A level chemistry skeletal formula. Do you panic when you see an A level chemistry exam question that asks you to draw the skeletal formula? Or do you feel like you’ve never actually been shown how to draw the skeletal formula of an organic compound? Or do you just need a little more practice to get you to the point of being confident with drawing skeletal formula?
A level chemistry skeletal formula worksheet
Whatever the case, this free A level chemistry skeletal formula worksheet pack will help you develop the skills you need to be exam ready. I’ve included 4 worksheets to give you the opportunity to both practice drawing the skeletal formulae of organic compounds from the names, and also practice naming the compounds from the structures. This is what the package includes:
Worksheet 1: Draw the skeletal formulae of alkanes from the names
Worksheet 2: Name the hydrocarbons starting from the skeletal formula
Worksheet 3: Draw the skeletal formula of more challenging compounds
Worksheet 4: Name the compounds (not just hydrocarbons this time)
Answers to all 4 worksheets.
Not sure which one to start with? Start with worksheet 2. This will help you develop a familiarity with compounds drawn out as a skeletal formula, which will make it easier when you have to draw them for yourself.
How to draw A level chemistry skeletal formula
When you’re drawing a skeletal formula, remember the following rules:
The lines represent bonds between carbons and either other carbons or non-carbons (except hydrogens)
Only include hydrogens that are bonded to atoms other than hydrogen
Where you’re probably going wrong with A level chemistry skeletal formula
Most likely, you’ve not done enough practice to really know what you’re doing when it comes to drawing skeletal formulae. Like everything with A level chemistry, you have to do quite a lot of practice before it sticks, so once you’ve worked through all 4 worksheets you should be feeling much happier.
One thing I often see students doing that isn’t really a mistake, more something that just makes it harder than it needs to be, is counting the ‘points’ in skeletal formulae as carbons. This is obviously correct, but what I recommend you do instead, is think of the lines as bonds and count up that way. I know this makes it sound more complicated but it makes things much easier. It is usually when I get my students to switch to doing it this way that they finally ‘get’ skeletal formula.
Where to download your FREE A level chemistry skeletal formula worksheets
You can download them from my TES shop right here Free A level chemistry skeletal formula worksheets
Please leave me a review if you find them helpful.
Need more help with organic chemistry?
I have lots more resources on my blog including a guide to all the organic reactions you need to know about for AQA A level chemistry.