Grade 12 Physical Sciences · Matter and Materials
Write elimination reactions and conditions
Write elimination reactions where a small molecule is removed to form a double bond, and give their conditions (ethanol → ethene + H₂O).
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Question 1.3 · November 2024 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
Reaction 1: Compound P (major product) +
Reaction 2: Compound P Compound Q
Which ONE of the following combinations is the CORRECT IUPAC names of compounds P and Q?(2)
Work it out on paper first. Then mark yourself with the official memo, one tick at a time.
More past paper questions: write elimination reactions and conditions
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3. Question 4.2.7 · November 2023 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
4.2 Consider the equations for reactions I to III below.
A and B represent organic compounds that are POSITIONAL ISOMERS.
X is an inorganic product.
Write down the:
4.2.7 Write down TWO terms that describe this type of reaction.(2)Show the memo (2 ticks)Memo
- ✓First termElimination
- ✓Second termDehydrohalogenation / dehydrochlorination
- ✓
4. Question 4.6.2 · November 2024 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 3 marks
Study the flow diagram below.
Reaction I is a CRACKING REACTION forming two organic compounds, W and T, as the ONLY products.
4.6 Compounds R and T are positional isomers.
The inorganic reagents shown below are available for reactions IV and V.
; (conc.); NaOH(conc.); HBr;
Write down:4.6.2 The balanced equation for reaction V, using STRUCTURAL formulae and the correct reagent shown above(3)Show the memo (3 ticks)Memo
- ✓NaOH2-bromobutane + NaOH
- ✓Whole structural formula of alkene correct (functional group on second/first C atom)But-2-ene, , drawn with all bonds and H atoms (or but-1-ene from 1-bromobutane)

1 mark · Draw structural formulae
- ✓NaBr + HO+ NaBr +
- ✓
5. Question 4.1.5 · November 2025 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
4.1 Study the three organic reactions I, II and III below. Compounds T and W are organic compounds. R and S are inorganic substances. Consider only the major products.
Reaction I:
Reaction II:
Reaction III:
Write down the:4.1.5 STRUCTURAL formula of compound T(2)Show the memo (2 ticks)Memo
- ✓(a) Correct functional groupThe C=C double bond between carbon 2 and carbon 3 (but-2-ene, the major product).

- ✓(b) Whole structure correct drawn with all bonds and all 8 H atoms.
1 mark · Draw structural formulae
- ✓
6. Question 4.2 · May/June 2025 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
In the flow diagram below, a primary alcohol P is used as a starting reactant to form different organic compounds under different reaction conditions.
4.2 Write down the IUPAC name of compound P.(2)Show the memo (2 ticks)Memo
- ✓Correct chain length (But)Chain length: but- (4 C atoms)
- ✓Everything else correctButan-1-ol
1 mark · Write IUPAC names
- ✓
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