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Cambridge International A-Level Chemistry 9701 A2

Prepare for Cambridge International A2 Chemistry 9701 by connecting advanced models, calculations, synthesis and spectroscopy to Paper 4 application and complete Paper 5 planning, data analysis and evaluation.

Syllabus
Current syllabus · first assessment 2028
Course
Chemistry
Level
A2

Questions to revisit

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Explore Cambridge A2 Chemistry Topics 23–37

Navigate 44 local Topics across the fifteen official advanced physical, inorganic, organic and analytical groups plus dedicated Paper 5 and mathematical-convention-data support groups. The map follows syllabus Version 1 for exams in 2028, 2029 and 2030 without duplicating AS Topics 1–22.

17
syllabus groups
44
mapped topics
  1. 23. Chemical energetics4 topics Explore unit
  2. 24. Electrochemistry2 topics Explore unit
  3. 25. Equilibria2 topics Explore unit
  4. 26. Reaction kinetics2 topics Explore unit
  5. 27. Group 21 topic Explore unit
  6. 28. Chemistry of transition elements5 topics Explore unit
  7. 29. An introduction to A Level organic chemistry5 topics Explore unit
  8. 30. Hydrocarbons1 topic Explore unit
  9. 31. Halogen compounds1 topic Explore unit
  10. 32. Hydroxy compounds2 topics Explore unit
  11. 33. Carboxylic acids and derivatives3 topics Explore unit
  12. 34. Nitrogen compounds4 topics Explore unit
  13. 35. Polymerisation3 topics Explore unit
  14. 36. Organic synthesis1 topic Explore unit
  15. 37. Analytical techniques4 topics Explore unit
  16. Practical assessment skills1 topic Explore unit
  17. Mathematical, structural convention and data skills3 topics Explore unit

Where to start

Start from one known weak Topic or use mixed evidence to locate the first repeated model, calculation, synthesis, spectroscopy, planning or evaluation failure.

Choose your starting point

  1. I know the weak Topic

    Open its exact group and identify the model, equation, mechanism, spectrum, calculation or practical decision that is failing.

    Browse Topics 23–37

  2. I do not know what is weak

    Use mixed A2 tasks to separate Paper 4 knowledge-application problems from Paper 5 planning, data or evaluation failures.

    Start a diagnostic

Choose the right A2 Chemistry starting point

  1. Reconstruct the model

    Derive the chemical relationship, mechanism or structure and state assumptions, conventions, units and observable evidence precisely.

    Review a Concept

  2. Retrieve and apply

    Recall without notes, complete the quantitative or structural chain and explain unfamiliar chemical data using the model.

    Check Mastery

  3. Test, mark and repair

    Answer a Paper 4 or Paper 5 task, compare each claim with evidence and rewrite the first failed link.

    Practise questions

How to study Cambridge A2 Chemistry 9701

Connect Topics 23–37 to advanced models, calculations, synthesis, spectroscopy, Paper 4 application and Paper 5 planning, data, conclusions and evaluation.

Practise A2 Chemistry through transfer and evidence

Combine advanced physical models, transition chemistry, organic synthesis, analytical structure solving and complete Paper 5 planning-and-data cycles across the exact A2 scope.

  • Advanced physical chemistry

    Born–Haber cycles, entropy and Gibbs energy, electrode potentials, equilibria, pH and rate equations

    Reconstruct each model before calculating: define the system, choose signs and units, derive or select the relationship and test assumptions. Interpret the numerical result chemically, then explain how unfamiliar conditions change feasibility, equilibrium, cell potential or rate.

    Practise Topics 23–26

  • Transition-element evidence

    Electronic structure, oxidation states, ligands, colour, stereoisomerism, stability constants and reactions

    Build one evidence grid connecting oxidation state, ligand environment, geometry, colour and stability. Predict observations and write equations from unfamiliar prompts, then use electrode, equilibrium or spectral evidence to justify the species rather than naming a memorised complex.

    Practise Topics 27–28

  • Organic synthesis networks

    Functional-group changes, reagents, conditions, mechanisms, selectivity, polymers and plausible by-products

    Plan routes as a network instead of isolated cards. For every edge, state the structural change, reagent, conditions, reaction type and mechanism where required; compare alternative routes, account for selectivity and repair only the missing transformation or convention.

    Practise Topics 29–36

  • Analytical structure solving

    Chromatography, carbon-13 NMR, proton NMR, integration, splitting and supplied spectral evidence

    Combine every clue before committing to a structure. Track carbon environments, proton counts, splitting neighbours, chemical shifts and chromatographic evidence, propose a candidate and then prove that it explains every signal; revise the structure when one constraint fails.

    Practise Topic 37

  • Paper 5 planning and data

    Variables, apparatus, measurements, risk, tables, graphs, gradients, errors, conclusions and improvements

    Write a complete testable plan with ranges, controls, precision, safety and predicted data presentation. Process raw evidence, identify anomalies and uncertainty, limit conclusions to the result and link each evaluation point to a specific effect and feasible improvement.

    Practise Paper 5 skills

Build a consistent study approach

Cambridge A2 Chemistry requires transfer across representations. Use the A2 syllabus map to connect energetic cycles, equilibria, kinetics, transition chemistry, synthesis and analytical evidence. Reconstruct the model or mechanism, derive the equation or structure, calculate with visible units and conventions, then test the result against unfamiliar data. Retrieve AS knowledge only when an advanced explanation needs it, rather than rebuilding Topics 1–22 here.

Review an advanced model in Concept and retrieve equations, mechanisms or spectra in Mastery before applying them through the Question Bank. Mark the first failure as missing knowledge, wrong model, sign or unit, convention error, unsupported structure, ignored evidence, incomplete method or generic evaluation. Repair that exact link, then answer a matched Paper 4 or Paper 5 task without notes.

Cambridge A2 Chemistry 9701 assessment

A2 study prepares candidates for Papers 4 and 5, which together contribute 50% of the full A Level. Paper 4 tests advanced knowledge and application; Paper 5 tests written experimental reasoning without laboratory facilities.

Paper / componentQuestionsTime% of grade
Paper 4 A Level Structured QuestionsStructured questions on A Level content with AS knowledge required100 marksWritten structured questions divide demand equally between AO1 knowledge and AO2 handling, application and evaluation; no AO3 marks are assigned.How to prepare: Use mixed timed sets after Topic mastery; show models, equations, mechanisms, structures, calculations, units and conventions, then classify errors as missing knowledge, wrong representation or failure to use unfamiliar evidence.2 hours38.5% of the full A Level
Paper 5 Planning, Analysis and EvaluationTwo or more written practical-planning and data questions30 marksA written paper with no laboratory facilities assesses AO3 planning, analysis, conclusions and evaluation; context may lie outside syllabus content.How to prepare: Practise complete plans and data responses weekly: variables, safe apparatus, ranges, controls, precision, tables, graphs, calculations, anomalies, reliability, evidence-bounded conclusions and improvements tied to a specific weakness.1 hour 15 minutes11.5% of the full A Level

SourceCambridge International · Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry 9701 syllabus9701 · Version 1 · exams 2028, 2029 and 2030

Frequently Asked Questions

AS Topics 1–22 are assumed knowledge for the full A Level, but this A2 Course maps official Topics 23–37 and prepares for Papers 4–5. Papers 1–3 provide the other 50% of the complete qualification. Retrieve an AS idea when an advanced question needs it, without duplicating the AS syllabus map here.

Practise planning and data work every week alongside real A-Level-standard laboratory experience. Write testable variables, controls, ranges, safe apparatus and precise measurements; design tables and graphs; calculate and interpret results; then connect every limitation to its effect and a feasible improvement. The examination itself is written and provides no laboratory facilities.

No. Cambridge states that a separate Data Booklet is no longer provided with Paper 4. Required data are supplied in the question, papers contain commonly used constants and a Periodic Table, and the syllabus contains the authoritative Data section. Practise applying supplied electrode, NMR, infrared and other data without assuming every relationship is given.

Yes, after mapping each question to the current Topics 23–37 and Paper 5 skills. Cambridge warns that older papers may not reflect the current syllabus, and no separate public 2028 specimen set was confirmed. Use current official syllabus outcomes as the authority and treat legacy questions as selective practice rather than proof of coverage.