21.1.1—For an organic molecule containing several
- Syllabus
- 9701–2028–2029
- Objective
- 21.1.1
- Level
- AS
Analyse each functional group before predicting a molecule with several groups
A molecule containing several functional groups can show more than one family of reactions. Identify each group from connectivity, then apply the appropriate reagent and conditions to predict properties or products.
Functional groups can interact: steric hindrance, intramolecular hydrogen bonding and reaction conditions may change which group reacts first. State assumptions instead of treating the molecule as a list of independent labels.
A hydroxycarboxylic acid contains both –OH and –COOH: it can react with sodium at O–H sites, neutralise base at –COOH, and form an ester under acid catalysis.
Do not predict every possible reaction simultaneously. The question’s reagent and conditions select the relevant functional group.
ConceptA-Level CAIE Chemistry AS