Process
AQA A-Level Chemistry 7405
Atomic Structure
Topic overviewFundamental ParticlesMass Number and IsotopesTime of Flight Mass Spectrometry: Ionisation and AccelerationTime of Flight Mass Spectrometry: Drift, Detection and Calculating m/zElectron Configuration: Sub-shells and OrbitalsElectron Configuration: Writing Configurations for Atoms and IonsIonisation Energies and Periodic Trends
Amount of Substance
Topic overviewRelative Atomic and Molecular MassThe Mole and the Avogadro ConstantThe Ideal Gas EquationEmpirical and Molecular FormulaBalanced Equations and Reaction CalculationsAtom Economy and Percentage YieldAcid-Base Titrations: Principles, Indicators and ApparatusAcid-Base Titrations: Standard Solutions and Calculations
Bonding
Topic overviewIonic BondingCovalent, Dative Covalent and Metallic BondingCrystal Structures: Giant Ionic Lattices and DiamondCrystal Structures: Graphite and Simple Molecular SolidsShapes of Molecules and Ions: VSEPR and Electron Pair RepulsionShapes of Molecules and Ions: Predicting Shapes and Bond AnglesElectronegativity and Bond PolarityIntermolecular Forces
Energetics and Thermodynamics
Kinetics
Topic overviewCollision Theory and Activation EnergyMaxwell-Boltzmann Distribution and the Effect of TemperatureEffect of Concentration and Pressure, and CatalystsRate Equations: The Rate Equation and Orders of ReactionRate Equations: The Effect of Concentration on RateThe Rate Constant and the Arrhenius EquationDetermining Rate Equations: The Initial Rates MethodDetermining Rate Equations: Continuous MonitoringRate Equations and Reaction Mechanisms
Chemical Equilibria
Redox and Electrochemistry
Topic overviewRedox: Definitions and the Rules for Oxidation StatesRedox: Identifying Oxidation and Reduction in a ReactionHalf-Equations and Combined Redox EquationsStandard Electrode Potentials and the Hydrogen ElectrodeElectrochemical Cells and EMF CalculationsPredicting Redox Reactions from Electrode PotentialsCommercial Cells and Fuel Cells
Acids and Bases
Periodicity and Group Chemistry
Topic overviews, p, d and f Block ClassificationTrends in Period 3Group 2 Trends in Atomic Radius, Ionisation Energy and Melting PointReactions of Group 2 with WaterSolubility Trends of Group 2 HydroxidesSolubility Trends of Group 2 SulfatesUses of Group 2 CompoundsTest for Sulfate IonsTrends in Electronegativity and Boiling Point of HalogensHalogens as Oxidising Agents and Displacement ReactionsHalide Ions as Reducing Agents: Chloride and BromideHalide Ions as Reducing Agents: Iodide, and the EquationsTest for Halide Ions Using Silver NitrateTests for Ammonium, Group 2, Hydroxide and Carbonate IonsReactions of Chlorine with WaterReactions of Chlorine with Cold Dilute NaOH and Water Treatment
Period 3 Elements and Their Oxides
Topic overviewReactions of Na and Mg with WaterPeriod 3 Elements with Oxygen: The Oxides Formed and Their BondingPeriod 3 Elements with Oxygen: Structures and Oxidation StatesMelting Points of Period 3 OxidesPeriod 3 Oxides with Water: Sodium and Magnesium OxidesPeriod 3 Oxides with Water: The Acidic Oxides and the pH TrendPeriod 3 Oxides with Acids and Bases: The ReactionsPeriod 3 Oxides with Acids and Bases: Acidic, Basic and Amphoteric
Transition Metals
Topic overviewGeneral Properties of Transition MetalsComplex Ions: Ligands, Coordinate Bonds and DenticityComplex Ions: Why a Species Can Act as a Ligand, and Coordination NumberSubstitution Reactions with Monodentate LigandsSubstitution Reactions with Bidentate and Multidentate LigandsHaemoglobin and the Chelate EffectShapes of Complex Ions and StereoisomerismFormation of Coloured Ions and the d-d TransitionColorimetry and Concentration DeterminationVariable Oxidation States and Vanadium ChemistryTollens' Reagent and Redox TitrationsHeterogeneous CatalysisVanadium(V) Oxide and the Contact ProcessHomogeneous Catalysis and AutocatalysisMetal-Aqua Ions and AcidityMetal Aqua Ions with Bases: Reactions with Hydroxide and AmmoniaMetal Aqua Ions with Bases: Why They React, and Their EquationsAmphoteric HydroxidesIdentifying Transition Metal Ions by Test-Tube Reactions
Introduction to Organic Chemistry
Hydrocarbons
Topic overviewAlkanes, Fractional Distillation and CrackingCombustion of Alkanes and PollutantsFree Radical Chlorination of AlkanesAlkenes: Structure, Bonding and Electrophilic AdditionMarkovnikov's Rule and Carbocation StabilityAddition Polymers and Repeating UnitsProperties and Uses of Polyalkenes
Halogenoalkanes, Alcohols and Organic Analysis
Topic overviewNucleophilic Substitution of HalogenoalkanesEffect of Bond Enthalpy on Reaction RateElimination Reactions and Competing MechanismsCFCs and Ozone DepletionIndustrial Production of AlcoholsBiofuels and Carbon NeutralityClassification and Oxidation of AlcoholsDistinguishing Aldehydes and KetonesElimination of Water from AlcoholsTest-Tube Reactions for Functional GroupsMass Spectrometry and Molecular FormulaInfrared Spectroscopy, Functional Groups and Global Warming
Carbonyls, Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives
Topic overviewOxidation of Aldehydes and Distinguishing TestsReduction of Carbonyls with NaBH4Nucleophilic Addition with KCN and Hydroxynitrile FormationHazards of KCN and Formation of EnantiomersStructure and Acidity of Carboxylic AcidsEsterification and the Uses of EstersVegetable Oils, Fats and the Hydrolysis of EstersSoap and Biodiesel Production from FatsStructure of Acid Anhydrides, Acyl Chlorides and AmidesNucleophilic Addition-Elimination Reactions of Acyl ChloridesAcid Anhydrides and the Industrial Synthesis of AspirinPurifying organic solids and liquids
Aromatic Chemistry and Amines
Topic overviewBonding and Stability of BenzeneElectrophilic Substitution: NitrationElectrophilic Substitution: Friedel-Crafts AcylationPreparation of Aliphatic and Aromatic AminesBase Strength of AminesAmines as Nucleophiles, and Quaternary Ammonium SaltsAmines with Acyl Chlorides and Acid Anhydrides
Polymers, Amino Acids, Proteins and DNA
Topic overviewCondensation Polymers: PolyestersCondensation Polymers: PolyamidesIntermolecular Forces in Condensation PolymersBiodegradability and Disposal of PolymersAmino Acids and ZwitterionsPeptide Bonds and Protein StructureHydrogen Bonding and Disulfide Bridges in ProteinsHydrolysis of Proteins and TLC IdentificationEnzymes, Active Sites and Inhibitors in Drug DesignDNA: Nucleotides, the Double Helix and Base PairingCisplatin and Anticancer Drug Action
Organic Synthesis, NMR and Chromatography
Topic overviewMulti-Step Synthesis RoutesGreen Chemistry Principles in Synthesis DesignPrinciples of NMR and the Delta ScaleCarbon-13 NMR InterpretationProton NMR Chemical Shift and IntegrationSpin-Spin Splitting and the n+1 RuleTMS and Deuterated SolventsThin-Layer Chromatography and Rf ValuesColumn and Gas Chromatography, and GC-MS
Carbonyls, Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives
- 12 subtopics
- 36 things to know
- Papers 2 and 3
What Carbonyls, Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives covers
Carbonyls, carboxylic acids and derivatives is examined on Papers 2 and 3. It covers the reactions of aldehydes and ketones, the acidity of carboxylic acids, esters and the fats and oils built from them, and the acyl chlorides and anhydrides used to make them.
Where it is assessed
Papers 2 and 3
Organic and the physical chemistry behind it, then the synoptic paper.
Check the AQA specification ↗The 12 subtopics
Each one has its own page.
- Oxidation of Aldehydes and Distinguishing TestsWhy aldehydes oxidise and ketones do not, and the tests that show it.Open →
- Reduction of Carbonyls with NaBH4Reduction to primary and secondary alcohols, and the nucleophilic addition mechanism.Open →
- Nucleophilic Addition with KCN and Hydroxynitrile FormationThe mechanism with the cyanide ion, and why it extends the carbon chain.Open →
- Hazards of KCN and Formation of EnantiomersThe hazards of using KCN, and why attack on a planar carbonyl gives a racemic mixture.Open →
- Structure and Acidity of Carboxylic AcidsThe carboxyl group, why these acids are weak, and their reactions with metals, carbonates and bases.Open →
- Esterification and the Uses of EstersMaking an ester from a carboxylic acid and an alcohol, the acid catalyst, and what esters are used for.Open →
- Vegetable Oils, Fats and the Hydrolysis of EstersOils and fats as esters of glycerol, and hydrolysing an ester under acidic and alkaline conditions.Open →
- Soap and Biodiesel Production from FatsSaponification to soap and glycerol, and transesterification with methanol to biodiesel.Open →
- Structure of Acid Anhydrides, Acyl Chlorides and AmidesThe functional group in each, how they are named, and how they are drawn.Open →
- Nucleophilic Addition-Elimination Reactions of Acyl ChloridesThe mechanism, and the products with water, alcohols, ammonia and amines.Open →
- Acid Anhydrides and the Industrial Synthesis of AspirinNucleophilic addition-elimination at an acid anhydride, and why ethanoic anhydride is preferred for making aspirin.Open →
- Purifying organic solids and liquidsRequired practical 10: recrystallising an impure organic solid, testing its purity by melting point, and purifying an organic liquid with a separating funnel, a drying agent and redistillation.Open →
What you need to know
Answer each one before you reveal it.
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Process
How does an aldehyde form a hydroxynitrile when it reacts with KCN followed by dilute acid?
Key term
What is the positive result when Fehling's solution reacts with an aldehyde?
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What reducing agent is used to reduce aldehydes and ketones to alcohols?
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What type of product is formed when an aldehyde is reduced with NaBH₄?
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What reagent is used in the nucleophilic addition reaction with carbonyl compounds to produce hydroxynitriles?
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What is the main hazard associated with using KCN in organic reactions?
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When an aldehyde reacts with KCN followed by dilute acid, what type of product mixture is formed?
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What functional group is present in carboxylic acids?
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What is the general formula for carboxylic acids?
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What two reactants are required to form an ester through esterification?
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What catalyst is used in the esterification reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol?
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What type of carboxylic acids are esterified with glycerol in vegetable oils and animal fats?
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What are the two conditions under which esters can be hydrolysed?
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What type of esters are vegetable oils and animal fats?
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What is the alcohol component in vegetable oils and animal fats?
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What functional group is present in acid anhydrides?
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What functional group is present in acyl chlorides?
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Name the four nucleophiles that react with acyl chlorides via nucleophilic addition-elimination.
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What is the organic product when an acyl chloride reacts with water?
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What type of reaction do acid anhydrides undergo with water, alcohols, ammonia and primary amines?
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Name the four nucleophiles that react with acid anhydrides in nucleophilic addition-elimination reactions.
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What is the positive result when Tollens' reagent reacts with an aldehyde?
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What type of product is formed when a ketone is reduced with NaBH₄?
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After reacting a carbonyl compound with KCN, what additional step is required to form the hydroxynitrile product?
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When an unsymmetrical ketone reacts with KCN followed by dilute acid, what type of product mixture is formed?
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Why are carboxylic acids acidic?
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What type of reaction is esterification in terms of reversibility?
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What products are formed when an ester is hydrolysed under acidic conditions?
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What two products are formed when vegetable oils or animal fats are hydrolysed in alkaline conditions?
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What functional group is present in amides?
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What is the organic product when an acyl chloride reacts with a primary amine?
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What organic product is formed when an acid anhydride reacts with water?
Process
How is the purity of an organic solid tested?
Process
How is a separating funnel used to purify an organic liquid product?
Process
How does an impurity affect the melting point of an organic solid?
Take Carbonyls, Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives further
The same content, four other ways.
Commonly confused
Pairs that lose marks when they are blurred together.
Acyl chloride vs Acid anhydride
Acyl chloride: a carboxylic acid derivative containing a carbonyl bonded to chlorine. Acid anhydride: a carboxylic acid derivative containing two acyl groups joined by oxygen.
Questions from this topic
Each one with the model answer underneath.
- 1
What type of oxidation product do aldehydes readily form?
Model answer
Carboxylic acids
- 2
What reagent can be used to distinguish between aldehydes and ketones based on the formation of a brick-red precipitate?
Model answer
Fehling's solution
- 3
What reagent can be used to distinguish between aldehydes and ketones based on the formation of a silver mirror?
Model answer
Tollens' reagent
- 4
What is the positive result when Fehling's solution reacts with an aldehyde?
Model answer
A brick-red precipitate forms
- 5
What is the positive result when Tollens' reagent reacts with an aldehyde?
Model answer
A silver mirror forms on the inside of the test tube
- 6
Why do aldehydes give a positive result with Fehling's solution and Tollens' reagent while ketones do not?
Model answer
Aldehydes can be readily oxidised to carboxylic acids, whereas ketones cannot be easily oxidised
What is inside Levo
Six ways to work the same material.
Carbonyls, Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives revision questions
- What does Carbonyls, Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives cover in AQA A-Level Chemistry?
- 12 subtopics: oxidation of aldehydes and distinguishing tests, reduction of carbonyls with nabh4, nucleophilic addition with kcn and hydroxynitrile formation, hazards of kcn and formation of enantiomers, structure and acidity of carboxylic acids, esterification and the uses of esters, vegetable oils, fats and the hydrolysis of esters, soap and biodiesel production from fats, structure of acid anhydrides, acyl chlorides and amides, nucleophilic addition-elimination reactions of acyl chlorides, acid anhydrides and the industrial synthesis of aspirin and purifying organic solids and liquids. Each one has its own page with questions and model answers.
- How is Carbonyls, Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives organised?
- By the AQA 7405 specification, subtopic by subtopic, so it matches the order you are taught it in.
Every question in Carbonyls, Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives, on a schedule.
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