STPM Chemistry 962 study plan

Map every hydrocarbon and functional-group interconversion in the syllabus onto a single reaction-pathway flowchart drawn from memory, then check it against notes and mark gaps in red.

Write out mechanisms for electrophilic addition to alkenes, free-radical substitution in alkanes, and nucleophilic substitution (SN1 vs SN2) side by side, labelling curly arrows, intermediates and rate-determining steps.

Predict and explain the major product for 15 unfamiliar reaction prompts (Markovnikov/anti-Markovnikov, rearrangements, stereochemistry), writing a one-sentence justification for each.

Build a table distinguishing tests and reagents (KMnO4, Br2 in CCl4, Tollens', Fehling's, Brady's, iodoform) with the exact observation expected for each functional group.

Convert the week-1 pathway map into a set of 10 synthesis problems (multi-step, 3-5 steps each) and solve them without notes, then verify each route.

Explain how IR, mass spectrometry and NMR each distinguish a named pair of isomers, writing the specific absorption, m/z fragment or splitting pattern that differs.

Interpret 8 supplied spectra descriptions (peak positions and splitting given in text) and assign a structure to each with reasoning.

Describe the principles and practical steps of solvent extraction, recrystallisation, distillation and chromatography, stating one criterion for choosing each.

Derive and apply Ka, Kb, Kw, pH, pOH and buffer (Henderson-Hasselbalch) expressions to calculate pH for strong/weak acids, bases and buffer systems, including dilution and partial neutralisation cases.

Solve 12 calculation problems spanning buffer preparation, pH after adding strong acid/base, and indicator selection, showing full working with units and significant figures.

State and apply Le Chatelier's principle and write Kc/Kp expressions, then calculate equilibrium composition from initial amounts for at least 4 systems.

Apply Ksp to predict precipitation, calculate molar solubility in pure water and in a common-ion solution, and explain the common-ion effect quantitatively.

Draw and interpret Born-Haber cycles and enthalpy-level diagrams for at least 5 compounds, labelling every term including lattice enthalpy, electron affinity and hydration enthalpy.

Calculate ΔH using Hess's law, standard enthalpy of formation and mean bond enthalpy data, and explain why bond-enthalpy routes give different answers from formation routes.

Apply entropy and Gibbs free energy (ΔG = ΔH − TΔS) to predict spontaneity, calculate the temperature at which a reaction becomes feasible, and explain the effect of temperature on ΔG.

Explain calorimetry procedure (q = mcΔT) and identify three sources of systematic error in an enthalpy-of-combustion experiment with a correction for each.

Write electron configurations (including ions and exceptions such as Cr and Cu) using s, p, d notation and box notation, and relate them to periodic trends in atomic radius, ionisation energy and electronegativity.

Explain anomalies in ionisation energy trends and first-row transition-metal properties (variable oxidation state, complex formation, colour, catalysis) with electronic reasons.

Draw dot-and-cross and shape diagrams for at least 12 species, deducing hybridisation and bond angles from VSEPR, and identify lone-pair distortions.

Classify intermolecular forces in named substances and rank boiling points with justification, distinguishing hydrogen bonding, permanent dipole–dipole and induced dipole forces.

Assign oxidation states and balance complex redox equations in acidic and alkaline media using half-equations and electrons, checking 10 examples.

Construct and use standard electrode potentials to predict cell feasibility, calculate E°cell and relate E° to ΔG (ΔG = −nFE°), and explain the limitations of predictions.

Describe transition-metal complex geometry, ligand substitution, and colour explained by d-orbital splitting, and apply the chemistry of at least three transition metals to qualitative analysis.

Apply rate laws, order determination from initial-rate and graphical data, and the Arrhenius equation; write rate equations for SN1/SN2 and explain how mechanism follows from kinetics.

Explain how concentration, temperature, pressure, surface area and catalysts affect rate in collision-theory terms, and sketch and interpret energy profile diagrams with and without catalyst.

Convert between mass, moles, concentration, gas volume and particles for 15 mixed problems including limiting reagent, percentage yield, empirical formula and titration calculations.

Apply the ideal gas equation and Dalton's law of partial pressures to gas-mixture and stoichiometry problems, and explain deviations from ideality in terms of intermolecular forces and molecular volume.

Describe the kinetic theory assumptions and use them to explain Boyle's, Charles's and Avogadro's laws qualitatively and quantitatively.

Explain the shapes of heating/cooling curves and phase diagrams in terms of energy changes and intermolecular forces, including latent heat calculations.

Design and write up a full procedure for one titration (including indicator choice and standard solution preparation) and one enthalpy or rate experiment, listing apparatus, safety precautions and disposal.

Identify and correct unsafe or invalid procedures in 6 short written scenarios, naming the specific hazard, control measure and the effect of the error on the result.

Process a supplied data set (readings, burette values, repeated titres) to calculate a mean with correct significant figures, identify outliers, and calculate percentage error and uncertainty.

Complete two full-length mixed mock papers under exam conditions, then classify every lost mark by domain to build a final revision list.