Alcohols: past paper questions
Real questions on alcohols
The newest 20 of 64 written questions. Open one to see it on the real paper.
- 0620/32 · May/June 2026 · Q1a(i)[1]
an alcohol (i)
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · May/June 2026 · Q4a(i)[1]
On Figure 4.1, draw a circle around the alcohol functional group.
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · May/June 2026 · Q4a(ii)[1]
Deduce the molecular formula of compound P.
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · May/June 2026 · Q4b(i)[3]
Outline how ethanol is manufactured using aqueous glucose. In your answer, include: • • the name of this process two conditions that are needed. name of process condition
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · May/June 2026 · Q4b(ii)[1]
State one use of ethanol.
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · May/June 2026 · Q4c[2]
Ethanol is oxidised to ethanoic acid. Complete the word equation for the reaction of ethanoic acid with magnesium. ethanoic acid magnesium + +
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · May/June 2026 · Q1g[1]
a reaction catalysed by yeast.
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · May/June 2026 · Q6a[1]
State why the homologous series of alcohols have similar chemical properties.
See it on the paper → - 0620/43 · May/June 2026 · Q1f[1]
a substitution reaction (f)
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · February/March 2026 · Q2b(i)[1]
On Figure 2.1, draw a circle around the alcohol functional group.
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · February/March 2026 · Q5e(i)[1]
Name the alcohol which is oxidised to form C. (i)
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · October/November 2025 · Q5a(i)[1]
State the general formula for alcohols.
See it on the paper → - 0620/41 · October/November 2025 · Q5c(i)[1]
Deduce the molecular formula of butane-1,4-diol.
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · October/November 2025 · Q6f[1]
All unbranched esters with the molecular formula C 5 H 10 O 2 combust completely to form carbon dioxide and water only. Write the symbol equation for the complete combustion of C 5 H 10 O 2 .
See it on the paper → - 0620/43 · October/November 2025 · Q6c(i)[1]
Name the other product that is formed when a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol.
See it on the paper → - 0620/43 · October/November 2025 · Q6c(ii)[1]
Name the type of catalyst that is used when a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol.
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · May/June 2025 · Q4b(i)[2]
Draw the displayed formula of a molecule of ethanol.
See it on the paper → - 0620/32 · May/June 2025 · Q4b(ii)[2]
Ethanol is manufactured by the reaction of steam with ethene. State two conditions for this process.
See it on the paper → - 0620/33 · May/June 2025 · Q3d[2]
Ethanol is another organic molecule. State two ways to manufacture ethanol.
See it on the paper → - 0620/42 · May/June 2025 · Q1g[1]
number of covalent bonds in one molecule of ethanol
See it on the paper →
What examiners said
Comprehensive responses • Many candidates were able to draw a circle around the ‘OH’ group. Limited responses • Some candidates included the carbon next to the ‘OH’ group. • A few candidates confused the carbon-carbon double bond with the alcohol functional group.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0620/32 Q2(b)(i) (Cambridge)
Comprehensive responses • Few candidates knew that knew the correct IUPAC name propan-1-ol. Limited responses • Most candidates named the alcohol as propanol.
— Examiner report, February/March 2026, 0620/42 Q5(e)(i) (Cambridge)
Candidates struggled to ‘draw the displayed formula of a molecule of ethanol’. Lots of incorrect answers were seen, including the incorrect number of carbon atoms. Some candidates omitted to put the covalent bond between the oxygen and hydrogen of the alcohol functional group. Many candidates did not attempt this question.
— Examiner report, May/June 2025, 0620/32 Q4(b)(i) (Cambridge)
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