Topic 36
Organic
Synthesis
Topic 36 at A Level (and its AS twin, Topic 21) asks you to identify the functional groups in a molecule with several groups and predict its properties and reactions (36.1.1), to devise multi-step synthetic routes using the reactions in the syllabus (36.1.2), and to analyse a given route for the type of reaction and reagents at each step and its possible by-products (36.1.3). The chirality of drug molecules in synthesis (29.4.4) is taught with route planning, and the pages gather the analytical, carbon-chain and practical skills a synthesis question draws on.
Revision Notes
6 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.
Start revising
Identifying Functional Groups by Chemical Tests
Identifying functional groups by chemical tests and predicting the properties and reactions of unfamiliar compounds.
Start revising
Carbon–Carbon Bond Formation
Forming carbon–carbon bonds in synthesis: the nitrile routes from haloalkanes and carbonyl compounds.
Start revising
Planning a Synthetic Route
Planning multi-step organic synthesis routes: the reaction map, working backwards from the target.
Start revising
Preparing and Purifying Organic Solids
Preparing and purifying organic solids: reflux, filtration, recrystallisation, drying and melting temperature determination.
Start revising
Purifying Liquids and Checking Purity
Purifying organic liquids: distillation, solvent extraction, drying and checking purity.
Start revisingSummary Map
Download, print and revise the key facts of this topic at a glance.
Summary map
Download, print and revise the key facts of this topic at a glance.
Aromatic and Multi-Step Synthesis Map
Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry · Topic 36 Organic synthesis
All of Topic 36 on one A4 page: several groups, aromatic and multi-step routes, and analysing a route for by-products.
© 2026 Online Learning System. For personal study: printing is allowed; editing, copying and redistribution are not.
Virtual Lessons
Recorded video lessons that teach the topic step by step.
The Virtual Lessons for Topic 36 Organic synthesis are being recorded.
MCQ Bank
Multiple-choice papers on this topic, marked the moment you submit.
The MCQ papers for Topic 36 Organic synthesis are being written.
SAQ Bank
Written, drawn and worked exam practice on this topic.
The exam practice papers for Topic 36 Organic synthesis are being written.
Revision Game
Match reagents to products, with your board's reagents and conditions.
The revision game for Topic 36 Organic synthesis is being built.
Study Cards
Pick a deck, then turn each card to check what you remember.
Specification
Every specification point in this topic, in the exam board's own words. Rate how confident you are with each one.
Cambridge no longer issues a data booklet: the data you need are given in each question, and the syllabus has a Data section.
Self-assessment · 5 points
Sign in to rate how confident you feel about each point. Your ratings are saved to your account, follow you to any device, and appear beside your KASP analytics, kept apart from your marks.
36.1.1
36.1.2
- 36.1.2
devise multi-step synthetic routes for preparing organic molecules using the reactions in the syllabus
Revise
36.1.3
- a
analyse a given synthetic route in terms of type of reaction and reagents used for each step of it
Revise
Keep this note — free
Save your progress across every Cambridge topic. A free account remembers which topics you have covered, saves your question scores, and syncs across your phone and laptop.
- Track every topic you have finished
- Keep your practice-question scores
- No payment, no card, free forever
Already registered? Log in