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Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry (9701)

Select a syllabus topic to access structured Cambridge International revision notes, practical links and exam practice. Topics 1–22 are AS Level; Topics 23–37 are A Level only.

AS Level Physical Chemistry

Topics 1-8Papers 1 and 2
An atom with its nucleus and electron shells1Atomic structureProtons, neutrons and electrons, isotopes, electron configuration and ionisation energy.Start revisingParticles being weighed on a balance2Atoms, molecules and stoichiometryRelative masses, the mole, formulae, and reacting mass and volume calculations.Start revisingAn ionic lattice beside a covalent molecule3Chemical bondingElectronegativity, ionic, covalent and metallic bonding, shapes and intermolecular forces.Start revisingMolecules held together by forces between them4States of matterThe gaseous state, the ideal gas equation and the lattice structure of solids.Start revisingAn energy profile for a reaction giving out heat5Chemical energeticsEnthalpy changes, calorimetry, Hess's law and bond energies.Start revisingAn electrolysis cell with two electrodes and a battery6ElectrochemistryRedox processes, oxidation numbers and half-equations.Start revisingA level balance with forward and reverse arrows7EquilibriaDynamic equilibria, Le Chatelier's principle, Kc and Kp, and Brønsted-Lowry acids.Start revisingTwo particles colliding, with a stopclock8Reaction kineticsCollision theory, the Boltzmann distribution and catalysis.Start revising

AS Level Inorganic Chemistry

Topics 9-12Papers 1 and 2
Atoms shrinking across a period9The Periodic Table: chemical periodicityPeriod 3 elements, their oxides and chlorides, and predicting unknown elements.Start revisingA metal ribbon burning in tongs10Group 2Trends down the group, reactions of the elements and their compounds.Start revisingThree jars of halogens: gas, liquid and solid11Group 17Trends in Group 17, halide ions as reducing agents and the reactions of chlorine.Start revisingA nitrogen molecule beside a sulfur crystal12Nitrogen and sulfurAmmonia, oxides of nitrogen and sulfur dioxide, and their effect on the environment.Start revising

AS Level Organic Chemistry

Topics 13-22Papers 1 and 2
A carbon chain with a functional group13An introduction to AS Level organic chemistryFormulae, functional groups, naming, reaction types, shapes and isomerism.Start revisingA tetrahedral alkane molecule and a gas flame14HydrocarbonsAlkanes and alkenes, free radical substitution, electrophilic addition and cracking.Start revisingA nucleophile approaching a halogenoalkane15Halogen compoundsNucleophilic substitution, elimination and the strength of the carbon-halogen bond.Start revisingAn alcohol molecule with its OH group picked out16Hydroxy compoundsProducing alcohols, then their oxidation, substitution and elimination.Start revisingA carbonyl molecule and a silver mirror test17Carbonyl compoundsAldehydes and ketones, with oxidation, reduction, nucleophilic addition and tests.Start revisingTwo carboxylic acid molecules paired by hydrogen bonds18Carboxylic acids and derivativesMaking carboxylic acids and esters, and how esters hydrolyse.Start revisingAn amine molecule with its lone pair19Nitrogen compoundsAmines and nitriles from halogenoalkanes, and hydroxynitriles.Start revisingMonomers joining into a polymer chain20PolymerisationAddition polymers and the problem of polymer waste.Start revisingThree molecules linked by two reaction stages21Organic synthesisIdentifying functional groups and planning two-stage synthetic routes.Start revisingA spectrum on a monitor22Analytical techniquesInfrared spectra and mass spectra to identify organic compounds.Start revising

A Level Physical Chemistry

Topics 23-26Paper 4
Ordered particles spreading into disorder23Chemical energeticsLattice energy, Born-Haber cycles, entropy and Gibbs free energy.Start revisingA metal strip in its ion solution exchanging electrons and ions24ElectrochemistryElectrode potentials, the Nernst equation, electrolysis and the Faraday constant.Start revisingA gas mixture in a cylinder with a pressure gauge25EquilibriapH, Ka, buffers, solubility product and partition coefficients.Start revisingA concentration graph with a tangent drawn on it26Reaction kineticsRate equations, orders, half-life, mechanisms and catalysis.Start revising

A Level Inorganic Chemistry

Topics 27-28Paper 4
A carbonate heated with the gas turning limewater milky27Group 2Thermal stability of nitrates and carbonates, and solubility of hydroxides and sulfates.Start revisingAn octahedral complex with coloured solutions28Chemistry of transition elementsComplex ions, stereoisomerism, colour, ligand exchange, redox and catalysis.Start revising

A Level Organic Chemistry

Topics 29-37Paper 4
An open chain, a ring and an aromatic ring of carbon atoms29An introduction to A Level organic chemistryOptical isomerism, chiral centres and optical activity.Start revisingA benzene ring with delocalised electrons30HydrocarbonsBenzene and methylbenzene, electrophilic substitution and directing effects.Start revisingA ring holding a chlorine atom beside a chain with the same atom31Halogen compoundsMaking halogenoarenes and why they resist nucleophilic substitution.Start revisingA phenol molecule with a white precipitate32Hydroxy compoundsPhenol, its acidity and its electrophilic substitution.Start revisingAn acyl chloride with fumes rising from a bottle33Carboxylic acids and derivativesRelative acidities of carboxylic acids, and making and using acyl chlorides.Start revisingTwo rings joined by a nitrogen bridge beside a bright dye34Nitrogen compoundsAmines, amides, amino acids and peptides, diazonium salts and azo dyes.Start revisingTwo kinds of monomer linked with water leaving35PolymerisationPolyesters and polyamides, and the disposal of polymers.Start revisingA multi-step synthesis route36Organic synthesisDeducing formulae, carbon-carbon bond formation and planning a synthesis.Start revisingA magnet with a sample tube and NMR peaks37Analytical techniquesCarbon-13 and proton NMR, and thin-layer and gas chromatography.Start revising

Practical Skills

Papers 3 and 5
All practicals
Collecting a gas over waterGas collectionMolar Volume of a GasMeasure the volume of gas made and find its molar volume.Start revisingA polystyrene cup calorimeter with a thermometerThermometryEnthalpy Change via Hess's LawFind an enthalpy change you cannot measure directly, using Hess's law.Start revisingA burette over a conical flaskTitrationConcentration of HCl by TitrationRun an accurate acid and alkali titration and work out the concentration.Start revisingA volumetric flask and wash bottleStandard solutionPreparation of a Standard SolutionMake up a solution of exact concentration in a volumetric flask.Start revisingThree test tubes in a water bath clouding at different speedsHydrolysis ratesHydrolysis of HalogenoalkanesCompare how fast different halogenoalkanes hydrolyse.Start revisingA separating funnel with two layersOrganic prepChlorination of 2-methylpropan-2-olMake a tertiary halogenoalkane, then separate and purify it.Start revisingA flask heated under refluxDistil or refluxOxidation of an AlcoholOxidise an alcohol to an aldehyde by distillation and to an acid under reflux.Start revisingA flame test and a test tube precipitateQualitative analysisAnalysis of Inorganic and Organic UnknownsUse test-tube reactions to identify unknown ions and functional groups.Start revisingA conical flask of cloudy liquid over a fading dark crossRatesRates of ReactionFollow the rate of a reaction by timing an observation.Start revisingA crucible heated on a tripod beside a balanceGravimetricGravimetric and Composition AnalysisFind the water of crystallisation in a salt by heating it to constant mass.Start revisingA redox titration with a purple solution in the buretteRedox titrationsRedox TitrationsManganate(VII) and iodine-thiosulfate titrations to find unknown amounts.Start revisingA reaction flask with a gas syringe and stopclockRates (A Level)Following Reaction RatesFind orders of reaction by continuous monitoring and initial rates.Start revisingA reaction timed in a hot water bathActivation energyFinding the Activation EnergyTime a reaction at several temperatures and plot the Arrhenius graph.Start revisingA pH probe in a stirred beakerpH and KaThe Ka of a Weak AcidUse a pH meter to find Ka for a weak acid.Start revisingAn electrochemical cell with a voltmeterElectrochemical cellsElectrochemical CellsBuild cells, measure their voltage and compare electrode potentials.Start revisingDeep blue crystals on a watch glass beside a flask in iceComplex prepPreparing a ComplexPrepare a coloured complex and isolate the crystals.Start revisingA white spotting tile with drops of coloured solutionsQualitative analysis (A Level)Analysis of Unknowns (A Level)Identify transition metal ions and organic unknowns from test-tube reactions.Start revisingCrystals filtered in a Buchner funnelOrganic solidPreparation of AspirinMake aspirin, purify it by recrystallisation and check its melting point.Start revisingA thin-layer chromatography plate in a beakerTLCThin-Layer ChromatographySeparate compounds on a TLC plate and compare their Rf values.Start revising
Introduction

Cambridge
International
Chemistry

Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry (9701) is the Cambridge Assessment International Education qualification taken worldwide, with exam series in June and November (and March for India). The syllabus for 2025 to 2027 is organised into 37 numbered topics: Topics 1 to 22 form the AS Level and Topics 23 to 37 add the A Level content, each divided into physical, inorganic and organic chemistry.

A Linear Qualification

The full A Level can be taken as a linear qualification with all papers at the end of the course, or staged, with the AS papers taken first and carried forward. It uses syllabus code 9701 and the A*-E grading scale (a-e at AS Level).

Practical Assessment

There is no separate practical endorsement. Practical skills are examined directly: Paper 3 is a timed laboratory practical at AS Level, and Paper 5 assesses planning, analysis and evaluation at A Level.

AS Level Chemistry

Cambridge International AS Level Chemistry can be taken as a standalone qualification (Papers 1, 2 and 3) or as the first half of the A Level, with the AS marks carried forward to the full qualification.

The Papers – How The AS and A Level Are Assessed

Cambridge International Chemistry is assessed through five papers. Papers 1, 2 and 3 cover the AS Level content, with Paper 3 a practical examination. Papers 4 and 5 cover the A Level content, with Paper 5 assessing planning, analysis and evaluation of experiments.

Paper 1 – Multiple Choice (AS)

Paper code: 9701/1
Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes | 40 marks | 31% of AS Level, 15.5% of A Level

Forty multiple-choice questions on the AS Level subject content, Topics 1 to 22. Questions may test any AS topic, including organic chemistry and practical understanding.

Paper 2 – AS Level Structured Questions

Paper code: 9701/2
Written examination: 1 hour 15 minutes | 40 marks | 31% of AS Level, 15.5% of A Level

Structured questions on the AS Level subject content, Topics 1 to 22. 1 hour 15 minutes, 60 marks, 46% of AS Level and 23% of A Level. Paper 3 (Advanced Practical Skills, 40 marks) completes the AS assessment.

Paper 4 – A Level Structured Questions

Paper code: 9701/4
Written examination: 2 hours | 100 marks | 38.5% of A Level

Structured questions on the A Level subject content, Topics 23 to 37, which may also draw on AS content. Paper 5 (Planning, Analysis and Evaluation, 30 marks, 1 hour 15 minutes) completes the A Level assessment.

Cambridge Syllabus Pathway

Cambridge Chemistry is organised into 37 numbered topics, several of which appear twice: once at AS Level and again, extended, at A Level (for example Topic 14 Hydrocarbons and Topic 30 Hydrocarbons).

Physical chemistry – Topics 1–8 and 23–26Atomic structure, stoichiometry, bonding, states of matter, energetics, electrochemistry, equilibria and reaction kinetics.
Inorganic chemistry – Topics 9–12 and 27–28Periodicity, Group 2, Group 17, nitrogen and sulfur, and the chemistry of transition elements.
Organic chemistry – Topics 13–22 and 29–37Introductory organic chemistry, hydrocarbons, halogen compounds, hydroxy compounds, carbonyls, carboxylic acids, nitrogen compounds, polymerisation, synthesis and analytical techniques.
Full Qualification

Take the A Level if…

Cambridge International A Level – 9701

You need chemistry for university entry, particularly for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, biochemistry, chemical engineering or related science degrees. The full A Level is recognised by universities worldwide, including all UK universities.

Standalone Award

Take the AS Level if…

Cambridge International AS Level – 9701

You want a recognised one-year chemistry qualification, or you want to stage the A Level by taking the AS papers first. Unlike the UK boards, Cambridge lets AS marks carry forward into the full A Level.

Watch a Chemistry Lesson Preview

See how OLS uses visual explanation, molecular models and specialist teacher commentary to support difficult A Level Chemistry topics.

Official Specification

The official Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry 9701 syllabus for 2025 to 2027, covering subject content, assessment, practical skills and mathematical requirements.

Cambridge 9701 Syllabus →

Cambridge Exam Materials

Cambridge International’s official exam materials for 9701 Chemistry, including question papers, mark schemes and examiner reports.

Cambridge Exam Materials →

Chemistry Reference Library

LibreTexts Chemistry is a free, open-access chemistry library covering a wide range of topics at A Level and beyond, useful for deeper reading and alternative explanations of difficult concepts.

LibreTexts Chemistry →

FAQ

The syllabus is organised into 37 numbered topics, each with numbered learning outcomes such as 14.2.4 or 3.4.1(a). Topics 1 to 22 are AS Level and Topics 23 to 37 are A Level. OLS uses these syllabus references directly so students can revise by exact learning outcome.
There are five papers in total. Papers 1, 2 and 3 make up the AS Level (multiple choice, structured questions and a practical exam). Papers 4 and 5 make up the A Level half (structured questions and planning, analysis and evaluation).
Cambridge also numbers its topics, but differently: Topic 14 Hydrocarbons covers alkanes and alkenes at AS Level, while related content such as isomerism sits in Topic 13 and polymers in Topic 20. OLS places each page where the syllabus places the content and links across topics where a course unit draws on several.
Yes, directly. Paper 3 is a timed laboratory practical at AS Level and Paper 5 assesses planning, analysis and evaluation at A Level. Practical understanding is also examined in the written papers.
Yes, if you stage the qualification. Cambridge allows the AS papers (1, 2 and 3) to be taken in one series and carried forward, with Papers 4 and 5 taken later to complete the A Level. The AS can also be taken as a standalone qualification.
Cambridge Chemistry includes substantial mathematical work: at least 20% of the marks require mathematics, covering moles, concentrations, energetics, equilibria, rates, logarithms, graph work and practical-data analysis. Students should be confident rearranging equations and interpreting quantitative data.