Topic 20: Organic Synthesis

Be able to deduce the empirical formulae, molecular formulae and structural formulae from data drawn from combustion analysis, element percentage composition, characteristic reactions of functional groups, infrared spectra, mass spectra and NMR spectra (both 13C and proton).

Use —deduce the empirical formulae, molecular formulae and structural formulae from data drawn from combustion analysis, element to connect the rule to the data and decision in the question.

This matters because —deduce the empirical formulae, molecular formulae and structural formulae from data drawn from combustion analysis, element determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply —deduce the empirical formulae, molecular formulae and structural formulae from data drawn from combustion analysis, element to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: use the formula and units given in the question, show the substitution and interpret the result; the calculation alone is not the conclusion.

Understand methods of increasing the length of the carbon chain in a molecule by the use of magnesium to form Grignard reagents and the reactions of the latter with carbon dioxide and with carbonyl compounds in dry ether.

Use —methods of increasing the length of the carbon chain in a molecule by the use of magnesium to form grignard reagents and to connect the rule to the data and decision in the question.

This matters because —methods of increasing the length of the carbon chain in a molecule by the use of magnesium to form grignard reagents and determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply —methods of increasing the length of the carbon chain in a molecule by the use of magnesium to form grignard reagents and to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: —Methods of increasing the length of the carbon chain in a molecule by the use of magnesium to form Grignard reagents and is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.

Be able to use knowledge of organic chemistry contained given in this specification to solve problems such as: i predicting the properties of unfamiliar compounds containing one or more of the functional groups included in the specification and explain these predictions ii planning reaction schemes of up to four steps, recalling familiar reactions and using unfamiliar reactions given sufficient information iii selecting suitable practical procedures for carrying out reactions involving compounds with functional groups included in this specification iv identifying appropriate control measures to reduce risk based on data of hazards.

Use —knowledge of organic chemistry contained given in this specification to solve problems such as: i predicting the properties to connect the rule to the data and decision in the question.

This matters because —knowledge of organic chemistry contained given in this specification to solve problems such as: i predicting the properties determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply —knowledge of organic chemistry contained given in this specification to solve problems such as: i predicting the properties to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: —Knowledge of organic chemistry contained given in this specification to solve problems such as: i predicting the properties is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.

CORE PRACTICAL 16 The preparation of aspirin.

Use —core practical 16 the preparation of aspirin to connect the rule to the data and decision in the question.

This matters because —core practical 16 the preparation of aspirin determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply —core practical 16 the preparation of aspirin to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: —CORE PRACTICAL 16 The preparation of aspirin is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.

Understand the following techniques used in the preparation and purification of organic compounds: i refluxing ii purification by washing, including with water and sodium carbonate solution iii solvent extraction iv recrystallisation v drying vi distillation vii steam distillation viii melting temperature determination ix boiling temperature determination.

Use —the following techniques used in the preparation and purification of organic compounds: i refluxing ii purification by to connect the rule to the data and decision in the question.

This matters because —the following techniques used in the preparation and purification of organic compounds: i refluxing ii purification by determines what can be inferred or chosen; begin with the stated conditions and keep the conclusion tied to the evidence.

Example: apply —the following techniques used in the preparation and purification of organic compounds: i refluxing ii purification by to one small, clearly defined case, show the key step or comparison, and explain the result in words.

Boundary: —The following techniques used in the preparation and purification of organic compounds: i refluxing ii purification by is not a universal recommendation. Check the syllabus scope, assumptions, units and the limits of the evidence before generalising.