5 x 1 hour lessons

This module explores aldehydes, ketones and carboxylic acids. You’ll study nucleophilic addition, oxidation, and reduction reactions, along with test-tube identification techniques and the underlying mechanisms.

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By the end of this module you will be able to: • describe the bonding and reactivity of the carbonyl group • draw and explain nucleophilic addition mechanisms for HCN and reduction by NaBH₄ • distinguish between aldehydes and ketones using Tollens’ and Fehling’s reagents • describe the oxidation of aldehydes to carboxylic acids • describe the acid properties of carboxylic acids and their reactions with metals, bases and carbonates • explain esterification and hydrolysis reactions of esters • relate structure to physical properties (e.g. solubility, boiling point) • use carbonyl reactions in synthetic routes

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Edexcel Specification Points: Topic 17B – Carbonyl Compounds Topic 17C – Carboxylic Acids