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Alcohols: OCR A‑Level Chemistry A questions

Every OCR A-Level Chemistry A exam question on 4.2.1 Alcohols, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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1,820 questions

  1. Q13

    June 2025 · Paper 2

    1 mark4.2.1 Alcohols
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 2, question 13: Which molecule(s) would form a ketone group when oxidised? OH 1 HO OH O 2 HO OH 3 OH A 1, 2 and 3 B Only 1 and 2 C Only 2 and 3 D Only 1 Your answer [1]

  2. Q19(b)(i)

    June 2025 · Paper 2

    1 mark4.2.1 Alcohols
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 2, question 19(b)(i): Suggest suitable reagents for this reaction. [1]

  3. Q23(a)

    June 2025 · Paper 2

    4 marks6.3.2 Spectroscopy4.2.1 Alcohols
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 2, question 23(a): Compound K, C4H10O, is refluxed with H2SO4 to form a mixture of compound L and compound M. The infrared spectrum of compound K is shown. 100 50 Transmittance (%

  4. Q25(a)

    June 2025 · AS Paper 1

    3 marks4.2.1 Alcohols
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 AS Paper 1, question 25(a): Alcohols D, E, F and G are each heated under reflux with H+ / Cr2O7 2–. Draw the structure of the organic product that is formed from each alcohol. If there is

  5. Q25(b)

    June 2025 · AS Paper 1

    1 mark4.2.1 Alcohols
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 AS Paper 1, question 25(b): Alcohols D, E, F and G are each heated with concentrated H2SO4, which acts as an acid catalyst. Which alcohol forms a mixture of two alkenes that are structural

  6. Q17(a)

    June 2024 · Paper 2

    2 marks4.2.1 Alcohols
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2, question 17(a): Elimination reaction of CH3CH2CH2CH2OH Reagent(s) and/or catalyst organic product [2]

  7. Q17(b)

    June 2024 · Paper 2

    2 marks4.2.1 Alcohols
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2, question 17(b): Oxidation reaction of CH3CH2CHOHCH3 Reagent(s) and/or catalyst organic product [2]

  8. Q17(c)

    June 2024 · Paper 2

    2 marks4.2.1 Alcohols
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2, question 17(c): Substitution reaction of (CH3)2CHCH2OH Reagent(s) and/or catalyst organic product [2]

  9. Q5(b)(i)

    June 2024 · Paper 3

    2 marks4.2.1 Alcohols
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 3, question 5(b)(i): Write the formula of the species causing the colours after refluxing with acidified dichromate(VI). Green solution Orange solution [2]

  10. Q25(a)

    June 2024 · AS Paper 1

    2 marks4.2.1 Alcohols
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 AS Paper 1, question 25(a): A, B and C take part in combustion reactions. Complete the equation for the complete combustion of C5H12O. C5H12O + [2]

  11. Q25(b)

    June 2024 · AS Paper 1

    3 marks4.2.1 Alcohols
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 AS Paper 1, question 25(b): Alcohols A, B and C are each refluxed with acidified dichromate(VI), H+/Cr2O7 2–. The organic products are shown in the table below. Complete the table to show

  12. Q17(a)

    June 2023 · Paper 2

    2 marks4.2.1 Alcohols
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 2, question 17(a): An unsaturated alcohol has 6 carbon atoms and contains one C=C bond. Construct an equation for the complete combustion of this alcohol. [2]

  13. Q17(b)

    June 2023 · Paper 2

    3 marks4.2.1 Alcohols
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 2, question 17(b): Compound C, shown below, is refluxed with excess acidified potassium dichromate(VI) to form a single organic product and one other product. Complete the equatio

  14. Q17(c)(i)

    June 2023 · Paper 2

    3 marks4.2.1 Alcohols
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 2, question 17(c)(i): Draw the structures of the three isomers of C7H10 formed from compound D. [3]

  15. Q17(c)(ii)

    June 2023 · Paper 2

    1 mark4.2.1 Alcohols
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 2, question 17(c)(ii): A student converts compound D into a diiodoalkane. Suggest suitable reagents for this reaction. [1]

  16. Q17

    June 2023 · AS Paper 1

    1 mark4.2.1 Alcohols
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 AS Paper 1, question 17: 3-Methylcyclohexanol is reacted with NaBr and H2SO4. What is the organic product? Br A Br B C D Your answer [1]

  17. Q26

    June 2023 · AS Paper 1

    5 marks4.2.1 Alcohols
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 AS Paper 1, question 26: This question is about the oxidation of two alcohols that are structural isomers of C3H8O. Compare the oxidation of these two structural isomers using different

  18. Q5(a)(ii)

    June 2023 · AS Paper 2

    2 marks4.2.1 Alcohols
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 AS Paper 2, question 5(a)(ii): Alcohol A is refluxed with an acid catalyst. • A mixture of alkene isomers B, C and D is formed. • Alkenes B and C show E/Z isomerism but alkene D does not. Con

  19. Q20(c)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

    2 marks4.2.1 Alcohols
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2, question 20(c): Compound J, C6H5CH2CH2OH, is reacted with acidified potassium dichromate(VI) under reflux to form organic product M. Write an equation for this reaction. Use [O

  20. Q20(e)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

    4 marks4.2.1 Alcohols4.1.3 Alkenes
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2, question 20(e): 1-phenylethanol is a naturally occurring compound found in many vegetables and flowers. 1-phenylethanol can be synthesised from 2-phenylethanol in two stages. H
All 57 questions on Alcohols, as a list
  1. June 2025, Paper 2, Q13 (1 mark): Which molecule(s) would form a ketone group when oxidised? OH 1 HO OH O 2 HO OH 3 OH A 1, 2 and 3 B Only 1 and 2 C Only 2 and 3 D Only 1 Your answer [1]
  2. June 2025, Paper 2, Q19(b)(i) (1 mark): Suggest suitable reagents for this reaction. [1]
  3. June 2025, Paper 2, Q23(a) (4 marks): Compound K, C4H10O, is refluxed with H2SO4 to form a mixture of compound L and compound M. The infrared spectrum of compound K is shown. 100 50 Transmittance (%
  4. June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q25(a) (3 marks): Alcohols D, E, F and G are each heated under reflux with H+ / Cr2O7 2–. Draw the structure of the organic product that is formed from each alcohol. If there is
  5. June 2025, AS Paper 1, Q25(b) (1 mark): Alcohols D, E, F and G are each heated with concentrated H2SO4, which acts as an acid catalyst. Which alcohol forms a mixture of two alkenes that are structural
  6. June 2024, Paper 2, Q17(a) (2 marks): Elimination reaction of CH3CH2CH2CH2OH Reagent(s) and/or catalyst organic product [2]
  7. June 2024, Paper 2, Q17(b) (2 marks): Oxidation reaction of CH3CH2CHOHCH3 Reagent(s) and/or catalyst organic product [2]
  8. June 2024, Paper 2, Q17(c) (2 marks): Substitution reaction of (CH3)2CHCH2OH Reagent(s) and/or catalyst organic product [2]
  9. June 2024, Paper 3, Q5(b)(i) (2 marks): Write the formula of the species causing the colours after refluxing with acidified dichromate(VI). Green solution Orange solution [2]
  10. June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q25(a) (2 marks): A, B and C take part in combustion reactions. Complete the equation for the complete combustion of C5H12O. C5H12O + [2]
  11. June 2024, AS Paper 1, Q25(b) (3 marks): Alcohols A, B and C are each refluxed with acidified dichromate(VI), H+/Cr2O7 2–. The organic products are shown in the table below. Complete the table to show
  12. June 2023, Paper 2, Q17(a) (2 marks): An unsaturated alcohol has 6 carbon atoms and contains one C=C bond. Construct an equation for the complete combustion of this alcohol. [2]
  13. June 2023, Paper 2, Q17(b) (3 marks): Compound C, shown below, is refluxed with excess acidified potassium dichromate(VI) to form a single organic product and one other product. Complete the equatio
  14. June 2023, Paper 2, Q17(c)(i) (3 marks): Draw the structures of the three isomers of C7H10 formed from compound D. [3]
  15. June 2023, Paper 2, Q17(c)(ii) (1 mark): A student converts compound D into a diiodoalkane. Suggest suitable reagents for this reaction. [1]
  16. June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q17 (1 mark): 3-Methylcyclohexanol is reacted with NaBr and H2SO4. What is the organic product? Br A Br B C D Your answer [1]
  17. June 2023, AS Paper 1, Q26 (5 marks): This question is about the oxidation of two alcohols that are structural isomers of C3H8O. Compare the oxidation of these two structural isomers using different
  18. June 2023, AS Paper 2, Q5(a)(ii) (2 marks): Alcohol A is refluxed with an acid catalyst. • A mixture of alkene isomers B, C and D is formed. • Alkenes B and C show E/Z isomerism but alkene D does not. Con
  19. June 2022, Paper 2, Q20(c) (2 marks): Compound J, C6H5CH2CH2OH, is reacted with acidified potassium dichromate(VI) under reflux to form organic product M. Write an equation for this reaction. Use [O
  20. June 2022, Paper 2, Q20(e) (4 marks): 1-phenylethanol is a naturally occurring compound found in many vegetables and flowers. 1-phenylethanol can be synthesised from 2-phenylethanol in two stages. H
  21. June 2022, Paper 3, Q6(b)(i) (1 mark): Suggest why vitamin C is extremely soluble in water. [1]
  22. June 2022, AS Paper 2, Q1(d) (2 marks): Other fruits contain different organic acids. Apple juice contains malic acid which has the following structure. H OH HOOC C C COOH H H Malic acid can be oxidis
  23. November 2021, Paper 2, Q4 (1 mark): What is the correct equation for the incomplete combustion of butan-1-ol? A CH3CH2CH2CH2OH + 1½O2 4CO + 5H2 B CH3CH2CH2CH2OH + 2O2 4CO + 5H2 C CH3CH2CH2CH2OH +
  24. November 2021, Paper 2, Q7 (1 mark): Menthol, shown below, is heated with an acid catalyst. OH menthol Which structure could be formed? A B C D Your answer [1]
  25. November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q7(a) (2 marks): Write a balanced equation for this reaction. Use skeletal formulae for organic compounds. [2]
  26. November 2021, AS Paper 2, Q7(c)(ii) (3 marks): Compound B is a branched primary alcohol. Compound B is refluxed with acidified potassium dichromate(VI) as an oxidising agent. Write the equation for the react
  27. November 2020, Paper 2, Q4 (1 mark): Which compound can be refluxed with acidified potassium dichromate(VI) to form an organic product with molecular formula C5H8O2? A HO O B HO O O HO C O HO D You
  28. November 2020, Paper 2, Q6 (1 mark): Which alcohol reacts with an acid catalyst to form a mixture of stereoisomers? A 3-methylbutan-2-ol B pentan-1-ol C 2-methylhexan-2-ol D heptan-4-ol Your answer
  29. November 2020, Paper 2, Q18(a)(i) (3 marks): State the reagents and conditions and write an equation for this oxidation. In the equation, use [O] for the oxidising agent. Reagents and conditions: Equation:
  30. November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q16 (1 mark): What are the correct reagents for the conversion below? CH3CH2CHOHCH3 → CH3CH2CHBrCH3 A Br2 and H2SO4 B Br2 and NaOH C NaBr and H2SO4 D NaBr and NaOH Your answe
  31. November 2020, AS Paper 1, Q17 (1 mark): Which compound could react with both • K2Cr2O7/H2SO4 in an oxidation reaction and • an acid catalyst (e.g. H2SO4) in an elimination reaction? A OH B OH C HO D H
  32. November 2020, AS Paper 2, Q5(a) (2 marks): Which of the alcohols A–F are secondary alcohols? [2]
  33. November 2020, AS Paper 2, Q5(b) (1 mark): Complete a balanced equation for the complete combustion of alcohol C. [1] CH3CH2CH(OH)CH3 + +
  34. November 2020, AS Paper 2, Q5(f) (6 marks): This question is about the alcohols A–F shown below. OH OH OH A B C OH OH OH D E F (f)* The structures of A–F are repeated below. OH OH OH A B C OH OH OH D E F
  35. June 2019, Paper 3, Q2(c) (1 mark): Write the overall equation for the preparation of benzoic acid from phenylmethanol. Use [O] for the oxidising agent. [1]
  36. June 2019, Paper 3, Q4(b)(iii) (4 marks): α-Terpineol contains two functional groups. For each functional group, choose a reagent that reacts with that group only. Draw the structures for the organic pr
  37. June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q25(a)(i) (3 marks): Draw the structures for the organic products. If there is no reaction, write ‘NONE’. OH A OH B OH C [3]
  38. June 2019, AS Paper 1, Q25(a)(iii) (1 mark): Complete the equation below for the complete combustion of alcohol A. C4H10O → [1]
  39. June 2019, AS Paper 2, Q5(b)(ii) (2 marks): Another student suggested that hex-1-ene could be prepared from hexan-2-ol by the same method. Would you expect the percentage yield of hex-1-ene to be greater
  40. June 2018, Paper 2, Q16(a)(iii) (2 marks): The chemist heats alcohol A with an acid catalyst to form a mixture containing two alkenes. Draw the structures of the two alkenes formed in this reaction. [2]
  41. June 2018, Paper 2, Q16(a)(iv) (2 marks): The chemist heats alcohol A with sodium chloride and sulfuric acid. Construct a balanced equation for this reaction. Show structures for the organic compounds i
  42. June 2018, Paper 2, Q16(b) (2 marks): Compound B, shown below, is refluxed with excess acidified potassium dichromate(VI) to form a single organic product. Complete the equation for this reaction. C
  43. June 2018, Paper 2, Q22(b) (4 marks): Explain the difference in the boiling points of the fuels in Table 22.1. [4]
  44. June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q16 (1 mark): How many structural isomers of C6H14O are tertiary alcohols? A 1 B 2 C 3 D 4 Your answer [1]
  45. June 2018, AS Paper 1, Q25(a)(i) (3 marks): Complete Fig. 25.1 to show the structures of the organic products formed in the reactions. F H2SO4 + heat CH3 H H3C C C OH H H E H2SO4 / K2Cr2O7 H2SO4 / K2Cr2O7
  46. June 2017, Paper 2, Q19(a) (1 mark): Construct an equation for the complete combustion of an unsaturated alcohol with 5 carbon atoms. [1]
  47. June 2017, Paper 2, Q19(b)(i) (2 marks): Explain, with the aid of a diagram, why ethanol is soluble in water. Include relevant dipoles and lone pairs. [2]
  48. June 2017, Paper 2, Q19(b)(ii) (1 mark): The solubility of hexan-1-ol and hexane-1,6-diol in water is shown below in Table 19.1. Solubility in water / g dm−3 Alcohol hexan-1-ol 5.9 hexane-1,6-diol 500
  49. June 2017, Paper 2, Q19(c)(i) (5 marks): Complete the flowchart by filling in each box. carbonyl compound reduction reagent(s): OH NaBr / H2SO4 compound K acid catalyst heat + structural isomers [5]
  50. June 2017, Paper 2, Q19(d) (5 marks): Butan-1-ol can be oxidised to form two different organic products, depending on the reaction conditions used. Describe both oxidation reactions of butan-1-ol. F
  51. June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q18 (1 mark): Which alcohol reacts with an acid catalyst to form E and Z stereoisomers? A pentan-3-ol B pentan-1-ol C 2-methylbutan-2-ol D 2,2-dimethylpropan-1-ol Your answer
  52. June 2017, AS Paper 1, Q19 (1 mark): An alcohol A is heated under reflux with sulfuric acid and potassium dichromate(VI). The organic compound formed produces the infrared spectrum below. 100 trans
  53. June 2017, AS Paper 2, Q4(c) (6 marks): The hydroxyl group, –OH, is responsible for many properties of alcohols. (c)* Describe the oxidation reactions of butan-1-ol forming an aldehyde and a carboxyli
  54. June 2016, AS Paper 1, Q18 (1 mark): Which alcohol can be oxidised by K2Cr2O7 and H2SO4 to form a ketone? A OH B OH C OH OH D Your answer [1]
  55. June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q3(b) (2 marks): Compound A can be made from alcohol B by heating with an acid catalyst. Suggest two possible structures for alcohol B. [2]
  56. June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q6(a) (1 mark): Why is butan-2-ol classified as a secondary alcohol? [1]
  57. June 2016, AS Paper 2, Q6(c)(i) (2 marks): Write an equation for the reaction. Use [O] to represent the oxidising agent and show the structure of the organic product. [2]

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