- AS & A Level Home
- Main Home
Cambridge AS & A Level · Subject Code: 9701
AS & A Level Chemistry
From atomic structure and bonding to organic synthesis and spectroscopy — master every dimension of advanced chemistry
About AS & A Level Chemistry (9701)
Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry (9701) develops thorough understanding across physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry — from atomic theory and bonding to advanced reaction mechanisms, spectroscopic analysis, and multi-step organic synthesis. Highly valued for entry to Medicine, Pharmacy, Chemical Engineering, and Biochemistry.
Our programme covers all three branches with equal depth and precision, developing the ability to apply chemical principles to novel situations through rigorous problem-solving practice and Cambridge mark scheme training.
Physical, Inorganic & Organic coverage
Cambridge-specialist Chemistry tutors
Practical & spectroscopy mastery
Organic synthesis & mechanism drills
AS LEVEL — YEAR 12
Code: 9701
AS Level Chemistry Topics
The AS Level introduces core principles across physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry — building the analytical framework needed for A Level and university study.
- Atomic Structure — sub-atomic particles, mass spectrometry, electronic configuration, ionisation energies
- Chemical Bonding — ionic, covalent, metallic, and intermolecular forces; VSEPR theory
- Chemical Energetics — enthalpy changes, Hess's law, bond energies, calorimetry
- Equilibria — dynamic equilibrium, Le Chatelier's principle, Kc expressions and calculations
- The Periodic Table — periodicity, Group 2, Group 17 halogens, Period 3 oxides
- Analytical Techniques — mass spectrometry, IR spectroscopy, chromatography
- Atoms, Molecules & Stoichiometry — moles, empirical and molecular formulae, equations, yield
- States of Matter — gas laws, structure of solids, intermolecular forces in liquids
- Electrochemistry — redox reactions, oxidation states, electrolysis, electrode half-equations
- Reaction Kinetics — rate of reaction, rate equations, order of reaction (introduction)
- Organic Chemistry I — alkanes, alkenes, halogenoalkanes, alcohols, carbonyl compounds
AS LEVEL — YEAR 13
Code: 9701
A Level Chemistry Topics
The full A Level deepens all AS content and introduces advanced kinetics, Gibbs free energy, transition metal chemistry, complex organic synthesis, and NMR spectroscopy.
- Advanced Reaction Kinetics — rate equations, half-life, Arrhenius equation, reaction mechanisms
- Advanced Equilibria — Kp, acid-base equilibria, Ka, pH and buffer calculations, Ksp
- Transition Elements — d-block configuration, complex ion formation, colour, catalysis, redox
- Carbonyl Chemistry — aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, acyl chlorides
- Organic Synthesis — multi-step synthetic routes, retrosynthesis, reaction conditions
- Group Chemistry Extended — Group 2, Group 17 reactions with water and oxygen
- Entropy & Gibbs Free Energy — entropy change, ΔG calculations, spontaneous reactions
- Electrochemistry — electrode potentials, standard cell EMF, feasibility of reactions, fuel cells
- Arenes — benzene structure, electrophilic substitution, comparison with alkenes
- Nitrogen Compounds — amines, amides, amino acids, peptides, diazonium compounds
- Advanced Analytical Techniques — ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, combined analysis
AS Level Exam Papers
Comprehensive preparation for every exam component
Paper 1 — MCQ
40 multiple choice questions testing knowledge across physical, inorganic, and organic AS Level Chemistry content
- Duration
- 1 hr 15 min
- marks
- 40 marks
Paper 2 — AS Structured
Structured questions requiring detailed responses, calculations, and application of AS Level chemistry concepts
- Duration
- 1 hr 15 min
- marks
- 60 marks
Paper 3 — Advanced Practical
Practical skills — carrying out experiments, recording results, drawing graphs, processing data, evaluating methodology
- Duration
- 2 hr
- marks
- 40 marks
A Level Exam Papers
Comprehensive preparation for every exam component
Paper 4 — A Level Structured
Structured questions on all A Level topics — advanced physical chemistry, transition elements, and complex organic synthesis
- Duration
- 2 hr
- marks
- 100 marks
Paper 5 — Planning & Analysis
Planning experiments, interpreting data, identifying errors, evaluating experimental design, and suggesting improvements
- Duration
- 1 hr 45 min
- marks
- 30 marks
Student Success Stories
"A Level Chemistry is notoriously difficult but EDU-RADIATION made every topic approachable. Organic synthesis routes, NMR spectroscopy, and equilibria calculations were taught so methodically. Paper 5 planning sessions removed my fear of experimental questions entirely. Got A*!"
"The AS Chemistry bonding and periodicity topics are dense, but EDU-RADIATION's visual approach to VSEPR shapes and intermolecular forces made everything click. Hess's law cycles and redox equations were explained beautifully. Went from predicted C to achieving A!"
"Multi-step organic synthesis questions used to terrify me. EDU-RADIATION taught a systematic retrosynthesis approach that made even the hardest Paper 4 questions manageable. Ksp and buffer pH were drilled until they became second nature!"
Ready to Excel in A Level Chemistry?
Join our expert Cambridge AS & A Level Chemistry programme today!
