‹ Chemistry simulationsChemistry · AS Level 9701 · 21 Organic synthesisFive simulations covering Topic 21: spotting and naming the functional groups in a multi-group molecule in 3D, the AS reaction map with the reagents, conditions and type of reaction behind every arrow, a route builder where you choose each stage's reagent and watch the intermediate appear, working backwards from a target to the compound it could have been made from, and a reagents and conditions drill with a running score.
The first step in any synthesis is reading the molecule. Each of these has two functional groups, and each group decides which reagents will react with it. Pick a molecule, then pick a group to light it up in gold and see what it is called and what it can do.
Every AS organic reaction is an arrow between two compound classes. Learn the map and a synthesis becomes a path-finding problem. Click a box to see the arrows that leave and reach it, or click an arrow (or its chip) to read the reagents, the conditions and the type of reaction.
Choose a set task, then pick the reagent and conditions for each stage in turn. A correct choice builds the next intermediate on the bench; a wrong one tells you what you would really have made. Most routes at this level are two or three steps.
Retrosynthesis starts with the target and asks one question: what could this have been made from, in a single step? Find the functional group that is new, break the connection that formed it, and the starting material is whatever is left behind. Pick a target, then a precursor.
Each question lights up one arrow on the map. Choose the reagent and conditions that make the change, or name the type of reaction. A wrong answer shows the right one and the reason, so every miss teaches you something.
Five interactive simulations for Cambridge AS Level Chemistry 9701 topic 21 Organic synthesis: a 3D functional group spotter for molecules with two groups each, an interactive reaction map linking alkanes, alkenes, halogenoalkanes, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, nitriles and amines with reagents and conditions for every arrow, a multi-step route builder that checks each reagent and shows the intermediate in 3D, a retrosynthesis tool that explains each disconnection, and a reagents and conditions drill with scoring.
Five simulations covering Topic 21: spotting and naming the functional groups in a multi-group molecule in 3D, the AS reaction map with the reagents, conditions and type of reaction behind every arrow, a route builder where you choose each stage's reagent and watch the intermediate appear, working backwards from a target to the compound it could have been made from, and a reagents and conditions drill with a running score.
Organic synthesis is a free, browser-based simulation for Cambridge International AS & A Level Chemistry 9701 (topic 21 Organic synthesis). The course is assessed in Paper 1 (Multiple Choice (AS)), Paper 2 (AS Structured), Paper 3 (Advanced Practical), Paper 4 (A Level Structured), Paper 5 (Planning, Analysis, Evaluation). Syllabus for examination in 2025-2027. There are 5 tabs, each a self-contained experiment with its own controls and live readings, and nothing to install: it runs on a laptop, tablet or classroom projector.
Full syllabus map: AS Level Chemistry 9701 topic 21.
All simulation labs · AS Level Chemistry 9701 · TheLucidSTEM home