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Alcohols and carboxylic acids: WJEC A‑Level Chemistry questions

Every WJEC A-Level Chemistry exam question on 2.7 Alcohols and carboxylic acids, 2016–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.

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1,204 questions

  1. Q2(b)

    Summer 2025 · Unit 4

    1 mark2.7 Alcohols and carboxylic acids
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2025 Unit 4, question 2(b): Give the structure of the organic compound produced when propan-2-ol reacts with an acidified solution of potassium dichromate. [1]

  2. Q9(b)(i)

    Summer 2025 · AS Unit 2

    1 mark2.7 Alcohols and carboxylic acids
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2025 AS Unit 2, question 9(b)(i): Give a solution which acts as an oxidising agent for this reaction in acidic conditions. [1]

  3. Q9(b)(ii)

    Summer 2025 · AS Unit 2

    1 mark2.7 Alcohols and carboxylic acids
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2025 AS Unit 2, question 9(b)(ii): Give the balanced equation for this reaction. [1] + [O] + H2O

  4. Q9(b)(iii)

    Summer 2025 · AS Unit 2

    2 marks2.7 Alcohols and carboxylic acids
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2025 AS Unit 2, question 9(b)(iii): The oxidation of propan-1-ol requires the presence of a strong acid. Hydrochloric acid cannot be used in this reaction as the chloride ions would be oxidised. G

  5. Q9(b)(iv)

    Summer 2025 · AS Unit 2

    4 marks2.7 Alcohols and carboxylic acids
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2025 AS Unit 2, question 9(b)(iv): Propanoic acid and ethanol react on heating in acidic conditions to form a sweet-smelling compound. I. Give the products of this reaction. Clearly show the stru

  6. Q7(b)(iv)

    Summer 2024 · Unit 4

    1 mark2.7 Alcohols and carboxylic acids
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2024 Unit 4, question 7(b)(iv): State the colour change undergone by the reagents in stage 4 [1]

  7. Q6

    Summer 2024 · AS Unit 2

    1 mark2.7 Alcohols and carboxylic acids
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2024 AS Unit 2, question 6: Give the structure of a tertiary alcohol which contains 5 carbon atoms. [1]

  8. Q9(b)

    Summer 2024 · AS Unit 2

    3 marks2.7 Alcohols and carboxylic acids
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2024 AS Unit 2, question 9(b): Show that the relative molecular mass (Mr ) of D is 88 [3]

  9. Q9(c)

    Summer 2024 · AS Unit 2

    4 marks2.7 Alcohols and carboxylic acids
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2024 AS Unit 2, question 9(c): Give the names of compounds A to D. [4] A B C D

  10. Q9(d)

    Summer 2024 · AS Unit 2

    1 mark2.7 Alcohols and carboxylic acids
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2024 AS Unit 2, question 9(d): Name a suitable reagent for the conversion of B to D. [1]

  11. Q13(b)(i)

    Summer 2024 · AS Unit 2

    3 marks2.7 Alcohols and carboxylic acids
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2024 AS Unit 2, question 13(b)(i): In the preparation of this ester, 25 g of ethanoic acid reacted with excess methanol. If the percentage yield of the reaction was 34 %, calculate the mass of es

  12. Q13(b)(ii)

    Summer 2024 · AS Unit 2

    2 marks2.7 Alcohols and carboxylic acids
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2024 AS Unit 2, question 13(b)(ii): The diagram shows the method used to separate the ester from the reaction mixture. reaction mixture heat product Draw on the diagram • the position of the therm

  13. Q13(b)(iii)

    Summer 2024 · AS Unit 2

    2 marks2.7 Alcohols and carboxylic acids
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2024 AS Unit 2, question 13(b)(iii): Addition of concentrated sulfuric acid increases the yield of ester. Explain this observation. [2]

  14. Q13(c)

    Summer 2024 · AS Unit 2

    1 mark2.7 Alcohols and carboxylic acids
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2024 AS Unit 2, question 13(c): Draw the structure of the ester formed when propan-2-ol reacts with methanoic acid. [1]

  15. Q12(a)(ii)

    Summer 2023 · Unit 4

    1 mark2.7 Alcohols and carboxylic acids
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2023 Unit 4, question 12(a)(ii): Suggest an oxidising agent used for the oxidation of the brominated alcohol. [1] CH3 CH3 2[O] H2C C CH2OH + H2C C COOH + H2O Br Br Br Br

  16. Q12(b)(iv)

    Summer 2023 · Unit 4

    1 mark2.7 Alcohols and carboxylic acids
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2023 Unit 4, question 12(b)(iv): State the role of sulfuric acid in Stage 3 [1]

  17. Q10(c)(i)

    Summer 2023 · AS Unit 2

    2 marks2.7 Alcohols and carboxylic acids
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2023 AS Unit 2, question 10(c)(i): Write the equation for the reaction that occurs when solid copper(II) carbonate is added to aqueous methanoic acid to form aqueous copper(ll) methanoate, (HCOO)

  18. Q10(c)(ii)

    Summer 2023 · AS Unit 2

    2 marks2.7 Alcohols and carboxylic acids
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2023 AS Unit 2, question 10(c)(ii): State what is observed during the reaction in part (i). [2]

  19. Q13(b)(i)

    Summer 2023 · AS Unit 2

    1 mark2.7 Alcohols and carboxylic acids
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2023 AS Unit 2, question 13(b)(i): Suggest an oxidising agent suitable to carry out this reaction. [1]

  20. Q13(b)(ii)

    Summer 2023 · AS Unit 2

    2 marks2.7 Alcohols and carboxylic acids
    The whole paper ↗
    Summer 2023 AS Unit 2, question 13(b)(ii): Write the equation for this reaction. Use [O] for the oxidising agent. [2]
All 70 questions on Alcohols and carboxylic acids, as a list
  1. Summer 2025, Unit 4, Q2(b) (1 mark): Give the structure of the organic compound produced when propan-2-ol reacts with an acidified solution of potassium dichromate. [1]
  2. Summer 2025, AS Unit 2, Q9(b)(i) (1 mark): Give a solution which acts as an oxidising agent for this reaction in acidic conditions. [1]
  3. Summer 2025, AS Unit 2, Q9(b)(ii) (1 mark): Give the balanced equation for this reaction. [1] + [O] + H2O
  4. Summer 2025, AS Unit 2, Q9(b)(iii) (2 marks): The oxidation of propan-1-ol requires the presence of a strong acid. Hydrochloric acid cannot be used in this reaction as the chloride ions would be oxidised. G
  5. Summer 2025, AS Unit 2, Q9(b)(iv) (4 marks): Propanoic acid and ethanol react on heating in acidic conditions to form a sweet-smelling compound. I. Give the products of this reaction. Clearly show the stru
  6. Summer 2024, Unit 4, Q7(b)(iv) (1 mark): State the colour change undergone by the reagents in stage 4 [1]
  7. Summer 2024, AS Unit 2, Q6 (1 mark): Give the structure of a tertiary alcohol which contains 5 carbon atoms. [1]
  8. Summer 2024, AS Unit 2, Q9(b) (3 marks): Show that the relative molecular mass (Mr ) of D is 88 [3]
  9. Summer 2024, AS Unit 2, Q9(c) (4 marks): Give the names of compounds A to D. [4] A B C D
  10. Summer 2024, AS Unit 2, Q9(d) (1 mark): Name a suitable reagent for the conversion of B to D. [1]
  11. Summer 2024, AS Unit 2, Q13(b)(i) (3 marks): In the preparation of this ester, 25 g of ethanoic acid reacted with excess methanol. If the percentage yield of the reaction was 34 %, calculate the mass of es
  12. Summer 2024, AS Unit 2, Q13(b)(ii) (2 marks): The diagram shows the method used to separate the ester from the reaction mixture. reaction mixture heat product Draw on the diagram • the position of the therm
  13. Summer 2024, AS Unit 2, Q13(b)(iii) (2 marks): Addition of concentrated sulfuric acid increases the yield of ester. Explain this observation. [2]
  14. Summer 2024, AS Unit 2, Q13(c) (1 mark): Draw the structure of the ester formed when propan-2-ol reacts with methanoic acid. [1]
  15. Summer 2023, Unit 4, Q12(a)(ii) (1 mark): Suggest an oxidising agent used for the oxidation of the brominated alcohol. [1] CH3 CH3 2[O] H2C C CH2OH + H2C C COOH + H2O Br Br Br Br
  16. Summer 2023, Unit 4, Q12(b)(iv) (1 mark): State the role of sulfuric acid in Stage 3 [1]
  17. Summer 2023, AS Unit 2, Q10(c)(i) (2 marks): Write the equation for the reaction that occurs when solid copper(II) carbonate is added to aqueous methanoic acid to form aqueous copper(ll) methanoate, (HCOO)
  18. Summer 2023, AS Unit 2, Q10(c)(ii) (2 marks): State what is observed during the reaction in part (i). [2]
  19. Summer 2023, AS Unit 2, Q13(b)(i) (1 mark): Suggest an oxidising agent suitable to carry out this reaction. [1]
  20. Summer 2023, AS Unit 2, Q13(b)(ii) (2 marks): Write the equation for this reaction. Use [O] for the oxidising agent. [2]
  21. Summer 2023, AS Unit 2, Q13(b)(iii) (2 marks): To ensure complete oxidation the reagents are refluxed. Draw and label the apparatus as it is being used in this reaction. [2]
  22. Summer 2023, AS Unit 2, Q13(b)(v) (4 marks): The reaction can be used to prepare a sample of solid ethanedioic acid. This is generally hydrated as (COOH)2.xH2O where x is an integer. 2.00 g of ethane-1,2-d
  23. Summer 2023, AS Unit 2, Q13(b)(vi) (3 marks): I. Complete the equation for the reaction which occurs when ethanedioic acid is heated with excess methanol in acidic conditions. Clearly show the structure of
  24. Summer 2022, Unit 4, Q8(a)(iii) (1 mark): A sample of the cyclohexanol in KA is oxidised in the laboratory by refluxing with a suitable reagent. State a suitable oxidising agent that can be used. [1]
  25. Summer 2022, AS Unit 2, Q3 (2 marks): A student suspects an unlabelled organic liquid is a carboxylic acid. Name the reagent(s) that must be added to the unknown organic liquid to test for the prese
  26. Summer 2022, AS Unit 2, Q6(b)(iii) (1 mark): State the classification of alcohol to which butan-2-ol belongs. [1]
  27. Summer 2022, AS Unit 2, Q6(c)(i) (1 mark): State the role of the acidified potassium manganate(VII) in this reaction. [1]
  28. Summer 2022, AS Unit 2, Q6(c)(ii) (2 marks): Explain why butanone can be removed from the reaction as it is formed using distillation, leaving unreacted butan-2-ol in the reaction mixture. [2]
  29. Summer 2022, AS Unit 2, Q6(d)(i) (1 mark): Suggest why the overall yield of the two-step synthesis is likely to be lower than the yield of the direct hydration. [1]
  30. Summer 2022, AS Unit 2, Q6(d)(ii) (4 marks): Reaction of butan-2-ol with concentrated sulfuric acid results in the formation of three isomers with the formula C4H8. I. Name the type of reaction used to for
  31. Summer 2022, AS Unit 2, Q10(b) (2 marks): Sodium ethanoate can be made in a neutralisation reaction. Complete the following equation: [2] + CH3COONa + CO2 + H2O
  32. Summer 2022, AS Unit 2, Q10(c)(i) (2 marks): Name the reagents and give the expected observations. [2]
  33. Summer 2022, AS Unit 2, Q10(c)(ii) (3 marks): A student proposed that the apparatus below should be used to perform this oxidation reduction experiment. The teacher said that this would not work and would b
  34. Summer 2019, AS Unit 2, Q6 (1 mark): Complete the equation for the formation of ethanol by the fermentation of glucose. [1] C6H12O6 +
  35. Summer 2019, AS Unit 2, Q9(a)(i) (2 marks): Name the method being used with the condenser positioned in this way. Explain why it is necessary to use the condenser. [2]
  36. Summer 2019, AS Unit 2, Q9(a)(ii) (2 marks): Name the method used to separate the product from the liquid mixture. State which property of an ester allows this method of separation to be used. [2] Method P
  37. Summer 2019, AS Unit 2, Q9(a)(iii) (1 mark): Name the catalyst most commonly used in the preparation of an ester. [1]
  38. Summer 2019, AS Unit 2, Q9(a)(iv) (2 marks): Write the equation for the reaction between methanoic acid and butan-2-ol. [2] Clearly show the structure of the ester formed.
  39. Summer 2019, AS Unit 2, Q9(b) (5 marks): A compound is known to be one of butan-2-ol, CH3CH2CH(OH)CH3, 2-methylpropanoic acid, CH3CH(CH3)COOH, and 3-hydroxybutanoic acid, CH3CH(OH)CH2COOH. Choose two c
  40. Summer 2019, AS Unit 2, Q10(b)(i) (1 mark): State why this reaction is classified as disproportionation. [1]
  41. Summer 2019, AS Unit 2, Q10(b)(ii) (3 marks): A chemist used 9.50 g of C6H5CHO in the reaction above and made 3.39 g of C6H5CH2OH. Calculate the percentage yield that this mass of C6H5CH2OH represents. [3]
  42. Summer 2019, AS Unit 2, Q10(b)(iii) (1 mark): Cannizzaro’s reaction is usually carried out using aqueous sodium hydroxide, rather than with water as shown in the equation above. Write the equation for the C
  43. Summer 2018, Unit 4, Q6(a)(iii) (1 mark): State a reagent that can be used for Stage 3 [1]
  44. Summer 2018, Unit 4, Q9(b)(v) (1 mark): Compound A is made by heating 2-methylbutan-1-ol and ethanoic acid in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid. State the name of another organic compound tha
  45. Summer 2018, AS Unit 2, Q1 (1 mark): Draw the structure of a secondary alcohol that contains 6 carbon atoms. [1]
  46. Summer 2018, AS Unit 2, Q5(a) (1 mark): Complete the equation for the fermentation of glucose. [1] C6H12O6 +
  47. Summer 2018, AS Unit 2, Q5(b) (1 mark): Name the substance generally used to catalyse this reaction. [1]
  48. Summer 2018, AS Unit 2, Q11(b)(i) (1 mark): State the type of reaction that occurs when X is warmed with acidified potassium dichromate(VI). [1]
  49. Summer 2018, AS Unit 2, Q11(b)(ii) (1 mark): Draw the structure of the organic product formed when X reacts with acidified potassium dichromate(VI). [1]
  50. Summer 2017, Unit 4, Q11(d)(iii) (1 mark): The alcohol used for this experiment gave a ketone on oxidation. Give the displayed formula of the alcohol. [1]
  51. Summer 2017, AS Unit 2, Q6(a) (1 mark): Complete the equation below to show clearly the missing product. [1] H O CH3C + CH3 CCH2CH3 + H2O OH OH
  52. Summer 2017, AS Unit 2, Q6(b) (1 mark): Name the catalyst used in the reaction in part (a). [1]
  53. Summer 2017, AS Unit 2, Q11(a)(i) (3 marks): A student wanted to prepare ethanol and was given the following instructions. • Mix glucose and water. • Put the mixture into a stoppered bottle. • Leave the bo
  54. Summer 2017, AS Unit 2, Q11(a)(ii) (2 marks): Calculate the atom economy of this process as a method of preparing ethanol. [2] Atom economy = %
  55. Summer 2017, AS Unit 2, Q11(a)(iii) (2 marks): Ethanol can also be made by the hydration of ethene. Describe one environmental consideration in choosing between fermentation and hydration as methods for etha
  56. Summer 2017, AS Unit 2, Q11(b)(i) (1 mark): Explain the meaning of primary as applied to alcohols. [1]
  57. Summer 2017, AS Unit 2, Q11(b)(ii) (2 marks): Give the structural formula and name of a tertiary alcohol that contains five carbon atoms. [2] Name
  58. Summer 2017, AS Unit 2, Q11(b)(iii) (3 marks): Describe one test that can be used to investigate whether an alcohol is secondary or tertiary. Include the reagents used and the observations for both types of
  59. Summer 2016, AS Unit 2, Q6 (1 mark): On warming, copper(II) oxide reacts with aqueous methanoic acid. Write the equation for this reaction. [1]
  60. Summer 2016, AS Unit 2, Q11(a)(i) (3 marks): Draw a labelled diagram of the apparatus you would use to carry out a reaction under reflux. [3]
  61. Summer 2016, AS Unit 2, Q11(a)(ii) (1 mark): Explain how the apparatus that you have drawn in part (i) results in the process of reflux. [1]
  62. Summer 2016, AS Unit 2, Q11(a)(iii) (1 mark): Why is it necessary to use a reflux technique in this type of reaction? [1]
  63. Summer 2016, AS Unit 2, Q11(a)(iv) (1 mark): State the function of the concentrated sulfuric acid in this reaction. [1]
  64. Summer 2016, AS Unit 2, Q11(b)(i) (1 mark): Suggest how the methyl ethanoate could be separated from the mixture formed in the reaction vessel. [1]
  65. Summer 2016, AS Unit 2, Q11(b)(ii) (3 marks): Calculate the percentage of theoretical yield of methyl ethanoate obtained. Show your working. [3] Percentage yield = %
  66. Summer 2016, AS Unit 2, Q11(b)(iii) (2 marks): Suggest one change that could be made to this preparation to improve the percentage yield of methyl ethanoate. Explain your suggestion. [2]
  67. Summer 2016, AS Unit 2, Q11(c)(i) (1 mark): What type of reaction is taking place when compound A is heated with concentrated sulfuric acid to form compound B? [1]
  68. Summer 2016, AS Unit 2, Q11(c)(iii) (1 mark): What colour change is seen when compound A reacts with the Cr2O7 solution? [1]
  69. Summer 2016, AS Unit 2, Q11(c)(iv) (1 mark): What type of reaction is taking place when compound A is heated with Cr2O7 to form compound C? [1]
  70. Summer 2016, AS Unit 2, Q11(c)(v) (1 mark): Draw a displayed formula of compound C. [1]

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