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Aromatic compounds: OCR A‑Level Chemistry A questions

Every OCR A-Level Chemistry A exam question on 6.1.1 Aromatic compounds, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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1,820 questions

  1. Q20(a)

    June 2025 · Paper 2

    2 marks6.1.1 Aromatic compounds
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 2, question 20(a): The diagrams show the Kekulé and delocalised models of benzene. Kekulé Delocalised One piece of evidence for the delocalised model is that benzene does not deco

  2. Q20(b)(i)

    June 2025 · Paper 2

    3 marks6.1.1 Aromatic compounds
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 2, question 20(b)(i): Explain the difference in the relative reactivities of benzene and phenol with bromine. [3]

  3. Q20(b)(ii)

    June 2025 · Paper 2

    2 marks6.1.1 Aromatic compounds
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 2, question 20(b)(ii): The white precipitate has a relative molecular mass of 330.7. Construct an equation for the reaction of phenol with excess bromine shown in Table 20.1. Show the

  4. Q20(c)(i)

    June 2025 · Paper 2

    1 mark6.1.1 Aromatic compounds
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 2, question 20(c)(i): Suggest a reagent and halogen carrier that could be used in Stage 1 of Synthesis 1. [1]

  5. Q20(c)(ii)

    June 2025 · Paper 2

    5 marks6.1.1 Aromatic compounds
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 2, question 20(c)(ii): Stage 2 of Synthesis 1 is the conversion of methylbenzene to compound G. Outline the mechanism for the reaction in Stage 2. Show the role of H2SO4 as a catalyst

  6. Q20(c)(iii)

    June 2025 · Paper 2

    2 marks6.1.1 Aromatic compounds
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 2, question 20(c)(iii): A student suggested an alternative two-stage synthesis of compound G from benzene. Synthesis 2 CH3 NO2 NO2 Stage 1 Stage 2 Benzene Nitrobenzene Compound G When

  7. Q2(b)(i)

    June 2025 · Paper 3

    1 mark6.1.1 Aromatic compounds
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2025 Paper 3, question 2(b)(i): Why does paracetamol not react with Na2CO3(aq)? [1]

  8. Q16(d)

    June 2024 · Paper 2

    1 mark6.1.1 Aromatic compounds
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2, question 16(d): What is the systematic name of hydrocarbon C? [1]

  9. Q21(a)(i)

    June 2024 · Paper 2

    1 mark6.1.1 Aromatic compounds
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2, question 21(a)(i): What is meant by the term electrophile? [1]

  10. Q21(a)(ii)

    June 2024 · Paper 2

    5 marks6.1.1 Aromatic compounds
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2, question 21(a)(ii): Outline the mechanism for this reaction, including the role of Al Cl 3 as a halogen carrier. [5]

  11. Q21(b)(i)

    June 2024 · Paper 2

    3 marks6.1.1 Aromatic compounds
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2, question 21(b)(i): Draw all organic products formed from monosubstitution reactions of the substituted benzene compounds shown below. Reaction Monosubstituted Product(s) CN Cl2 Al

  12. Q21(b)(ii)

    June 2024 · Paper 2

    2 marks6.1.1 Aromatic compounds
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2, question 21(b)(ii): The reactions of C6H5NH2 are similar to the reactions of phenol. Write an equation for the tri-substitution of C6H5NH2 with chlorine. [2]

  13. Q21(b)(iii)

    June 2024 · Paper 2

    3 marks6.1.1 Aromatic compounds
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2, question 21(b)(iii): Explain why chlorine reacts much more readily with C6H5NH2 than with benzene. [3]

  14. Q23(b)(ii)

    June 2024 · Paper 2

    1 mark6.1.1 Aromatic compounds
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 2, question 23(b)(ii): Another student suggests that adding aqueous sodium hydroxide would be more effective in removing the sulfuric acid catalyst than Na2CO3(aq). Comment on whether

  15. Q4(c)(iii)

    June 2024 · Paper 3

    1 mark6.1.1 Aromatic compounds
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2024 Paper 3, question 4(c)(iii): Suggest one example of evidence that could show that P3N3Cl 6 has a Kekulé structure rather than a delocalised structure. [1]

  16. Q6

    June 2023 · Paper 2

    1 mark6.1.1 Aromatic compounds
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 2, question 6: Which statement supports the delocalised model of benzene and not the Kekulé model? A Sigma bonds overlap to form a π-system. B The carbon-carbon bond lengths a

  17. Q18(a)

    June 2023 · Paper 2

    5 marks6.1.1 Aromatic compounds
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 2, question 18(a): Outline the mechanism for this reaction, including the role of H2SO4 as a catalyst. [5]

  18. Q20(a)

    June 2023 · Paper 2

    4 marks6.1.1 Aromatic compounds6.1.3 Carboxylic acids and esters
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2023 Paper 2, question 20(a): Salicylic acid, shown below, is used in the manufacture of some important medicines. COOH OH Salicylic acid Complete the flowchart for reactions of salicylic ac

  19. Q3

    June 2022 · Paper 2

    1 mark6.1.1 Aromatic compounds
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2, question 3: What is the number of sigma bonds in a molecule of methylbenzene? A 7 B 10 C 12 D 15 Your answer [1]

  20. Q20(a)(iii)

    June 2022 · Paper 2

    4 marks6.1.1 Aromatic compounds
    The whole paper ↗
    June 2022 Paper 2, question 20(a)(iii): Compound J is substituted at the 2- and 4- positions by chlorine in the presence of a catalyst. Outline the mechanism for the 4 substitution of compound J by ch
All 48 questions on Aromatic compounds, as a list
  1. June 2025, Paper 2, Q20(a) (2 marks): The diagrams show the Kekulé and delocalised models of benzene. Kekulé Delocalised One piece of evidence for the delocalised model is that benzene does not deco
  2. June 2025, Paper 2, Q20(b)(i) (3 marks): Explain the difference in the relative reactivities of benzene and phenol with bromine. [3]
  3. June 2025, Paper 2, Q20(b)(ii) (2 marks): The white precipitate has a relative molecular mass of 330.7. Construct an equation for the reaction of phenol with excess bromine shown in Table 20.1. Show the
  4. June 2025, Paper 2, Q20(c)(i) (1 mark): Suggest a reagent and halogen carrier that could be used in Stage 1 of Synthesis 1. [1]
  5. June 2025, Paper 2, Q20(c)(ii) (5 marks): Stage 2 of Synthesis 1 is the conversion of methylbenzene to compound G. Outline the mechanism for the reaction in Stage 2. Show the role of H2SO4 as a catalyst
  6. June 2025, Paper 2, Q20(c)(iii) (2 marks): A student suggested an alternative two-stage synthesis of compound G from benzene. Synthesis 2 CH3 NO2 NO2 Stage 1 Stage 2 Benzene Nitrobenzene Compound G When
  7. June 2025, Paper 3, Q2(b)(i) (1 mark): Why does paracetamol not react with Na2CO3(aq)? [1]
  8. June 2024, Paper 2, Q16(d) (1 mark): What is the systematic name of hydrocarbon C? [1]
  9. June 2024, Paper 2, Q21(a)(i) (1 mark): What is meant by the term electrophile? [1]
  10. June 2024, Paper 2, Q21(a)(ii) (5 marks): Outline the mechanism for this reaction, including the role of Al Cl 3 as a halogen carrier. [5]
  11. June 2024, Paper 2, Q21(b)(i) (3 marks): Draw all organic products formed from monosubstitution reactions of the substituted benzene compounds shown below. Reaction Monosubstituted Product(s) CN Cl2 Al
  12. June 2024, Paper 2, Q21(b)(ii) (2 marks): The reactions of C6H5NH2 are similar to the reactions of phenol. Write an equation for the tri-substitution of C6H5NH2 with chlorine. [2]
  13. June 2024, Paper 2, Q21(b)(iii) (3 marks): Explain why chlorine reacts much more readily with C6H5NH2 than with benzene. [3]
  14. June 2024, Paper 2, Q23(b)(ii) (1 mark): Another student suggests that adding aqueous sodium hydroxide would be more effective in removing the sulfuric acid catalyst than Na2CO3(aq). Comment on whether
  15. June 2024, Paper 3, Q4(c)(iii) (1 mark): Suggest one example of evidence that could show that P3N3Cl 6 has a Kekulé structure rather than a delocalised structure. [1]
  16. June 2023, Paper 2, Q6 (1 mark): Which statement supports the delocalised model of benzene and not the Kekulé model? A Sigma bonds overlap to form a π-system. B The carbon-carbon bond lengths a
  17. June 2023, Paper 2, Q18(a) (5 marks): Outline the mechanism for this reaction, including the role of H2SO4 as a catalyst. [5]
  18. June 2023, Paper 2, Q20(a) (4 marks): Salicylic acid, shown below, is used in the manufacture of some important medicines. COOH OH Salicylic acid Complete the flowchart for reactions of salicylic ac
  19. June 2022, Paper 2, Q3 (1 mark): What is the number of sigma bonds in a molecule of methylbenzene? A 7 B 10 C 12 D 15 Your answer [1]
  20. June 2022, Paper 2, Q20(a)(iii) (4 marks): Compound J is substituted at the 2- and 4- positions by chlorine in the presence of a catalyst. Outline the mechanism for the 4 substitution of compound J by ch
  21. June 2022, Paper 2, Q20(b) (3 marks): Compounds K and L react with chlorine much more readily than compound J. Explain why. [3]
  22. June 2022, Paper 2, Q20(d)(i) (2 marks): Add the reagents for each stage of this synthesis. CH2CH2OH Compound J CH2CH2OH CH2CH2OH Reduction NO2 NH2 [2]
  23. November 2021, Paper 2, Q14 (1 mark): Which of the following statement(s) provide(s) evidence for the delocalised model of benzene rather than the Kekulé model? 1 The enthalpy change of hydrogenatio
  24. November 2021, Paper 2, Q15 (1 mark): Compounds 1, 2 and 3 are heated with NaOH(aq). Which compound(s) react(s)? OH 1 COOH 2 CH2Br 3 A 1, 2 and 3 B Only 1 and 2 C Only 2 and 3 D Only 1 Your answer [
  25. November 2021, Paper 2, Q20(a)(i) (6 marks): Complete the mechanism below for Stage 1 and Stage 2. Show curly arrows, the structure of the intermediate and the missing formulae on the dotted lines. Stage 1
  26. November 2021, Paper 2, Q20(a)(ii) (2 marks): What are the roles of –OH and CO2 in the mechanism? –OH CO2 [2]
  27. November 2020, Paper 2, Q7 (1 mark): Which one of the following reacts with ethanoic acid and with phenol? A Aqueous potassium hydroxide B Bromine C Calcium carbonate D Methanol and an acid catalys
  28. November 2020, Paper 2, Q15 (1 mark): Which compound(s) could be prepared by reacting benzene with an acyl chloride in the presence of a halogen carrier? CH2COCH3 1 CHO 2 COCH3 3 A 1, 2 and 3 B Only
  29. November 2020, Paper 2, Q17(a)(i) (2 marks): Draw the structures of the organic product of each reaction. Organic product with B Organic product with C [2]
  30. November 2020, Paper 2, Q17(a)(ii) (3 marks): Explain the relative resistance to chlorination of compound C compared with compound B. [3]
  31. November 2020, Paper 2, Q17(a)(iii) (5 marks): Outline the mechanism for the reaction of compound C with chlorine. Show the role of the halogen carrier. [5]
  32. June 2019, Paper 2, Q8 (1 mark): Phenol reacts with bromine. Which is the least likely organic product? OH Br A Br OH Br Br B OH Br C Br OH Br Br D Br Your answer [1]
  33. June 2019, Paper 2, Q14 (1 mark): Which chemical(s) can react with phenol? 1 Potassium hydroxide 2 Ethanoyl chloride 3 Nitric acid A 1, 2 and 3 B Only 1 and 2 C Only 2 and 3 D Only 1 Your answer
  34. June 2019, Paper 2, Q19(a)(i) (3 marks): Describe, in terms of orbital overlap, the similarities and differences between the bonding in the Kekulé model and the delocalised model of benzene. [3]
  35. June 2019, Paper 2, Q19(a)(ii) (2 marks): Experimental evidence led to the general acceptance of the delocalised model over the Kekulé model. Describe two pieces of evidence to support the delocalised m
  36. June 2019, Paper 2, Q19(b)(iii) (5 marks): In the synthesis of compounds D and E, benzene is first reacted with ethanoyl chloride, CH3COCl, to form phenylethanone, shown below. O H3C C phenylethanone The
  37. June 2019, Paper 3, Q4(a)(i) (1 mark): What is the systematic name of chloroxylenol? [1]
  38. June 2018, Paper 2, Q10 (1 mark): Benzene reacts with an organic reagent in the presence of a halogen carrier to form phenylethanone. O C CH3 phenylethanone Which organic reagent is required? A
  39. June 2018, Paper 2, Q13 (1 mark): Which statement(s) support(s) the delocalised model for the structure of benzene? 1 All carbon–carbon bonds have the same length. 2 The enthalpy change of hydro
  40. June 2018, Paper 2, Q18(a)(ii) (3 marks): Explain why phenol is nitrated more readily than benzene. [3]
  41. June 2018, Paper 2, Q18(b) (3 marks): Methylbenzene reacts with sulfur trioxide, SO3, to form D, shown below. CH3 O O S O– D The electrophile in this reaction is SO3. Complete the mechanism for the
  42. June 2018, Paper 2, Q21(a) (3 marks): The flowchart below shows some reactions of compound H. In the boxes, draw the organic products of these reactions. Na2CO3(aq) NaOH(aq) O C OH HO compound H Br2
  43. June 2018, Paper 3, Q6(b) (6 marks): This question is about organic reactions. (b)* Many organic reactions use electrophiles as reagents. Explain the role of electrophiles in organic chemistry. You
  44. June 2017, Paper 2, Q17(a)(i) (5 marks): Outline the mechanism for this nitration of benzoic acid. Show how H2SO4 behaves as a catalyst. [5]
  45. June 2017, Paper 2, Q17(b)(i) (1 mark): State the trend in the relative ease of nitration of phenol, benzene, and benzoic acid. [1]
  46. June 2017, Paper 2, Q17(b)(ii) (3 marks): Apply your knowledge of the bonding in arenes to explain the trend in part (b)(i). [3]
  47. June 2017, Paper 2, Q17(c)(i) (3 marks): Complete the flowchart showing the structure of the intermediate and the formulae of the reagents for each stage. NO2 bromination reagents: reduction NH2 reagen
  48. June 2017, Paper 2, Q17(c)(ii) (3 marks): Another student attempts the same synthesis but carries out reduction before bromination. The student was surprised to find that two structural isomers of 3-bro

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