Grade 12 Physical Sciences · Matter and Materials
Write substitution reactions and conditions
Write substitution reactions where one atom or group replaces another, and give their conditions (bromoethane + NaOH → ethanol).
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Question 1.3 · November 2023 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 2 marks
Work it out on paper first. Then mark yourself with the official memo, one tick at a time.
More past paper questions: write substitution reactions and conditions
Work each one out first, then open the memo and check every tick.
3. Question 4.1.5 · May/June 2023 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 6 marks
4.1 The flow diagram below shows different organic reactions. P, Q and R are organic compounds.
Answer the questions that follow.
For reaction 3, write down:4.1.5 A balanced equation using STRUCTURAL FORMULAE for the organic compounds(6)Show the memo (6 ticks)Memo
- ✓Cℓ atom on second C atom of compound RReactant R: 2-chloro-2-methylpropane, with Cℓ on the second (middle) C atom.

- ✓Whole structure of compound R correctStructural formula of 2-chloro-2-methylpropane with all bonds and H atoms shown.
1 mark · Draw structural formulae
- ✓Inorganic reactant+ NaOH(aq) / KOH(aq) / LiOH(aq) OR
- ✓OH group replaces Cℓ at the same positionProduct: OH group on the second C atom, where the Cℓ was.
- ✓Whole structure of alcohol correctStructural formula of 2-methylpropan-2-ol with all bonds and H atoms shown.
1 mark · Draw structural formulae
- ✓Inorganic product+ NaCℓ(aq) / KCℓ(aq) / LiCℓ(aq) OR HCℓ
(must correspond to the inorganic reactant used)
- ✓
4. Question 4.1.1 · 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:4.1.1 IUPAC name of compound W(2)Show the memo (2 ticks)Memo
- ✓Substituent: 2-bromo2-bromo
- ✓Stem: butanebutane
Answer: 2-bromobutane1 mark · Write IUPAC names
- ✓
5. Question 4.4.3 · November 2024 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 1 mark
Study the flow diagram below.
Reaction I is a CRACKING REACTION forming two organic compounds, W and T, as the ONLY products.
4.4 For reaction II, write down:4.4.3 ONE reaction condition(1)Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
- ✓Reaction conditionUV / (sun)light / heat
- ✓
6. Question 4.2.4 · November 2023 · Paper 2 · National (DBE) · 1 mark
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:
4.2.4 Formula of X(1)Show the memo (1 tick)Memo
- ✓Inorganic product of hydrolysisHCl
- ✓
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