Formulas, functional groups and the naming of organic compounds: past paper questions
Real questions on formulas, functional groups and the naming of organic compounds
The newest 20 of 241 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9701/21 · October/November 2025 · Q4c(i)[1]
Name X. (i)
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · October/November 2025 · Q3a[2]
Define homologous series.
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · October/November 2025 · Q4a(iv)[1]
Compound Q is a by-product of reaction 1. Q H H Cl H C C C H H H Cl Name Q.
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · October/November 2025 · Q4a(v)[2]
The molecular formula of Q is C 3 H 6 Cl 2 . Identify the types of structural isomerism and stereoisomerism that a molecule with molecular formula C 3 H 6 Cl 2 can show. type of structural isomerism
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · October/November 2025 · Q4c(i)[1]
Name X. (i)
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · October/November 2025 · Q7d(i)[2]
Suggest structures for compounds V and W and draw them in the boxes in Fig. 7.2. (i)
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · October/November 2025 · Q9b(i)[2]
Suggest structures for compounds M and N and draw them in the boxes in Fig. 9.1.
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · October/November 2025 · Q9b(ii)[1]
Give the reagents and conditions for reaction 1.
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · October/November 2025 · Q9c[1]
Fig. 9.2 shows compound H which is a useful starting material in organic synthesis. H O N H Fig. 9.2 H contains an alkene and an amine functional group. Name the other functional group and give the classification of the amine group in H. other functional group in H
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · October/November 2025 · Q7c(i)[1]
Identify the only compound that gives a spectrum with two singlets and no other peaks. Fig. 7.1 shows the spectrum obtained from one of the compounds. (i) 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Fig. 7.1 δ / ppm
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · October/November 2025 · Q7c(ii)[1]
Identify the compound that gives this spectrum.
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · October/November 2025 · Q7c(iii)[1]
Name the splitting pattern of the peak at δ = 1.1 in Fig. 7.1. name Give the reason for this splitting.
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · October/November 2025 · Q7c(iv)[1]
Identify the substance that gives the small peak at δ = 0 in Fig. 7.1.
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · October/November 2025 · Q8c[2]
Asparagine and aspartic acid are treated separately with an excess of LiAl H 4 . Draw the structures of the organic products of these reactions. product of asparagine treated with an excess of LiAl H 4 product of aspartic acid treated with an excess of LiAl H 4
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · October/November 2025 · Q8d(i)[1]
Write an equation for this reaction.
See it on the paper → - 9701/42 · October/November 2025 · Q9b[1]
Describe the reagents and conditions required for step 1 in Fig. 9.1.
See it on the paper → - 9701/43 · October/November 2025 · Q2b[1]
Define complex ion. (b) Aqueous solutions of iron( II ) salts contain the complex ion [Fe(H 2 O) 6 ] 2+ .
See it on the paper → - 9701/43 · October/November 2025 · Q2c(i)[1]
Suggest a suitable reagent for this conversion. State the type of reaction. reagent
See it on the paper → - 9701/43 · October/November 2025 · Q7d(i)[2]
Suggest structures for compounds V and W and draw them in the boxes in Fig. 7.2. (i)
See it on the paper → - 9701/43 · October/November 2025 · Q9b(i)[2]
Suggest structures for compounds M and N and draw them in the boxes in Fig. 9.1.
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Many candidates did not note that D has an Mr of 60, hence several structures were given that exceeded 60. Substituted alkenes were often given as an answer.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9701/22 Q1(d)(ii) (Cambridge)
Most candidates gave the correct order of basicity. The positive inductive effect of the propyl group was well known for propylamine being the strongest base. However, many did not link basicity to the availability of the lone pair on the nitrogen atom to accept a proton. The ability of the lone pair on the nitrogen to attract a proton is not sufficient. Only higher performing candidates were able...
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9701/42 Q4(a) (Cambridge)
Many candidates understood that dissolving X in D2O would remove OH peaks.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9701/42 Q6(c)(ii) (Cambridge)
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