Skills

Students may be asked to:
a demonstrate understanding of:
i the nomenclature and corresponding displayed and structural formulae for: alkanes,
alkenes, cycloalkanes and cycloalkenes
ii the following terms as associated with the structure of organic molecules: empirical and
molecular formulae; isomerism, structural isomers and geometric isomers (limited to
cis-trans isomers about a double bond)
iii the following terms as associated with organic reactions: homolytic and heterolytic
fission; free radical, photochemical reaction; chain reaction, initiation, propagation,
termination; electrophile; addition, substitution and elimination reactions; hydrolysis
iv links to topic 2
b recall the typical behaviour of the alkanes and alkenes, limited to:
• combustion and cracking
• polymerisation of alkenes
• treatment with:
(i) acidified potassium manganate(VII)
(ii) halogens
(iii) concentrated sulphuric acid
c interpret the reactions of alkanes and alkenes in terms of the processes of bond-breaking and
bond-making by electrophilic or free radical attack and by reference, as appropriate, to
electron pair availability, bond polarisation and bond energy
d recall the uses of hydrocarbons

evaluate information by extraction from text and the Nuffield Advanced Science Book of

Data about: 
i the value to society of organic materials 
ii the importance of the work of the organic chemist in the development and manufacture

of these by safe, economic and environmentally acceptable routes.

(examined in the synoptic paper only)

© LEV