Cambridge AS and A Level Chemistry syllabus 2025 is a detailed document that outlines all the essential topics, practical skills, and assessment details required for success in the exams. With the next set of exams scheduled for 2025, this syllabus is a must-have resource for students preparing for one of the most challenging and rewarding courses.
It covers topics in physical, inorganic, and organic chemistry, along with advanced practical skills, ensuring students are fully equipped for the theoretical and experimental aspects of the subject. By using the syllabus, students can stay organized, focus on high-priority topics, and align their preparation with Cambridge's requirements. Download the Cambridge AS and A Level syllabus today and set yourself up for exam success in 2025.Cambridge AS and A Level Chemistry Syllabus Overview | |
AS Level Subject Content | A Level Subject Content |
Physical Chemistry | Physical Chemistry |
1. Atomic structure | 23. Chemical energetics |
2. Atoms, molecules and stoichiometry | 24. Electrochemistry |
3. Chemical bonding | 25. Equilibria |
4. States of matter | 26. Reaction kinetics |
5. Chemical energetics | |
6. Electrochemistry | Inorganic Chemistry |
7. Equilibria | 27. Group 2 |
8. Reaction kinetics | 28. Chemistry of transition elements |
Inorganic Chemistry | Organic Chemistry |
9. The Periodic Table: chemical periodicity | 29. An introduction to A Level organic chemistry |
10. Group 2 | 30. Hydrocarbons |
11. Group 17 | 31. Halogen compounds |
12. Nitrogen and sulfur | 32. Hydroxy compounds |
33. Carboxylic acids and derivatives | |
Organic Chemistry | 34. Nitrogen compounds |
13. An introduction to AS Level organic chemistry | 35. Polymerisation |
14. Hydrocarbons | 36. Organic synthesis |
15. Halogen compounds | |
16. Hydroxy compounds | Analysis |
17. Carbonyl compounds | 37. Analytical techniques |
18. Carboxylic acids and derivatives | |
19. Nitrogen compounds | |
20. Polymerisation | |
21. Organic synthesis | |
Practical Skills | |
Analysis | A Level candidates also study practical skills. |
22. Analytical techniques | |
Practical Skills | |
AS Level candidates also study practical skills. |
Key Changes in Cambridge AS and A Level Chemistry Old and New Syllabus | |||
Subtopic | Old Syllabus | New Syllabus | Key Changes |
15.1(c) | Substitution of an alcohol, e.g. by reaction with HX or KBr with H₂SO₄ or H₃PO₄; or with PCl₃ and heat, or with PCl₅, or with SOCl₂ | Substitution of an alcohol, e.g. by reaction with HX(g); or with KCl and concentrated H₂SO₄ or concentrated H₃PO₄; or with PCl₃ and heat, or with PCl₅, or with SOCl₂ | - HX now specified as HX(g). - KBr with H₂SO₄ or H₃PO₄ replaced by KCl and concentrated H₂SO₄ or H₃PO₄. |
16.2(b) | Substitution to halogenoalkanes, e.g. by reaction with HX or KBr with H₂SO₄ or H₃PO₄; or with PCl₃ and heat, or with PCl₅, or with SOCl₂ | Substitution to form halogenoalkanes, e.g. by reaction with HX(g); or with KCl and concentrated H₂SO₄ or concentrated H₃PO₄; or with PCl₃ and heat, or with PCl₅, or with SOCl₂ | - HX now specified as HX(g). - KBr with H₂SO₄ or H₃PO₄ replaced by KCl and concentrated H₂SO₄ or H₃PO₄. |
What Are Cambridge Grade Thresholds
Cambridge AS and A Level Chemistry Syllabus - Assessment Overview | |||||
Paper | Title | Duration | Marks | Description | Weightage |
Paper 1 | Multiple Choice | 1 hour 15 minutes | 40 | 40 multiple-choice questions based on AS Level syllabus content. Externally assessed. | 31% of AS Level 15.5% of A Level |
Paper 2 | AS Level Structured Questions | 1 hour 15 minutes | 60 | Structured questions based on AS Level syllabus content. Externally assessed. | 46% of AS Level 23% of A Level |
Paper 3 | Advanced Practical Skills | 2 hours | 40 | Practical work and structured questions based on experimental skills in the Practical assessment section of the syllabus. Externally assessed. | 23% of AS Level 11.5% of A Level |
Paper 4 | A Level Structured Questions | 2 hours | 100 | Structured questions based on A Level syllabus content (includes knowledge of material from AS Level syllabus). Externally assessed. | 38.5% of A Level |
Paper 5 | Planning, Analysis and Evaluation | 1 hour 15 minutes | 30 | Questions based on experimental skills (planning, analysis, and evaluation). Context may be outside the syllabus content. Externally assessed. | 11.5% of A Level |
International Boards Other Related Topics | |
IGCSE Chemistry Syllabus | IGCSE Biology Syllabus |
How to Choose the Cambridge IGCSE Subjects | Difference Between IGCSE VS ICSE |
Cambridge Grade Thresholds | Cambridge IGCSE Exams with A* Grade |