making salts index and chemical tests for ions in salts & tests for common gases

Changes in pH in a neutralisation reaction, choice and use of indicators

Important formulae, salt solubility and water of crystallisation

More on acid-base theory and weak and strong acids and their properties

Titration Questions - acid-base (2 pages plus worked out answers)

Module 2.1.5 Redox (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Oxidation and reduction - Introduction to redox reactions (but only the electron definitions important)

Oxidation numbers & oxidation states and Redox reactions

Module 2.2 Electrons, bonding and structure (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Module 2.2.1 Electron structure (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Electronic Structure of atoms and ionisation energies (7 sections on 3 linked pages)

Module 2.2.2 Bonding and structure (GCE OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Chemical bonding - introduction and index (6 linked pages) eg

Chemical bonding: Ionic Bonding – compounds and properties

Chemical bonding: Covalent Bonding – small simple molecules and their properties

More on covalent bonding - single, double & triple bond length & strength and dative covalent bonds

Molecule shapes and bond angles (3 linked pages)

Intermolecular bonding forces - an introduction

Intermolecular bonding forces - some further case studies

Intermolecular bonding forces - hydrogen bonding in molecules

Module 3 – Periodic table and energy (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Module 3.1 Periodic Table (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Module 3.1.1 Periodicity (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Periodic Table - Introduction

Periodic Table - electronic basis - electron configurations of elements

Periodic Table - Physical property trends in Period 2

Periodic Table - Physical property trends in Period 3

Periodic Table - Important trends down a group

Covalent Bonding – macromolecules and giant covalent structures and  Graphene

Metallic Bonding – structure and properties of metals

Module 3.1.2 Group 2  (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Periodic Table - s-block including detailed notes on Group 2 Alkaline Earth Metals (3 linked pages)

Periodic Table - Important trends down a group

Module 3.1.3 The Halogens (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Periodic table The Group 7/17 halogens (9 linked pages)

Module 3.1.4 Qualitative analysis (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Inorganic analysis - chemical tests for cations and chemical tests for anions (use alphabetical index)

Module 3.2 Physical chemistry (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Module 3.2.1 Enthalpy changes (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Energetics - introduction to enthalpy changes (4 linked pages)

Energetics - detailed notes on enthalpy changes (6 linked pages and question page)

Module 3.2.2 Reaction rates - kinetics (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Kinetics - introduction to factors affecting the rates-speeds of chemical reactions (9 linked pages)

Kinetics - advanced theory (2 linked pages)

Module 3.2.3 Chemical equilibrium (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Chemical equilibria  introduction - reversible reactions, dynamic equilibrium and Le Chatelier's Principle

Chemical equilibria - applying Le Chatelier's Principle to Industrial Processes

Chemical equilibria - writing K_c expressions and doing equilibrium expression calculations

Module 4 – Core organic chemistry (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Module 4.1 Basic concepts and hydrocarbons (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Module 4.1.1 Basic concepts of organic chemistry (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Functional Groups, organic molecule structure & representation & organic homologous series

Alkanes - molecular structure and naming (with quizzes)

Alcohols - Multiple choice Quiz on their structure and naming

Alcohols - Type in name Quiz on their nomenclature

Alkenes - molecular structure and naming (with quizzes)

Alkenes - Multiple choice Quiz on their structure and naming

Alkenes - Type in name Quiz on their nomenclature

Halogenoalkanes - naming and structure (3 linked pages and quizzes)

Halogenoalkanes - Multiple choice Quiz on their structure and naming (nomenclature)

Halogenoalkanes - Type in name Quiz on their nomenclature

Alcohols - molecular structure and naming (2 pages, with quizzes)

Alcohols - Multiple choice Quiz on their structure and naming

Alcohols - Type in name Quiz on their nomenclature

Isomerism in organic chemistry: introduction, type definitions, examples explained (several useful linked pages)

Organic chemistry mechanisms - an introduction and technical terms explained

Module 4.1.2 Alkanes (GCE OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Alkanes - molecular structure and naming (with quizzes)

Alkanes - Multiple choice Quiz on the structure and naming (nomenclature) of ALKANES

Alkanes - Type in name  Quiz on the structure & naming of ALKANES (and naming cycloalkanes)

Molecular structure - shapes of organic molecules and bond angles

Intermolecular forces/bonding - an introduction

Intermolecular forces/bonding - boiling point plots for six organic homologous series

Alkanes - complete combustion and incomplete combustion - pollution etc.

Organic chemistry mechanisms - an introduction and technical terms explained

Alkanes - free radical chlorination/bromination mechanism to give halogenoalkanes

Module 4.1.3 Alkenes (GCE OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Alkenes - molecular structure and naming (with quiz)

Alkenes - Multiple choice Quiz on their structure and naming

Alkenes - Type in name Quiz on their nomenclature

Molecular structure - shapes of organic molecules and bond angles

Alkenes - introduction to their chemistry and addition reactions (5 linked pages)

Electrophilic addition of hydrogen bromide [HBr_{(conc. aq)} and HBr_{(g/non-polar solvent)}] to form halogenoalkanes

Electrophilic addition of bromine with pure bromine or in non-polar solvent (non-aqueous Br_2(l/solvent)) to give dibromoalkanes AND addition using bromine water [aqueous Br_2(aq)] to give bromo-alcohols

Electrophilic addition of water [acid catalyst] to form alcohols

Free radical polymerisation to give poly(alkene) polymers e.g. ethene ==> poly(ethene)

Hydrogenation to give saturated alkanes

Isomerism in organic chemistry: introduction, type definitions, examples explained (several useful pages) eg

Isomerism - E/Z and cis/trans stereoisomerism

Polymers - the basics of addition polymer chemistry and uses, recycling

Module 4.2 Alcohols, haloalkanes and analysis (GCE OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Module 4.2.1 Alcohols (GCE OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Alcohols - molecular structure and naming (2 pages, with quizzes)

Alcohols - Multiple choice Quiz on their structure and naming

Alcohols - Type in name Quiz on their nomenclature

Alcohols - Ethanol, manufacture, physical properties and introduction to its chemical reactions (the basics)

Alcohols - oxidation to give aldehydes, ketones or carboxylic acids (sections 9.1 to 9.3)

Intermolecular forces/bonding - an introduction

Intermolecular forces/bonding - some further case studies

Intermolecular forces/bonding - boiling point plots for six organic homologous series

Intermolecular forces/bonding - hydrogen bonding in molecules

Intermolecular forces/bonding - solubility of covalent compounds, miscible and immiscible liquids

Alcohols - elimination of water to give an alkene

Alcohols - conversion of an alcohol to a halogenoalkane

Module 4.2.2 Haloalkanes (halogenoalkanes) (GCE OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Halogenoalkanes/haloalkanes - naming and structure (3 linked pages and quizzes)

Halogenoalkanes - Multiple choice Quiz on their structure and naming (nomenclature)

Halogenoalkanes - Type in name Quiz on their nomenclature

Halogenoalkanes/haloalkanes - Nucleophilic substitution by water/hydroxide ion

Ozone depletion due to CFCs

Module 4.2.3 Organic synthesis (GCE OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Module 4.2.4 Analytical techniques (IR and MS) (GCE OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Mass spectrometry - introduction (including determination of relative molecular mass, i.d. of compounds)

Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Module 5.1 Rates and equilibrium and pH (GCE OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Module 5.1.1 How fast? (GCE OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Kinetics - introduction to factors affecting the rates-speeds of chemical reactions (9 linked pages of basics)

Kinetics - introduction to advanced theory of rates of reactions

Kinetics - advanced theory, rate expressions, Arrhenius equation, calculations etc.  (2 linked pages)

Module 5.1.2 How far? (GCE OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Chemical equilibria introduction - reversible reactions, dynamic equilibrium and Le Chatelier's Principle

Chemical equilibria: applying Le Chatelier's Principle to Industrial Processes

Chemical equilibria: writing K_c expressions and doing equilibrium expression calculations

Chemical equilibria K_p equilibrium expressions and calculations

Module 5.1.3 Acids, Bases and buffers (GCE OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Chemical equilibria: acid-base theory, pH scale, strong/weak acids/bases, titrations - pH curves, buffers, worked out calculations (4 linked pages)

Module 5.2 Energy (GCE OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Module 5.2.1 Enthalpy (GCE OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Energetics - enthalpies of ion hydration, solution, atomisation, lattice energy, electron affinity, bond enthalpy related to calculations involving the Born-Haber cycle (3 linked pages)

Module 5.2.2 Enthalpy and entropy & free energy (GCE OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Energetics - ΔS Entropy and ΔG Free Energy Changes (5 linked pages)

Module 5.2.3 Redox and electrode potentials (GCE OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Oxidation and reduction - Introduction to redox reactions (but only the electron definitions important)

Oxidation numbers & oxidation states and Redox reactions

Redox titrations - calculation questions and worked out answers

Electrode potentials, hydrogen electrode, cells etc.  (6 linked pages) eg

Simple cells, notation and construction

Module 5.3 Transition elements (GCE OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Module 5.3.1 Transition elements (OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Periodic Table: 3d-block Transition Metals, chemistry, complexes, reactions of ions etc. (13 linked pages plus 12 Appendices, mention of Al³⁺)

Module 5.3.2 Qualitative analysis (OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Inorganic analysis - chemical tests for cations and chemical tests for anions (use alphabetical index)

Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis (GCE OCR A-Level Chemistry A)

Module 6.1 Aromatic compounds, carbonyls and acids (OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Module 6.1.1 Aromatic compounds (OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Aromatic chemistry: Structure and nomenclature

Aromatic chemistry:  Introduction to arene structure and electrophilic substitution mechanisms

Aromatic chemistry: Nitration to give nitro-aromatics like nitrobenzene

Aromatic chemistry: Chlorination to chloro-aromatics like chlorobenzene

Aromatic chemistry: Alkylation to give alkyl-aromatics like methylbenzene [Friedel-Crafts reaction]

Aromatic chemistry: Acylation to give aromatic ketones [Friedel-Crafts reaction]

Module 6.1.2 Carbonyl compounds (OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Aldehydes & ketones: Their structure and naming (plus quizzes)

Aldehydes & ketones: Multiple choice on their structure and naming (nomenclature)

Aldehydes & ketones: Type in name Quiz on their nomenclature

Alcohols - oxidation to give aldehydes, ketones or carboxylic acids (sections 9.1 to 9.3)

Aldehydes & ketones: Carbonyl compounds - introduction to their chemistry

Aldehydes & ketones: Nucleophilic addition of hydrogen cyanide to form a hydroxy-nitrile

Aldehydes & ketones: Addition of hydrogen - reduction NaBH₄ to give alcohols

Module 6.1.3 Carboxylic acids and esters (OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Carboxylic acids & derivatives: Their structure and naming (and quizzes)

Carboxylic acids & derivatives: Type in name Quiz on their structure and nomenclature

Carboxylic acids & derivatives: Type in name Quiz on their structure and  nomenclature

Carboxylic acids & derivatives: common reactions and uses

Carboxylic acids - formation from oxidation of Alcohols (sections 9.1 to 9.3)

Carboxylic acids & derivatives: Esters, chemistry and uses including perfumes

Carboxylic acids & derivatives: Hydrolysis of acid chlorides with water to give a carboxylic acid

Carboxylic acids & derivatives: Esterification of acid chlorides with alcohols to give an ester

Carboxylic acids & derivatives: Amide formation from reaction of acid chlorides with ammonia or primary amines

Module 6.2 Nitrogen compounds, polymers and synthesis (OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Module 6.2.1 Amines (OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Organic nitrogen compounds - structure, classification & naming

Halogenoalkanes - Nucleophilic substitution by ammonia/primary amine to give primary/secondary amines etc.

Reduction in organic synthesis  reactions

Module 6.2.2 Amino acids, amides and chirality (OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Organic nitrogen compounds - structure, classification & naming

Isomerism - R/S Optical Isomerism

Module 6.2.3 Polyesters and polyamides (OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Polymers - the basics of addition polymer chemistry and uses, recycling

Organic nitrogen compounds - structure, classification & naming

Polymers - the basics of condensation polymers, nylon, terylene, comparing thermoplastics, fibres, thermosets

Module 6.2.4 Carbon-carbon bond formation (OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Aldehydes & ketones: Nucleophilic addition of hydrogen cyanide to form a hydroxy-nitrile

Halogenoalkanes - Nucleophilic substitution by cyanide ion to give a nitrile

Aromatic chemistry: Alkylation to give alkyl-aromatics like methylbenzene [Friedel-Crafts reaction]

Module 6.2.5 Organic synthesis (OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Module 6.3 Analysis (OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Module 6.3.1 Chromatography and qualitative analysis (OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Chromatography - the basics of paper, thin layer and gas chromatography

Qualitative Analysis Tests (use alphabetical index)

Module 6.3.2 Spectroscopy (OCR A Level Chemistry A)

Analysis - combined techniques (some 'simple' examples) and answers

 Doc Brown's Chemistry 

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