Organic chemistry is one of the most challenging parts of A Level Chemistry.

It requires learning dozens of reactions, mechanisms, reagents, and conditions, but with the right strategies you can make it manageable.

Start with the specification

The AQA A Level Chemistry (7405) specification lists every reaction you need to know, so use it as a checklist.

See the official AQA Chemistry specification here.

You can also review our breakdown of what topics are covered in AQA Chemistry to structure your revision plan.

Understand, don’t memorise

Reactions make more sense when you understand why they happen rather than trying to rote-learn products and conditions.

For example, knowing that nucleophiles attack electron-deficient carbons explains why halogenoalkanes undergo substitution reactions.

This approach helps you adapt to unfamiliar exam questions where the reaction looks new but follows the same logic.

Draw reaction maps

Creating “reaction maps” is a proven way to connect different parts of the organic chemistry syllabus.

Start with one compound, such as an alkane, and map how it links to alkenes, halogenoalkanes, and alcohols with reagents and conditions labelled.

Each time you redraw the map, you strengthen your recall and see the bigger picture.

Practise mechanisms visually

Exam questions often require you to draw mechanisms with curly arrows, intermediates, and charges in the right places.

Practising these drawings on a whiteboard or flashcards is more effective than reading them passively from a textbook.

You can use Royal Society of Chemistry learning resources for extra practice examples.

Use active recall and spaced practice

Flashcards are excellent for organic reactions because they force you to actively recall reagents, conditions, and products.

Apps like Anki or Quizlet make it easy to use spaced repetition, revisiting difficult reactions just before you are likely to forget them.

This technique saves time and ensures information sticks long-term.

Apply reactions to exam questions

Exam questions rarely ask you to simply copy a reaction from memory.

Instead, they test your ability to apply knowledge by leaving gaps in pathways or asking you to deduce missing reagents.

Practising past papers is essential, and you can learn how to structure answers from our guide on tackling multiple-choice and structured questions.

Link reactions by functional groups

Grouping reactions by functional group is more efficient than learning them individually.

For example, alcohols can be oxidised to aldehydes or carboxylic acids, dehydrated to alkenes, or substituted to halogenoalkanes.

This systematic approach makes revision logical and reduces overload.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the hardest part of revising organic chemistry?

Most students struggle with mechanisms and conditions, but breaking them into patterns and practising consistently makes them easier.

How can I memorise mechanisms more effectively?

Redraw mechanisms from memory using active recall, focusing on arrows, intermediates, and charges, then check your accuracy.

Do I need organic chemistry for university courses?

Yes, if you are applying for degrees like medicine, pharmacy, or biochemistry, and you can confirm details on the UCAS Chemistry subject page.

Ready to master organic chemistry?