Help links for OCR Advanced Level Chemistry A Courses (AS level and the full A level chemistry course A)

[Author © Dr Phil Brown PhD based on the AQA advanced A level chemistry specification [page updated May 3rd 2026 *]

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INDEX of subject content based on the OCR A and AS advanced level chemistry syllabus A

Modules 1-4 are for both OCR AS and A level chemistry

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

1.1 Practical skills assessed in a written examination

1.2 Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement (A level chemistry only)

Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

2.1 Atoms and reactions (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

2.1.1 Atomic structure and isotopes

2.1.2 Compounds, formulae and equations

2.1.3 Amount of substance

2.1.4 Acids

2.1.5 Redox

2.2 Electrons, bonding and structure (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

2.2.1 Electron structure

2.2.2 Bonding and structure

Module 3 – Periodic table and energy (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

3.1 The periodic table (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

3.1.1 Periodicity

3.1.2 Group 2

3.1.3 The halogens

3.1.4 Qualitative analysis

3.2.1 Enthalpy changes

3.2.2 Reaction rates

3.2.3 Chemical equilibrium (qualitative)

Module 4 – Core organic chemistry (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

4.1 Basic concepts and hydrocarbons (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

4.1.1 Basic concepts of organic chemistry

4.1.2 Alkanes

4.1.3 Alkenes

4.2 Alcohols, haloalkanes and analysis (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

4.2.1 Alcohols

4.2.2 Haloalkanes

4.2.3 Organic synthesis

4.2.4 Analytical techniques

Modules 5-6 are for OCR A level chemistry only

Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements (for OCR A level chemistry A only)

5.1 Rates, equilibrium and pH (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

5.1.1 How fast

5.1.2 How far

5.1.3 Acids, bases and buffers

5.2 Energy (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

5.2.1 Lattice enthalpy

5.2.2 Enthalpy and entropy

5.2.3 Redox and electrode potentials

5.3 Transition elements

5.3.1 Transition elements

5.3.2 Qualitative analysis

Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis (for OCR A level chemistry A only)

6.1.1 Aromatic compounds

6.1.2 Carbonyl compounds

6.1.3 Carboxylic acids and esters

6.2 Nitrogen compounds, polymers and organic synthesis

6.2.1 Amines (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

6.2.2 Amino acids, amides and chirality

6.2.3 Polyesters and polyamides

6.2.4 Carbon-carbon bond formation

6.2.5 Organic synthesis

6.3 Analysis (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

6.3.1 Chromatography and qualitative analysis

6.3.2 Spectroscopy

INDEX of help links based on the OCR A and AS advanced level chemistry syllabus A

Modules 1-4 are for both OCR AS and A level chemistry

Module 1 – Development of practical skills in chemistry (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

1.1 Practical skills assessed in a written examination

1.2 Practical skills assessed in the practical endorsement (A only?)

How to do acid-alkali titration calculations, diagrams of apparatus, details of procedures

Introduction to chemical testing and analysing substances

Qualitative tests to identify organic molecule functional groups of homologous series

TESTS for Metal cations (positive ions), metal carbonates, ammonium ion, hydrogen ions (acids)

TESTS for Gases, water and non–metallic elements

TESTS for Anions (negative ions) including hydroxide (alkalis)

Module 2 – Foundations in chemistry (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

2.1 Atoms and reactions (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

2.1.1 Atomic structure and isotopes

Revision notes on all you need to know on ATOMIC STRUCTURE for advanced level

What is relative atomic mass?, relative isotopic mass and calculating relative atomic mass

Calculating relative formula/molecular mass of a compound or element molecule

The Mass Spectrometer and basics of mass spectrometry of elements

2.1.2 Compounds, formulae and equations

How to write equations, work out formula and name compounds

Important Some basic formulae, salt solubility and water of crystallisation

2.1.3 Amount of substance (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

What is relative atomic mass?, relative isotopic mass and calculating relative atomic mass

Calculating relative formula/molecular mass of a compound or element molecule

Introducing moles: The connection between moles, mass and formula mass - the basis of reacting mole ratio calculations

Calculations based on the Avogadro Constant plus Answers

Moles and the molar volume of a gas, Avogadro's Law

Reacting gas volume ratios, Avogadro's Law and Gay-Lussac's Law (ratio of gaseous reactants-products)

Molarity, volumes and solution concentrations (and diagrams of apparatus)

Gas calculations involving PVT relationships, Boyle's and Charles Laws

Using moles to calculate empirical formula and deduce molecular formula of a compound/molecule (starting with reacting masses or % composition)

% reaction yield and theoretical yield calculations and why you can't get 100% yield in practice

Determination and calculation of water of crystallisation

2.1.4 Acids (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

Basic notes and equations on acids, bases, salts, uses of acid-base titrations - upgrade from GCSE!

How to do volumetric titration calculations e.g. acid-alkali titrations (and diagrams of apparatus)

2.1.5 Redox (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

Basic redox definitions, Introducing oxidation state (with sub–index) and oxidation state rules–guidelines & inorganic examples

Using oxidation states to describe redox changes in inorganic reactions (with sub–index)

2.2 Electrons, bonding and structure

2.2.1 Electron structure

Electronic Structure

Electron configurations of elements (Z = 1 to 56), ions and the Periodic Table

2.2.2 Bonding and structure (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

Lots of stuff on bonding and the properties of the various resulting structures

Part 1 Introduction to chemical bonding - why? how? and patterns

Part 2 Ionic Bonding: compounds and properties

Part 3 Covalent Bonding: small molecules and properties

Part 4 Giant covalent structures and other big molecules

Part 5 Metallic Bonding – structure and properties of metals

Introduction - VSEPR theory for shapes of molecules - lots of inorganic molecule/ion examples

Electronegativity and bond polarity related to type of chemical bonding

Introduction to intermolecular forces - intermolecular bonding

Evidence & theory for hydrogen bonding in covalent hydrides, importance in other molecules

Module 3 – Periodic table and energy (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

3.1 The periodic table

Historical Introduction to the modern periodic table and the nuclear physics origin of elements

Electron configurations of elements (Z = 1 to 56), ions and the Periodic Table

Spectroscopy, hydrogen spectrum, evidence of quantum levels, ionisation energy patterns

3.1.1 Periodicity (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

Period 2 trends and explanations of physical properties

Period 3 trends & explanations of physical properties

Periodicity graphs for elements Z = 1 to 20. Period 1 to start of Period 4

Important trends down Groups

3.1.2 Group 2  (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

s-block elements: Group 2 Alkaline Earth Metals - Introduction and INDEX (several pages)

Basic redox definitions, oxidation state and examples and simple redox equations

3.1.3 The halogens

The Group 7/17 The Halogens - introduction and INDEX (several pages)

3.1.4 Qualitative analysis (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

TESTS for Metal cations (positive ions), metal carbonates, ammonium ion, hydrogen ions (acids)

TESTS for Anions (negative ions) including hydroxide (alkalis)

3.2.1 Enthalpy changes (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

Basic notes of exothermic and endothermic reactions and calculation of enthalpy changes from 'simple' calorimetry experiments and resulting data

Thermochemistry - Calorimetry experiments - Enthalpies of reaction, formation, combustion and bond dissociation are explained with exemplar calculations

More advanced Introduction to enthalpy changes - reaction, formation, combustion

Thermochemistry - Hess's Law and Enthalpy Calculations - reaction, combustion, formation etc.

Bond Enthalpy Calculations

Experimental methods for determining enthalpy changes and treatment of results

3.2.2 Reaction rates (basic kinetics)

GCSE level notes for the basics of rates of reactions

The Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution of molecular kinetic energies (relate to temperature & catalyst factors)

Heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis

3.2.3 Chemical equilibrium (qualitative)

Starter GCSE level notes-reversible reactions-equilibrium

Part 1. Equilibria Part 1. Dynamic molecular equilibrium and Le Chatelier's principle

Part 2. K_c equilibrium expressions and calculations

Part 3. Equilibrium and industrial processes

Module 4 – Core organic chemistry (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

4.1 Basic concepts and hydrocarbons

4.1.1 Basic concepts of organic chemistry

4.1.2 Alkanes (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

Matching pair quiz on hydrocarbon structure

4.1.3 Alkenes (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

INDEX of ALL advanced revision notes on ALKENES

Revision notes on the structure and naming of ALKENES (including cyclo..), including many isomers

STEREOISOMERISM general definition, E/Z (geometric/geometrical cis/trans) isomerism

Bonding in alkenes, reactivity compared to alkanes, electrophilic addition reaction with hydrogen halides

The electrophilic addition reaction of alkenes with halogens (non-aqueous and aqueous conditions)

The reaction of alkenes with steam - addition of water - synthesis of alcohols and the reaction of alkenes with concentrated sulfuric acid

Reaction of alkenes with hydrogen - uses of hydrogenation, structure and properties of oils and fats

The polymerisation of alkenes to form addition polymers - structure, properties, uses of poly(alkene) polymers

More on the uses of plastics, issues with using plastics, solutions and recycling methods

4.2 Alcohols, haloalkanes and analysis

4.2.1 Alcohols (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

INDEX of all revision notes on ALCOHOLS (and mention of ethers)

Revision notes on the structure and naming (nomenclature) of aliphatic ALCOHOLS, ETHERS, epoxy-alkanes (parts 1-2), including isomers

The laboratory synthesis and manufacture of alcohols

The reaction of alkenes with steam - addition of water - synthesis of alcohols and the reaction of alkenes with concentrated sulfuric acid

Physical properties (boiling points, solubility) and intermolecular forces

Combustion of alcohols, enthalpies of combustion and use as fuels

Controlled oxidation of alcohols with selected oxidising agents

Dehydration of alcohols and use of alkenes

Halogenation with hydrogen halides: Conversion of alcohols to halogenoalkanes (haloalkanes)

4.2.2 Haloalkanes (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

INDEX of ALL revision notes on HALOGENOALKANES (haloalkanes)

Molecular Structure and Nomenclature of Halogenoalkanes (haloalkanes)

Reactivity trends of halogenoalkanes - introduction to their nucleophilic substitution reactions, the substitution reaction between halogenoalkanes (haloalkanes) & water, experiments with silver nitrate solution

The substitution reaction of halogenoalkanes (haloalkanes) with sodium/potassium hydroxide to give alcohols

4.2.3 Organic synthesis (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

You need a good knowledge of all the synthesis reactions mentioned so far in modules 1-4 and know how to work out a 1 or 2 stage synthesis i.e. know your starting chemicals, reagents and reaction conditions.

4.2.4 Analytical techniques (for OCR AS level and A level chemistry A)

INDEX of mass spectroscopy notes: mass spectra of organic compounds, examples explained

INDEX of infrared spectroscopy notes: infrared spectra of organic compounds, examples explained

Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis

Applications of mass spectrometry - linked to chromatography

Modules 5-6 are for OCR A level chemistry only

Module 5 – Physical chemistry and transition elements (for OCR A level chemistry A only)

5.1 Rates, equilibrium and pH

5.1.1 How fast (for OCR A level chemistry A only)

Obtaining rate data, interpreting data, deducing orders of reaction and rate expressions

The Arrhenius equation and calculating the activation energy E_a from kinetics–rates data

Kinetics versus thermodynamic stability and reaction feasibility

Hydrolysis of halogenoalkanes (see also nucleophilic substitution by water/hydroxide ion)

5.1.2 How far (for OCR A level chemistry A only)

K_c and K_p equilibrium expressions and calculations

Equilibrium and industrial processes

5.1.3 Acids, bases and buffers (for OCR A level chemistry A only)

Equilibria: Bronsted-Lowry acid-base theories

Self-ionisation of water and pH scale

Strong acids - examples and pH calculations

Weak acids - examples & pH, K_a and pK_a calculations

Acid-base indicator theory, pH curves and titrations

Buffers - definition, formulation and action

Buffer calculations

Case studies of buffer function

5.2 Energy (for OCR A level chemistry A only)

5.2.1 Lattice enthalpy

The Born-Haber Cycle

5.2.2 Enthalpy and entropy (for OCR A level chemistry A only)

Introduction to Entropy

Examples of entropy values and comments

ΔS, Entropy changes and the feasibility of a chemical change

More on ΔG, Free energy changes, feasibility and applications

5.2.3 Redox and electrode potentials (for OCR A level chemistry A only)

Redox Part 1 Basic redox definitions, oxidation state and examples, simple redox equations

Redox Part 2 Analysing and constructing full inorganic redox equations

Redox titration calculation questions

FULL ANSWERS and WORKING for REDOX TITRATION QUESTIONS

Redox equilibria, half-cell reactions and electrode potentials

5.3 Transition elements (for OCR A level chemistry A only)

5.3.1 Transition elements

Introduction to the 3d-block, Transition Metals and Data (full index)

3d block Transition Metals - Complexes & ligands

3d block Transition Metals - Complexes and isomerism

3d block Transition Metals - Electron configuration and colour theory

3d block Transition Metals - Catalysis

3d block transition metals - Hydroxide complex precipitate 'pictures', formulae and equations

3d block Transition Metals - Hydrated salts, acidity of hexa-aqua ions

Selected examples of transition metal chemistry (for OCR A level chemistry A only)

Chemistry of 3d block transition metals - Chromium

Chemistry of 3d block transition metals - Manganese

Chemistry of 3d block transition metals - Iron

Chemistry of 3d block transition metals - Cobalt

Chemistry of 3d block transition metals - Nickel

Chemistry of 3d block transition metals - Copper

Chemistry of other Transition Metals e.g. Ag and Pt

5.3.2 Qualitative analysis (for OCR A level chemistry A only)

TESTS for Metal cations (positive ions), metal carbonates, ammonium ion, hydrogen ions (acids)

TESTS for Anions (negative ions) including hydroxide (alkalis)

Module 6 – Organic chemistry and analysis (for OCR A level chemistry A only)

6.1.1 Aromatic compounds (for OCR A level chemistry A only)

INDEX of all AROMATIC COMPOUND chemistry revision notes

The Structure & Naming of Aromatic Compounds, including nomenclature of isomers

Proof of the structure of benzene, aromaticity and electrophilic reactivity in arenes

Electrophilic substitution - nitration of benzene /methylbenzene, properties and uses of nitro-aromatics

Electrophilic substitution - ring halogenation of benzene & methylbenzene, properties & uses of aryl halides

Electrophilic substitution - alkylation of arenes to give other arenes

Electrophilic substitution - acylation of arenes, properties and uses of aromatic ketones

The physical and chemical properties of phenol and some of its derivatives and their uses

6.1.2 Carbonyl compounds (for OCR A level chemistry A only)

INDEX of ALL revision notes on ALDEHYDES and KETONES

Revision notes on the Structure and Naming of Aldehydes and Ketones

The structure and reactivity of aldehydes and ketones and nucleophilic addition of hydrogen cyanide

(also includes the hydrolysis of the resulting nitriles to carboxylic acids)

The oxidation of aldehydes and ketones, link with chemical tests

The reduction of aldehydes and ketones with NaBH₄ and LiAlH₄ and reduction of nitriles

Qualitative tests to identify organic molecule functional groups of homologous series

6.1.3 Carboxylic acids and esters (for OCR A level chemistry A only)

INDEX of all revision notes on CARBOXYLIC ACIDS and DERIVATIVES

Structure and naming of carboxylic acids and derivatives

Physical properties of carboxylic acids - trends discussed & explained (mpts, bpts, solubility, odours!)

The weakly acidic nature and general reactions of carboxylic acids acting as acids

Preparation & reactions of acid chlorides with water, alcohols, ammonia, amines & mechanisms

Esters - preparation, reactions including hydrolysis and transesterification, uses

Natural esters - triglyceride fats and oils, manufacture of margarine and biodiesel

6.2 Nitrogen compounds, polymers and organic synthesis

6.2.1 Amines (for OCR A level chemistry A only)

INDEX of all ORGANIC NITROGEN COMPOUND chemistry pages

Structure, Classification & Naming of Organic Nitrogen Compounds

The structure, classification and physical properties of aliphatic amines

Methods of synthesising amines (aliphatic and aromatic)

6.2.2 Amino acids, amides and chirality (for OCR A level chemistry A only)

Amino acids - molecular structure, preparation and reactions - two functional group chemistries

Protein-enzyme structure, function and inhibition

Protein analysis and synthesis

Amine bases and the hydrogen bonding in DNA and RNA

Amides - molecular structure, physical properties, preparations, reactions, brief mention of polyamides

Stereoisomerism - R/S Optical Isomerism examples and chiral auxiliary synthesis

6.2.3 Polyesters and polyamides (for OCR A level chemistry A only)

polyamides - formation, structure, properties and uses

The manufacture, molecular structure, properties and uses of polyesters

Polymerisation of alkenes to form addition polymers - structure, properties, uses

6.2.4 Carbon-carbon bond formation (for OCR A level chemistry A only)

The nucleophilic substitution reaction between halogenoalkanes (haloalkanes) and potassium cyanide and hydrolysis of nitriles to carboxylic acids

The structure and reactivity of aldehydes and ketones and nucleophilic addition of hydrogen cyanide and hydrolysis of the resulting nitriles to carboxylic acids

Methods of synthesising amines (aliphatic and aromatic), including reaction of amines with halogenoalkanes and reduction of nitriles

6.2.5 Organic synthesis

You need a good knowledge of all the synthesis reactions mentioned in the syllabus and know how to work out a 1 or 2 or 3? stage synthesis i.e. know your starting chemicals, reagents and reaction conditions.

6.3 Analysis (for OCR A level chemistry A only)

6.3.1 Chromatography and qualitative analysis

Instrumental Methods of Chemical Analysis including gas chromatography

Applications of mass spectrometry - linked to chromatography

Qualitative Analysis Tests for organic functional groups notes (use alphabetical index)

6.3.2 Spectroscopy (NMR) (for OCR A level chemistry A only)

INDEX of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy: ¹H NMR spectra of organic compounds

INDEX of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy: ¹³C NMR spectra of organic compounds

and, previously encountered

Applications of mass spectrometry - linked to chromatography

INDEX of mass spectroscopy notes: mass spectra of organic compounds, examples explained

All My Advanced Physical-Theoretical Chemistry Notes

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