Back to A Level
A Level
Chemistry
Syllabus 9701Cambridge International
Cambridge A Level Chemistry (9701) covers physical, inorganic and organic chemistry at depth. Five papers including practical assessment. Mandatory for Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology degrees.
Key topics
- Atomic structure, bonding, energetics & kinetics
- Equilibria — Kc, Kp, acid-base, solubility
- Inorganic — Group 2, Group 17, transition metals
- Organic — alkanes through arenes, mechanisms, spectroscopy
- Analysis — NMR, mass spec, IR, chromatography
- Practical assessment — quantitative & qualitative skills
Exam tips
- 01Master reaction mechanisms — arrow-pushing diagrams must be drawn precisely.
- 02Memorise the colour changes in transition metal chemistry.
- 03For practicals (Paper 3), record uncertainties with every measurement.
- 04Spectroscopy (NMR & IR) is high-yield in A2 — practice 50+ structures.
- 05Practice past papers from at least the last 5 sessions — pattern recognition is half the battle.