Topic C4: Organic chemistry (Edexcel iGCSE Chemistry)

This bundle of 9 lessons covers the majority of the content in Topic C4 (Organic chemistry) of the Edexcel iGCSE Chemistry specification. The sub-topics and specification points covered within these lessons include:

[a] Introduction

• Know that a hydrocarbon is a compound of hydrogen and carbon atoms only
• Know what is meant by the term homologous series and functional group
• Understand how to name compounds containing up to six carbon atoms
• Be able to write the structural and displayed formula of an organic molecule

[b] Crude oil

• Know that crude oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons
• Describe how the process of fractional distillation separates crude oil into fractions
• Know the names and properties of the main fractions
• Know the possible products of complete and incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons with oxygen in the air
• Understand why carbon monoxide is poisonous
• Describe how long chain alkanes are converted to alkenes and shorter chain alkanes by cracking

[c] Alkanes

• Know the general formula for the alkanes and explain why they are classified as the saturated hydrocarbons
• Understand how to draw the structural and displayed formula for the alkanes

[d] Alkenes

• Know that alkenes contain the functional group C=C and know their general formula
• Explain why the alkenes are described as the unsaturated hydrocarbons
• Understand how to draw the structural and displayed formula for the alkenes
• Describe how bromine water can be used to distinguish between an alkane and an alkene

[e] Alcohols

• Know that the alcohols contain the functional group -OH
• Understand how to draw structural and displayed formula for the first 4 alcohols
• Know that ethanol can be manufactured by reacting ethene with steam and by the fermentation of glucose

[f] Carboxylic acids

• Know the functional group of the carboxylic acids
• Understand how to draw structural and displayed formula for the acids
• Describe the reactions of the acids with metals and metal carbonates
• Know that vinegar is an aqueous solution containing ethanoic acid

[h] Synthetic polymers

• Know that an addition plymer is formed by joining many small molecules called monomers
• Understand how to draw the repeat unit of an addition polymer

All of these lesson presentations and accompanying resources are detailed and engaging and contain regular progress checks to allow the students to constantly assess their understanding.