OxfordAQA CH02 chemistry: organic 1 and physical 1
Practise drawing structures and explaining reaction steps. You’ll also need collision theory and Kc.
CH02 · 90 minutes · 70 marks · 20% of the full A-level · 50% of AS
January exam: 14 January 2027. Check the timetable and local starting time.
What to revise for CH02
- Collision theory, Boltzmann distributions and catalysts
- Dynamic equilibrium, Le Chatelier’s principle and Kc
- Organic formulae, IUPAC names, structural and E/Z isomerism
- Alkanes, halogenoalkanes, alkenes and addition polymers
- Epoxyethane production, ring opening and uses
- Alcohol oxidation and elimination, chemical tests, mass spectrometry and infrared spectroscopy
CH02 can draw on moles and bonding from CH01. Include epoxyethane when you revise alkenes.
Epoxyethane
Epoxyethane has a three-membered ring containing two carbon atoms and one oxygen atom. The strained ring opens readily: water gives ethane-1,2-diol, and an alcohol gives a hydroxyether. Learn the ring-opening mechanisms as well as the products.
The water reaction is C₂H₄O + H₂O → HOCH₂CH₂OH. You also need its production by partial oxidation of ethene, the hazards and the uses of the products.
More practice
You can use these UK-labelled tools for the topics below. Choose the AQA setting where there’s a choice.
- Boltzmann distribution practiceChoose the AQA setting for temperature, activation energy and catalysts.
About these resourcesMade by Dr T. Smith · Chemistryhelp.co.uk