5 x 1 hour lessons

This module covers the chemistry of aldehydes and ketones, focusing on their structure, properties, and reactions involving the C=O functional group. You’ll explore the oxidation of alcohols to form carbonyl compounds and learn how to distinguish between aldehydes and ketones using Tollens’ reagent and Fehling’s solution.

You’ll study nucleophilic addition reactions with carbonyl compounds, including the reaction with NaBH₄ for reduction and with HCN to form hydroxynitriles. The module also introduces carboxylic acids and their reactions — such as neutralisation, esterification, and reactions with carbonates.

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By the end of this module, you’ll be able to:

• Identify and name aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acids

• Describe the physical properties of carbonyls and carboxylic acids

• Distinguish aldehydes from ketones using chemical tests

• Write balanced equations and mechanisms for nucleophilic addition reactions

• Understand the formation and hydrolysis of esters

OCR (A) specification points covered: 6.1.2 Carbonyl compounds 6.1.3 Carboxylic acids and esters