Organic synthesis: past paper questions
Real questions on organic synthesis
The newest 20 of 118 written questions, plus 12 multiple-choice. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 9701/41 · May/June 2026 · Q7a(i)[1]
State the reagents and conditions for step 1.
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2026 · Q7a(ii)[1]
State the reagents and conditions for step 3.
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2026 · Q7a(iii)[1]
Name the compound C 6 H 5 N 2 Cl formed in step 3.
See it on the paper → - 9701/21 · October/November 2025 · Q4b(iv)[2]
State two difficulties associated with the disposal of poly(propene).
See it on the paper → - 9701/22 · October/November 2025 · Q4b[1]
State the reagent and solvent required for reaction 2.
See it on the paper → - 9701/21 · May/June 2025 · Q5a[2]
Draw the structure of A.
See it on the paper → - 9701/21 · May/June 2025 · Q5b[1]
Name the type of reaction that occurs when A is heated with H 2 SO 4 (aq).
See it on the paper → - 9701/21 · May/June 2025 · Q5d(i)[2]
Identify the reagents and conditions required in steps 1 and 2. step
See it on the paper → - 9701/21 · May/June 2025 · Q5d(ii)[1]
Identify the type of reaction that HOCH 2 CH 2 CH 2 OH undergoes in step 2.
See it on the paper → - 9701/21 · May/June 2025 · Q5e(i)[1]
Identify the formula of the reducing agent R.
See it on the paper → - 9701/21 · May/June 2025 · Q5e(ii)[2]
Complete the equation to describe the reaction of B with an excess of R. Use [H] to represent one atom of hydrogen from R. HOOCCH 2 COOH + [H]
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · May/June 2025 · Q5a(ii)[4]
Two different reagents are each added to separate samples of W as shown in Table 5.1. Complete Table 5.1. Table 5.1 observation when reagent is added to W structural formula of organic product when reagent is added to W reagent and conditions solid Na Br 2 in absence of ultraviolet light (ii)
See it on the paper → - 9701/23 · May/June 2025 · Q5b(ii)[1]
W reacts with LiAl H 4 to produce Y. Draw the structure of Y.
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2025 · Q7c(i)[1]
Write an equation for this reaction using molecular formulae for D and F. The products of this reaction are F, water and carbon dioxide. Use [O] to represent one atom of oxygen from the oxidising agent.
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2025 · Q7c(ii)[3]
F reacts with an excess of SOCl 2 to form compound G. The molecular formula of G is C 8 H 4 Cl 2 O 2 . G reacts with ethane-1,2-diol, HOCH 2 CH 2 OH, to form a mixture of products that includes compounds J, molecular formula C 10 H 8 O 4 , and K, molecular formula C 18 H 12 Cl 2 O 6 . Draw the structures of compounds G...
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2025 · Q8a(i)[1]
The mechanism for the reaction involves methylbenzene reacting with a Br + ion. This ion is produced when bromine reacts with the catalyst. Complete the equation for the reaction of Br 2 with the catalyst. Br + + Br 2 + (a) (i)
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2025 · Q8a(ii)[2]
One of the isomers of L forms in much smaller amounts than the other two isomers. Draw the structure of this isomer and explain why it forms in the smallest amount.
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2025 · Q8a(iii)[3]
Complete the mechanism in Fig. 8.1 for the reaction between methylbenzene and the Br + ion. Include all relevant curly arrows and charges. intermediate CH 3 + Br +
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2025 · Q8b(i)[1]
Identify the chloro-compound that reacts and describe any observations.
See it on the paper → - 9701/41 · May/June 2025 · Q8b(ii)[2]
Write two equations to explain any observations in (b)(i).
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
This was answered well by many candidates. L and M were more well known than K. Common errors included: • for K: CH3CH2COOH • for M: Sn and conc. HCl or NaBH4.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9701/42 Q4(b) (Cambridge)
Many candidates were able to draw the hydrolysis products benzylamine and ethanoic acid but did not realise that benzylamine would be protonated in excess concentrated hydrochloric acid. The third hydrolysis product proved much more challenging. A common error were structures containing an acyl chloride instead of a carboxylic acid group.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9701/42 Q4(c) (Cambridge)
This question discriminated well. Some unbalanced equations were seen without H2O in the products. Other common errors were use of [H+] (instead of [H]) or forming O2 as a by-product.
— Examiner report, February/March 2025, 9701/42 Q4(d)(i) (Cambridge)
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