Question Simulator

O Level Chemistry (5070)

Organic chemistry Banker

154 questions · about 13% of the marks we indexed · examined in 9 of 9 sessions.

Questions by year

2026

  • 2026 May/June · Paper 11 · Q311 markFormulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2026 May/June · Paper 11 · Q321 markAlkenes
  • 2026 May/June · Paper 11 · Q331 markAlkanes
  • 2026 May/June · Paper 11 · Q341 markFuels, petroleum & cracking
  • 2026 May/June · Paper 11 · Q351 markCarboxylic acids & esters
  • 2026 May/June · Paper 11 · Q361 markPolymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2026 May/June · Paper 12 · Q311 markFormulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2026 May/June · Paper 12 · Q321 markFuels, petroleum & cracking
  • 2026 May/June · Paper 12 · Q331 markAlkenes
  • 2026 May/June · Paper 12 · Q341 markAlcohols
  • 2026 May/June · Paper 12 · Q351 markCarboxylic acids & esters
  • 2026 May/June · Paper 12 · Q361 markCarboxylic acids & esters
  • 2026 May/June · Paper 21 · Q1 (e)1 markAlkenes
  • 2026 May/June · Paper 21 · Q7 (a, b(i), b(ii), b(iii), c(i), c(ii))7 marksPolymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2026 May/June · Paper 21 · Q8 (a, b, c(i), c(ii), c(iii), d)9 marksAlcohols · Carboxylic acids & esters · Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2026 May/June · Paper 22 · Q1 (e)1 markAlkanes
  • 2026 May/June · Paper 22 · Q7 (a, b, c(i), c(ii))6 marksPolymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2026 May/June · Paper 22 · Q8 (a, b, c, d(i), d(ii), d(iii), e)9 marksCarboxylic acids & esters · Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers

2025

  • 2025 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q301 markFormulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2025 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q311 markFormulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2025 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q321 markFormulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2025 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q331 markAlkanes
  • 2025 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q341 markAlkenes
  • 2025 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q351 markCarboxylic acids & esters
  • 2025 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q361 markPolymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2025 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q301 markAlkanes
  • 2025 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q311 markFormulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2025 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q321 markCarboxylic acids & esters
  • 2025 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q331 markFuels, petroleum & cracking
  • 2025 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q341 markAlkenes
  • 2025 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q351 markCarboxylic acids & esters
  • 2025 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q361 markPolymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2025 Oct/Nov · Paper 21 · Q1 (a(i), a(ii), a(iii), a(iv), a(v), b)6 marksAlcohols · Alkanes · Carboxylic acids & esters · Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2025 Oct/Nov · Paper 21 · Q6 (a, c, d)5 marksAlkenes · Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2025 Oct/Nov · Paper 21 · Q7 (a(i), a(ii), c(i), c(ii), d(i), d(ii))9 marksAlcohols · Alkenes · Polymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2025 Oct/Nov · Paper 21 · Q8 (a, b, c(i), c(ii), c(iii))7 marksFuels, petroleum & cracking
  • 2025 Oct/Nov · Paper 22 · Q1 (a(i), a(ii), a(iv), a(v), b)5 marksAlcohols · Carboxylic acids & esters · Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers · Polymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2025 Oct/Nov · Paper 22 · Q7 (a, b(i), b(ii), b(iii), c)8 marksPolymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2025 Oct/Nov · Paper 22 · Q8 (a, b, d, e, f(i), f(ii))8 marksAlkenes · Carboxylic acids & esters
  • 2025 May/June · Paper 11 · Q321 markFormulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2025 May/June · Paper 11 · Q331 markCarboxylic acids & esters
  • 2025 May/June · Paper 11 · Q341 markFuels, petroleum & cracking
  • 2025 May/June · Paper 11 · Q351 markAlkanes
  • 2025 May/June · Paper 11 · Q361 markAlkenes
  • 2025 May/June · Paper 11 · Q371 markPolymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2025 May/June · Paper 12 · Q321 markFormulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2025 May/June · Paper 12 · Q331 markAlkanes
  • 2025 May/June · Paper 12 · Q341 markAlkenes
  • 2025 May/June · Paper 12 · Q351 markAlcohols
  • 2025 May/June · Paper 12 · Q361 markCarboxylic acids & esters
  • 2025 May/June · Paper 21 · Q3 (a, b)2 marksAlkanes
  • 2025 May/June · Paper 21 · Q4 (a, b, d, e)8 marksAlcohols · Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2025 May/June · Paper 21 · Q5 (a)1 markFuels, petroleum & cracking
  • 2025 May/June · Paper 21 · Q8 (a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii), c(i), c(ii), d)11 marksAlkenes · Carboxylic acids & esters · Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers · Polymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2025 May/June · Paper 22 · Q3 (a)1 markAlkenes
  • 2025 May/June · Paper 22 · Q4 (a, b, c(i), d, e(i), e(ii), e(iii), e(iv))10 marksCarboxylic acids & esters · Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2025 May/June · Paper 22 · Q5 (a(iii))3 marksFuels, petroleum & cracking
  • 2025 May/June · Paper 22 · Q8 (a(i), a(ii), a(iii), b, c(i), c(ii), d(i), d(ii))10 marksAlcohols · Carboxylic acids & esters · Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers · Polymers (addition, condensation, proteins)

2024

  • 2024 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q191 markCarboxylic acids & esters
  • 2024 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q311 markFormulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2024 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q321 markFuels, petroleum & cracking
  • 2024 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q331 markAlkenes
  • 2024 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q351 markAlcohols
  • 2024 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q361 markPolymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2024 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q341 markFormulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2024 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q351 markFuels, petroleum & cracking
  • 2024 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q361 markAlkenes
  • 2024 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q371 markAlcohols
  • 2024 Oct/Nov · Paper 21 · Q4 (a, b(i), b(ii), b(iii), c(i), c(ii), d(i), d(ii), e(i), e(ii))14 marksAlkanes · Alkenes · Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers · Fuels, petroleum & cracking
  • 2024 Oct/Nov · Paper 21 · Q7 (a(i), a(iii), b(i), b(ii), b(iii))10 marksCarboxylic acids & esters · Polymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2024 Oct/Nov · Paper 22 · Q4 (a, b(i), b(ii), c(i), c(ii), d(i), d(ii), e)10 marksAlkanes · Alkenes · Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers · Fuels, petroleum & cracking
  • 2024 Oct/Nov · Paper 22 · Q7 (a(i), a(ii), b, c(i), c(ii), d, e(i))12 marksCarboxylic acids & esters · Polymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2024 May/June · Paper 11 · Q331 markOfficial paper ↗Alkanes
  • 2024 May/June · Paper 11 · Q341 markOfficial paper ↗Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2024 May/June · Paper 11 · Q351 markOfficial paper ↗Alkanes
  • 2024 May/June · Paper 11 · Q361 markOfficial paper ↗Alkanes
  • 2024 May/June · Paper 11 · Q371 markOfficial paper ↗Alcohols
  • 2024 May/June · Paper 12 · Q321 markFormulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2024 May/June · Paper 12 · Q331 markFormulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2024 May/June · Paper 12 · Q341 markFuels, petroleum & cracking
  • 2024 May/June · Paper 12 · Q351 markAlkanes
  • 2024 May/June · Paper 12 · Q361 markAlcohols
  • 2024 May/June · Paper 12 · Q371 markPolymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2024 May/June · Paper 21 · Q2 (c(i), c(ii), c(iii))3 marksOfficial paper ↗Alkenes · Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2024 May/June · Paper 21 · Q8 (a(i), a(ii), b, c, d, e, f)9 marksOfficial paper ↗Alcohols · Carboxylic acids & esters · Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2024 May/June · Paper 21 · Q9 (a, b, d)5 marksOfficial paper ↗Polymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2024 May/June · Paper 22 · Q2 (b(i), b(ii), b(iii))4 marksAlkanes
  • 2024 May/June · Paper 22 · Q8 (a, b, c(i), c(ii), d, e, f)9 marksCarboxylic acids & esters · Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2024 May/June · Paper 22 · Q9 (a(i), a(ii), c(i), c(ii))5 marksPolymers (addition, condensation, proteins)

2023

  • 2023 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q321 markFormulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2023 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q331 markFormulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2023 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q341 markCarboxylic acids & esters
  • 2023 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q351 markFuels, petroleum & cracking
  • 2023 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q361 markAlkanes
  • 2023 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q371 markAlcohols
  • 2023 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q381 markAlcohols
  • 2023 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q331 markFormulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2023 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q341 markFuels, petroleum & cracking
  • 2023 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q351 markFormulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2023 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q361 markAlcohols
  • 2023 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q371 markPolymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2023 Oct/Nov · Paper 21 · Q5 (a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), c, d(i), d(ii))8 marksAlkenes · Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers · Polymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2023 Oct/Nov · Paper 21 · Q8 (b, c)4 marksCarboxylic acids & esters
  • 2023 Oct/Nov · Paper 22 · Q1 (c)1 markAlcohols
  • 2023 Oct/Nov · Paper 22 · Q5 (a(i), a(ii), a(iii), b, c)8 marksAlkenes · Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers · Polymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2023 Oct/Nov · Paper 22 · Q8 (b, c)4 marksCarboxylic acids & esters · Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2023 May/June · Paper 11 · Q331 markFormulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2023 May/June · Paper 11 · Q341 markCarboxylic acids & esters
  • 2023 May/June · Paper 11 · Q351 markFuels, petroleum & cracking
  • 2023 May/June · Paper 11 · Q361 markAlkanes
  • 2023 May/June · Paper 11 · Q371 markAlcohols
  • 2023 May/June · Paper 11 · Q381 markCarboxylic acids & esters
  • 2023 May/June · Paper 12 · Q341 markFormulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2023 May/June · Paper 12 · Q351 markAlkanes
  • 2023 May/June · Paper 12 · Q361 markAlkenes
  • 2023 May/June · Paper 12 · Q371 markCarboxylic acids & esters
  • 2023 May/June · Paper 21 · Q1 (f)1 markAlcohols
  • 2023 May/June · Paper 21 · Q7 (a, b(i), b(ii), c, d, e(i), e(ii))7 marksAlcohols · Carboxylic acids & esters · Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2023 May/June · Paper 21 · Q10 (a, b(i), b(ii), c)6 marksPolymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2023 May/June · Paper 22 · Q7 (a, b(i), b(ii), c(i), c(ii), d(i), d(ii))7 marksAlkenes · Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2023 May/June · Paper 22 · Q10 (a(i), a(ii), b(i), b(ii), c)7 marksPolymers (addition, condensation, proteins)

2022

  • 2022 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q271 markCarboxylic acids & esters
  • 2022 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q361 markAlkanes
  • 2022 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q371 markAlkanes
  • 2022 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q381 markCarboxylic acids & esters
  • 2022 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q391 markPolymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2022 Oct/Nov · Paper 11 · Q401 markPolymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2022 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q361 markAlkanes
  • 2022 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q371 markAlcohols
  • 2022 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q381 markCarboxylic acids & esters
  • 2022 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q391 markPolymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2022 Oct/Nov · Paper 12 · Q401 markPolymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2022 Oct/Nov · Paper 21 · Q2 (c(i), c(ii))2 marksFuels, petroleum & cracking
  • 2022 Oct/Nov · Paper 21 · Q3 (a, b(i), b(ii), c)6 marksAlkenes · Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers · Fuels, petroleum & cracking
  • 2022 Oct/Nov · Paper 21 · Q7 (a, b(i), b(ii), b(iii), c, d(i), d(ii), e)10 marksCarboxylic acids & esters · Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers · Polymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2022 Oct/Nov · Paper 22 · Q3 (a, b(i), b(ii), c(i), c(ii), d(i), d(ii))8 marksFormulae, naming, homologous series & isomers · Fuels, petroleum & cracking
  • 2022 Oct/Nov · Paper 22 · Q7 (a, b(i), b(ii), c, d(i), d(ii), e)10 marksAlcohols · Carboxylic acids & esters · Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers · Polymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2022 May/June · Paper 11 · Q341 markAlkanes
  • 2022 May/June · Paper 11 · Q361 markAlcohols
  • 2022 May/June · Paper 11 · Q371 markCarboxylic acids & esters
  • 2022 May/June · Paper 11 · Q381 markCarboxylic acids & esters
  • 2022 May/June · Paper 11 · Q391 markPolymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2022 May/June · Paper 11 · Q401 markPolymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2022 May/June · Paper 12 · Q341 markAlkenes
  • 2022 May/June · Paper 12 · Q351 markFuels, petroleum & cracking
  • 2022 May/June · Paper 12 · Q361 markAlcohols
  • 2022 May/June · Paper 12 · Q371 markFormulae, naming, homologous series & isomers
  • 2022 May/June · Paper 12 · Q391 markPolymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2022 May/June · Paper 12 · Q401 markPolymers (addition, condensation, proteins)
  • 2022 May/June · Paper 21 · Q3 (a, b, c)7 marksAlcohols · Carboxylic acids & esters
  • 2022 May/June · Paper 21 · Q8 (a, b, c, d(i))7 marksAlkenes · Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers · Fuels, petroleum & cracking
  • 2022 May/June · Paper 22 · Q3 (a, b)6 marksCarboxylic acids & esters
  • 2022 May/June · Paper 22 · Q5 (b)3 marksAlcohols
  • 2022 May/June · Paper 22 · Q9 (a, b, c, d(i))7 marksAlkanes · Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers · Fuels, petroleum & cracking

References only, not question text. Open Official paper ↗ where Cambridge publishes the paper, or see the official Cambridge past-papers page; for other papers, ask your school. “Paper 42” means Paper 4, variant 2.

Practice questions

Original questions written by HomiLabs in the style of the exam, with answers and mark schemes. They are not Cambridge past paper questions and have not been reviewed by Cambridge. Try each one before opening the answer.

Q1Polymers (addition, condensation, proteins) · Core · Paper 1 style · 1 mark
  1. (a) Which statement about addition polymerisation is correct? [1]
Show answer
  1. (a) A The polymer is the only product.
    In addition polymerisation unsaturated monomers (C=C) join and nothing else is produced. B describes condensation polymerisation.
Q2Polymers (addition, condensation, proteins) · Core · Paper 2 style · 4 marks
  1. (a) PVC is made from chloroethene, CH₂=CHCl. Name the type of polymerisation. [1]
  2. (b) Write the repeat unit of PVC. [2]
  3. (c) Give one use of PVC. [1]
Show answer
  1. (a) addition
    B1.
  2. (b) –CH₂–CHCl– (shown in brackets with continuation bonds, n outside)
    B1 single C–C backbone; B1 correct atoms and continuation bonds.
  3. (c) water pipes / insulation for electrical cables / window frames
    B1.
Q3Polymers (addition, condensation, proteins) · Standard · Paper 2 style · 5 marks

A city council plans to ban single-use plastic shopping bags.

  1. (a) Explain why disposing of plastics in landfill sites causes problems. [2]
  2. (b) Describe one problem caused by plastic waste in rivers and seas. [1]
  3. (c) Burning plastic waste is sometimes suggested. Give one disadvantage. [1]
  4. (d) Suggest one way a city council could reduce plastic waste. [1]
Show answer
  1. (a) Most plastics are non-biodegradable, so they remain for a very long time and take up land.
    B1 non-biodegradable; B1 persist / use up space.
  2. (b) Harms or kills marine animals that swallow it or become trapped; microplastics enter food chains; blocks drains.
    B1.
  3. (c) Produces toxic gases (e.g. hydrogen chloride from PVC, carbon monoxide) / releases carbon dioxide.
    B1.
  4. (d) Ban or charge for single-use plastic bags; encourage recycling or reusable bags.
    B1.
Q4Polymers (addition, condensation, proteins) · Standard · Paper 2 style · 6 marks
  1. (a) Nylon is a polyamide. Name the two types of monomer used to make it and the linkage formed. [3]
  2. (b) PET is a polyester. Name the two types of monomer and the linkage. [2]
  3. (c) Name the small molecule formed when each linkage is made, and the type of polymerisation. [1]
Show answer
  1. (a) a dicarboxylic acid and a diamine; amide linkage, –CONH–
    B1 dicarboxylic acid; B1 diamine; B1 amide linkage.
  2. (b) a dicarboxylic acid and a diol; ester linkage, –COO–
    B1 monomers; B1 linkage.
  3. (c) water; condensation polymerisation
    B1 both.
Q5Polymers (addition, condensation, proteins) · Challenge · Paper 2 style · 5 marks
  1. (a) Proteins are natural polymers. Name the monomers and the linkage in proteins. [2]
  2. (b) A protein chain is made from 50 amino acid molecules joined in a line. How many water molecules are eliminated? [1]
  3. (c) Give one similarity and one difference between the structures of a protein and nylon. [2]
Show answer
  1. (a) amino acids; amide (peptide) linkage
    B1 each.
  2. (b) 49
    B1 one water molecule per linkage; 50 − 1 = 49 linkages.
  3. (c) Similarity: both contain amide linkages / both condensation polymers. Difference: a protein is made from many different amino acids (each monomer has both –NH₂ and –COOH groups), whereas nylon is made from two different monomers that alternate.
    B1 similarity; B1 difference.
Q6Polymers (addition, condensation, proteins) · Challenge · Paper 2 style · 6 marks
  1. (a) Write the repeat unit of poly(propene), made from propene CH₂=CHCH₃. [2]
  2. (b) A poly(propene) molecule is made from 5000 propene molecules. Calculate its relative molecular mass. (Ar: C = 12, H = 1) [2]
  3. (c) The repeat unit of a non-stick coating is –CF₂–CF₂–. Give the structural formula and name of its monomer. [2]
Show answer
  1. (a) –CH₂–CH(CH₃)–
    B1 two-carbon backbone with continuation bonds; B1 CH₃ as a side group.
  2. (b) 210 000
    M1 Mr propene = 42; A1 5000 × 42 = 210 000.
  3. (c) CF₂=CF₂; tetrafluoroethene
    B1 formula; B1 name.
Q7Carboxylic acids & esters · Core · Paper 1 style · 1 mark
  1. (a) Which ester is formed when methanol reacts with ethanoic acid? [1]
Show answer
  1. (a) B methyl ethanoate
    The alcohol gives the first part of the name (methyl) and the acid gives the second part (ethanoate). A reverses the two parts.
Q8Carboxylic acids & esters · Core · Paper 2 style · 6 marks
  1. (a) Vinegar contains ethanoic acid. Write a balanced equation for the reaction of ethanoic acid with sodium carbonate, and give one observation. [3]
  2. (b) Name the salt formed when ethanoic acid reacts with magnesium, and name the gas. [2]
  3. (c) Ethanoic acid is a weak acid. Explain what this means. [1]
Show answer
  1. (a) 2CH₃COOH + Na₂CO₃ → 2CH₃COONa + H₂O + CO₂; effervescence (bubbles)
    B1 formulae; B1 balanced; B1 observation.
  2. (b) magnesium ethanoate; hydrogen
    B1 each.
  3. (c) It is only partially dissociated (ionised) in water.
    B1.
Q9Carboxylic acids & esters · Standard · Paper 2 style · 5 marks
  1. (a) Name the ester formed when ethanol reacts with propanoic acid and write its structural formula. [2]
  2. (b) State the conditions for this reaction. [2]
  3. (c) Give one use of esters. [1]
Show answer
  1. (a) ethyl propanoate; CH₃CH₂COOCH₂CH₃
    B1 each.
  2. (b) concentrated sulfuric acid (catalyst); heat (warm)
    B1 each.
  3. (c) flavourings / perfumes / solvents
    B1.
Q10Carboxylic acids & esters · Standard · Paper 2 style · 6 marks
  1. (a) Name the carboxylic acid and the alcohol that react to make propyl methanoate, HCOOCH₂CH₂CH₃. [2]
  2. (b) Ethyl butanoate, CH₃CH₂CH₂COOCH₂CH₃, has a pineapple smell. Name the acid and alcohol used to make it. [2]
  3. (c) Write the molecular formula of ethyl butanoate and calculate its relative molecular mass. (Ar: C = 12, H = 1, O = 16) [2]
Show answer
  1. (a) methanoic acid; propan-1-ol
    B1 each.
  2. (b) butanoic acid; ethanol
    B1 each.
  3. (c) C₆H₁₂O₂; 116
    B1 formula; B1 6 × 12 + 12 + 32 = 116.
Q11Carboxylic acids & esters · Challenge · Paper 4 style · 5 marks

A student titrates 25.0 cm³ of a vinegar sample from a shop in Multan with 1.00 mol/dm³ sodium hydroxide. The mean titre is 20.8 cm³.CH₃COOH + NaOH → CH₃COONa + H₂O

  1. (a) Calculate the number of moles of sodium hydroxide used. [1]
  2. (b) Calculate the concentration of ethanoic acid in the vinegar in mol/dm³. [1]
  3. (c) Calculate the concentration in g/dm³ to 3 significant figures. (Mr CH₃COOH = 60) [1]
  4. (d) Name a suitable indicator and give the colour change at the end-point. [2]
Show answer
  1. (a) 0.0208 mol
    B1 20.8 ÷ 1000 × 1.00.
  2. (b) 0.832 mol/dm³
    B1 0.0208 ÷ 0.0250.
  3. (c) 49.9 g/dm³
    B1 0.832 × 60 = 49.92.
  4. (d) Thymolphthalein: colourless to blue (accept phenolphthalein: colourless to pink).
    B1 indicator suitable for a weak acid–strong base titration (thymolphthalein or phenolphthalein; not methyl orange); B1 matching colour change at the end-point.
Q12Carboxylic acids & esters · Challenge · Paper 2 style · 6 marks
  1. (a) Write the equation for the reaction of ethanoic acid with ethanol. [1]
  2. (b) 6.0 g of ethanoic acid reacts with excess ethanol. Calculate the maximum mass of ethyl ethanoate. (Mr: CH₃COOH = 60, CH₃COOC₂H₅ = 88) [2]
  3. (c) The student obtains 5.72 g. Calculate the percentage yield. [1]
  4. (d) Give two reasons why the yield is less than 100 %. [2]
Show answer
  1. (a) CH₃COOH + C₂H₅OH ⇌ CH₃COOC₂H₅ + H₂O
    B1.
  2. (b) 8.8 g
    M1 6.0 ÷ 60 = 0.10 mol; A1 0.10 × 88 = 8.8 g.
  3. (c) 65.0 %
    B1 5.72 ÷ 8.8 × 100.
  4. (d) The reaction is reversible / reaches equilibrium; some product lost during separation or purification; some ester evaporates (volatile).
    1 mark each for any two.
Q13Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers · Core · Paper 1 style · 1 mark
  1. (a) Which compound is in the same homologous series as ethanol? [1]
Show answer
  1. (a) A C₃H₇OH
    C₃H₇OH (propanol) has the same –OH functional group and general formula CₙH₂ₙ₊₁OH. CH₃COOH (B) is a carboxylic acid, a different series.
Q14Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers · Core · Paper 2 style · 5 marks
  1. (a) Give three characteristics of a homologous series. [3]
  2. (b) The general formula of the alkanes is CₙH₂ₙ₊₂. Write the molecular formula of the alkane with 8 carbon atoms, found in petrol. [1]
  3. (c) Write the general formula of the alkenes. [1]
Show answer
  1. (a) Same general formula; same functional group; similar chemical properties; a trend in physical properties (e.g. boiling point increases with chain length); each member differs from the next by CH₂.
    1 mark each for any three.
  2. (b) C₈H₁₈
    B1 2 × 8 + 2 = 18.
  3. (c) CₙH₂ₙ
    B1.
Q15Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers · Standard · Paper 2 style · 6 marks
  1. (a) State what is meant by structural isomers. [2]
  2. (b) Write the structural formulae of the two structural isomers with the molecular formula C₄H₁₀. [2]
  3. (c) Write the structural formulae of but-1-ene and but-2-ene. [2]
Show answer
  1. (a) Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae.
    B1 same molecular formula; B1 different structures.
  2. (b) CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₃ (butane) and CH₃CH(CH₃)CH₃ (methylpropane)
    B1 each.
  3. (c) but-1-ene: CH₂=CHCH₂CH₃; but-2-ene: CH₃CH=CHCH₃
    B1 each.
Q16Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers · Standard · Paper 2 style · 6 marks
  1. (a) Name each compound:(i) CH₃CH₂COOH(ii) CH₃CH₂CH₂OH(iii) CH₃CH=CH₂(iv) CH₃COOCH₂CH₃ [4]
  2. (b) Identify the functional group in compounds (i) and (iii). [2]
Show answer
  1. (a) (i) propanoic acid (ii) propan-1-ol (iii) propene (iv) ethyl ethanoate
    B1 each.
  2. (b) (i) carboxylic acid group, –COOH; (iii) carbon–carbon double bond, C=C
    B1 –COOH; B1 C=C.
Q17Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers · Challenge · Paper 2 style · 6 marks
  1. (a) An alkene has a relative molecular mass of 56. Deduce its molecular formula. Show your working. (Ar: C = 12, H = 1) [2]
  2. (b) Draw (as structural formulae) two alkenes with this molecular formula and name them. [2]
  3. (c) The molecular formula C₃H₈O fits two alcohols. Give their structural formulae and names. [2]
Show answer
  1. (a) C₄H₈
    M1 CₙH₂ₙ: 12n + 2n = 14n = 56; A1 n = 4, C₄H₈.
  2. (b) CH₂=CHCH₂CH₃ but-1-ene; CH₃CH=CHCH₃ but-2-ene (also CH₂=C(CH₃)CH₃, methylpropene)
    B1 each correct formula with name.
  3. (c) CH₃CH₂CH₂OH propan-1-ol; CH₃CH(OH)CH₃ propan-2-ol
    B1 each.
Q18Alcohols · Core · Paper 2 style · 5 marks

Several sugar mills in Pakistan also produce ethanol from molasses.

  1. (a) Ethanol can be made by fermentation of sugar from sugar cane molasses. State the conditions needed. [3]
  2. (b) Write the equation for the fermentation of glucose. [1]
  3. (c) Name the other industrial method of making ethanol. [1]
Show answer
  1. (a) Yeast; temperature about 25–35 °C; absence of oxygen (anaerobic); aqueous solution.
    1 mark each for any three.
  2. (b) C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2C₂H₅OH + 2CO₂
    B1.
  3. (c) Catalytic addition of steam to ethene (hydration of ethene).
    B1.
Q19Alcohols · Core · Paper 2 style · 4 marks
  1. (a) Give two uses of ethanol. [2]
  2. (b) Write a balanced equation for the complete combustion of ethanol. [2]
Show answer
  1. (a) As a solvent; as a fuel.
    B1 each.
  2. (b) C₂H₅OH + 3O₂ → 2CO₂ + 3H₂O
    B1 formulae; B1 balanced.
Q20Alcohols · Standard · Paper 2 style · 5 marks
  1. (a) Compare making ethanol by fermentation with making it by the catalytic addition of steam to ethene. Give two advantages of each method. [4]
  2. (b) Suggest why a country with a large sugar industry and little petroleum might choose fermentation. [1]
Show answer
  1. (a) Fermentation: uses renewable raw materials (sugar crops); low temperature and normal pressure so less energy. Hydration of ethene: fast reaction; continuous process; produces pure ethanol (no need for separation); high yield.
    B1 each of two fermentation advantages; B1 each of two hydration advantages.
  2. (b) Sugar (molasses) is readily available and cheap, while ethene comes from petroleum, which would have to be imported.
    B1.
Q21Alcohols · Challenge · Paper 2 style · 4 marks
  1. (a) Calculate the maximum mass of ethanol from 90 g of glucose. (Ar: C = 12, H = 1, O = 16) [2]
  2. (b) Calculate the volume of carbon dioxide produced at room temperature and pressure. (Molar gas volume = 24 dm³) [1]
  3. (c) Ethanol can be oxidised to ethanoic acid by warming with acidified aqueous potassium manganate(VII). State the colour change. [1]
Show answer
  1. (a) 46 g
    M1 moles glucose = 90 ÷ 180 = 0.50, moles ethanol = 1.0; A1 1.0 × 46 = 46 g.
  2. (b) 24 dm³
    B1 1.0 mol × 24.
  3. (c) purple to colourless
    B1.
Q22Alkenes · Core · Paper 1 style · 1 mark
  1. (a) Which test shows that a hydrocarbon is unsaturated? [1]
Show answer
  1. (a) A Aqueous bromine changes from orange to colourless.
    C=C bonds undergo addition with bromine, decolourising it. B tests for carbon dioxide, which forms when any hydrocarbon burns, so it does not show unsaturation.
Q23Alkenes · Standard · Paper 2 style · 6 marks
  1. (a) Give the product and conditions for each reaction of ethene:(i) with hydrogen(ii) with steam(iii) with bromine [5]
  2. (b) Name the type of reaction in all three cases. [1]
Show answer
  1. (a) (i) ethane; nickel catalyst, about 150 °C (ii) ethanol; phosphoric acid catalyst, about 300 °C and 6000 kPa (iii) 1,2-dibromoethane; room temperature
    (i) B1 ethane, B1 nickel catalyst + heat; (ii) B1 ethanol, B1 H₃PO₄ catalyst with high temperature and pressure; (iii) B1 1,2-dibromoethane (C₂H₄Br₂).
  2. (b) addition
    B1.
Q24Alkenes · Challenge · Paper 2 style · 6 marks
  1. (a) Write the equation for the reaction of propene with bromine, using structural formulae, and name the product. [2]
  2. (b) Calculate the mass of bromine that reacts with 2.1 g of propene. (Ar: C = 12, H = 1, Br = 80) [3]
  3. (c) Explain why propane does not react with bromine in the dark. [1]
Show answer
  1. (a) CH₃CH=CH₂ + Br₂ → CH₃CHBrCH₂Br; 1,2-dibromopropane
    B1 equation; B1 name.
  2. (b) 8.0 g
    M1 Mr propene = 42, moles = 0.050; M1 1 : 1 ratio; A1 0.050 × 160 = 8.0 g.
  3. (c) Propane is saturated (no C=C), so it cannot undergo addition.
    B1.
Q25Fuels, petroleum & cracking · Core · Paper 2 style · 6 marks

Petroleum (crude oil) is processed at refineries such as those near Karachi.

  1. (a) Name the process used to separate petroleum into fractions and state the physical property on which it depends. [2]
  2. (b) Give one use for each fraction: (i) refinery gas (ii) kerosene (iii) bitumen. [3]
  3. (c) Describe how chain length and viscosity change from the top of the column to the bottom. [1]
Show answer
  1. (a) Fractional distillation; boiling point.
    B1 each.
  2. (b) (i) fuel for heating and cooking (ii) jet fuel (iii) surfacing roads and roofs
    B1 each.
  3. (c) Both increase towards the bottom.
    B1.
Q26Fuels, petroleum & cracking · Standard · Paper 2 style · 6 marks
  1. (a) State the conditions used for cracking. [2]
  2. (b) Complete the equation: C₁₀H₂₂ → C₇H₁₆ + ____. Name the product you have added. [2]
  3. (c) Give two reasons why cracking is carried out. [2]
Show answer
  1. (a) high temperature; a catalyst
    B1 each.
  2. (b) C₃H₆; propene
    B1 formula; B1 name.
  3. (c) Demand for shorter-chain fractions such as petrol is greater than supply; it produces alkenes for making polymers and other chemicals; it can produce hydrogen.
    1 mark each for any two.
Q27Fuels, petroleum & cracking · Challenge · Paper 2 style · 6 marks

Percentage supply from distillation and percentage demand for petroleum fractions at one refinery:fraction: supply %, demand %refinery gas: 4, 8gasoline: 11, 22naphtha: 9, 5kerosene: 13, 8diesel oil: 20, 23fuel oil and bitumen: 43, 34

  1. (a) Which fractions are produced in greater amounts than are needed? [2]
  2. (b) Calculate the shortfall of gasoline as a percentage of the total. [1]
  3. (c) Explain how cracking helps to match supply with demand. [1]
  4. (d) A long-chain alkane C₁₆H₃₄ is cracked to give one molecule of octane and ethene only. Write the balanced equation. [2]
Show answer
  1. (a) naphtha, kerosene, fuel oil and bitumen
    2 marks for all four; 1 mark for two or three.
  2. (b) 11 %
    B1 22 − 11.
  3. (c) Cracking breaks long-chain molecules from surplus fractions (e.g. fuel oil) into shorter, more useful ones such as gasoline.
    B1.
  4. (d) C₁₆H₃₄ → C₈H₁₈ + 4C₂H₄
    B1 products; B1 balanced (4 ethene).
Q28Alkanes · Core · Paper 2 style · 5 marks
  1. (a) Alkanes are described as saturated hydrocarbons. Explain what saturated and hydrocarbon mean. [2]
  2. (b) LPG cylinders used for cooking contain propane. Write a balanced equation for the complete combustion of propane, C₃H₈. [2]
  3. (c) Alkanes are generally unreactive. Give one type of reaction that they do undergo. [1]
Show answer
  1. (a) Saturated: contains only single covalent bonds (C–C). Hydrocarbon: a compound of hydrogen and carbon only.
    B1 each.
  2. (b) C₃H₈ + 5O₂ → 3CO₂ + 4H₂O
    B1 formulae; B1 balanced.
  3. (c) Combustion / substitution with chlorine in UV light.
    B1.
Q29Alkanes · Standard · Paper 2 style · 6 marks
  1. (a) Methane reacts with chlorine. State the condition needed. [1]
  2. (b) Write the equation for the reaction that forms one organic product with one chlorine atom, and name that product. [2]
  3. (c) Name the type of reaction and explain the name. [2]
  4. (d) Suggest the formula of the organic product formed if the reaction continues with more chlorine. [1]
Show answer
  1. (a) ultraviolet (UV) light
    B1.
  2. (b) CH₄ + Cl₂ → CH₃Cl + HCl; chloromethane
    B1 equation; B1 name.
  3. (c) Substitution: a hydrogen atom in methane is replaced by a chlorine atom.
    B1 substitution; B1 explanation.
  4. (d) CH₂Cl₂ (or CHCl₃ / CCl₄)
    B1.
Q30Alkanes · Challenge · Paper 2 style · 5 marks
  1. (a) Butane burns completely: 2C₄H₁₀ + 13O₂ → 8CO₂ + 10H₂O. Calculate the volume of oxygen needed to burn 30 cm³ of butane, and the volume of carbon dioxide formed. (All volumes at room temperature and pressure.) [3]
  2. (b) In a poorly ventilated room butane burns incompletely. Name the toxic gas formed and explain why it is dangerous. [2]
Show answer
  1. (a) oxygen 195 cm³; carbon dioxide 120 cm³
    M1 ratio 2 : 13 : 8; A1 30 × 13 ÷ 2 = 195; A1 30 × 8 ÷ 2 = 120.
  2. (b) Carbon monoxide; it combines with haemoglobin in the blood, reducing the blood's ability to carry oxygen.
    B1 CO; B1 reason.

Similar questions

Questions that test the same subtopic in different years, grouped so you can work on one skill at a time.

References only: find each question in its paper (official link where available, otherwise through your school).

Polymers (addition, condensation, proteins) Banker32 questions · 9/9 sessions
Carboxylic acids & esters Banker37 questions · 9/9 sessions
Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers Banker45 questions · 9/9 sessions
Alcohols Banker26 questions · 9/9 sessions
Alkenes Banker24 questions · 9/9 sessions
Fuels, petroleum & cracking Banker21 questions · 9/9 sessions
Alkanes Banker23 questions · 9/9 sessions

Subtopics

Our analysis of how often each subtopic was examined and how many marks it carried, 2022 to May/June 2026.

SubtopicMarks indexedSessions
Polymers (addition, condensation, proteins) Banker1009/9
Carboxylic acids & esters Banker899/9
Formulae, naming, homologous series & isomers Banker789/9
Alcohols Banker459/9
Alkenes Banker459/9
Fuels, petroleum & cracking Banker429/9
Alkanes Banker319/9

← All Chemistry topics