ROADMAP
High-Yield Master Cheat Sheet for AQA, OCR, and Edexcel Specifications
2026/2027 EXAM ALIGNED CORE GUIDE HIGH-YIELD
This master summary sheet maps out every key functional group transformation required across major UK international
examination specifications. Use it to build structural flowcharts and check synthesis vectors.
1. Core Aliphatic & Aromatic Transformations
Starting Material Target Product Reagents & Conditions Required Mechanism Type
Alkane Haloalkane Halogen (e.g., Cl₂), UV Light Free Radical Substitution
Alkene Haloalkane Hydrogen Halide (e.g., HBr), Electrophilic Addition
Room Temp
Alkene Dihaloalkane Halogen (e.g., Br₂), Room Temp Electrophilic Addition
Alkene Alcohol Steam (H₂O(g)), H₃PO₄ Catalyst, Hydration / Addition
High Temp & Pressure
Haloalkane Primary Alcohol Aqueous NaOH or KOH, Heat under Nucleophilic Substitution
reflux
Haloalkane Nitrile KCN in ethanol/water mixture, Nucleophilic Substitution
Heat under reflux
Haloalkane Primary Amine Excess ethanolic Ammonia (NH₃), Nucleophilic Substitution
Heat in sealed tube
Alcohol (1°) Aldehyde Acidified K₂Cr₂O₇, Dilute Partial Oxidation
H₂SO₄, Distil immediately
Alcohol (1°) Carboxylic Acid Excess Acidified K₂Cr₂O₇, Heat Complete Oxidation
under reflux
Alcohol (2°) Ketone Acidified K₂Cr₂O₇, Heat under Oxidation
reflux
Benzene Nitrobenzene Conc HNO₃, Conc H₂SO₄ Catalyst, Electrophilic Substitution
Keep Temp under 50°C
Benzene Acylbenzene Acyl Chloride, Anhydrous AlCl₃ Friedel-Crafts Acylation
Catalyst, Reflux
AQA & Edexcel A-Level Chemistry • Organic Roadmap Page 1 of 4