3.3.14
Organic
Synthesis
Section 3.3.14 asks you to devise a synthesis of up to four steps for an organic compound using the reactions in the specification, and to explain why chemists design processes with fewer steps, a high percentage atom economy, no solvent and non-hazardous starting materials. These pages gather the skills a synthesis question needs: deducing a structure from analytical data, identifying functional groups by chemical tests, adding a carbon with the nitrile routes, the reaction map and route planning, and the Required Practical 10 techniques for preparing and purifying organic solids and liquids.
Revision Notes
5 revision notes, in the order the specification teaches them.
Deducing Formulae from Analytical Data
Deducing empirical, molecular and structural formulae from percentage composition and spectra.
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Identifying Functional Groups by Chemical Tests
Identifying functional groups by chemical tests and predicting the properties and reactions of unfamiliar compounds.
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Planning a Synthetic Route
Planning multi-step organic synthesis routes: the reaction map, working backwards from the target, green chemistry and atom economy.
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Preparing and Purifying Organic Solids
Preparing and purifying organic solids: reflux, filtration, recrystallisation, drying and melting temperature determination.
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Purifying Liquids and Checking Purity
Purifying organic liquids: distillation, solvent extraction, drying and checking purity.
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Summary map
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Organic Synthesis Map
AQA A-level Chemistry · 3.3.14 Organic synthesis
All of 3.3.14 on one A4 page: aliphatic and aromatic routes, a longer chain, working backwards, atom economy and safer design.
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Specification
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3.3.14
- iv
use reactions in this specification to devise a synthesis with up to four steps for an organic compound
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