H2 Chemistry Syllabus 2026 (9729): Complete A-Level Topic Guide

H2 Chemistry Syllabus 2026 (9729): Complete A-Level Guide

This post covers the H2 Chemistry Syllabus 9729, which replaced the previous 9647 syllabus and is the current syllabus for A-Level H2 Chemistry examinations from 2026 onwards. If you are a JC student or tutor, ensure all your revision materials are based on 9729 and not the older 9647.

H2 Chemistry 9729 vs Old 9647: Key Differences

• New topic on Thermodynamics (Gibbs Free Energy, entropy) added
• Revised Electrochemistry chapter with updated electrode potential applications
• Paper structure revised: Paper 1 reduced to 30 MCQ (from 40), Papers 2 and 3 have updated question formats
• Greater weighting on application and analysis questions
• Updated Data Booklet with new values and reference tables

H2 Chemistry 9729 — Full Topic List

Physical Chemistry

1. Atomic Structure — Subatomic particles, orbitals, electron configuration, ionisation energy
2. Chemical Bonding — Ionic, covalent, metallic bonds; Lewis structures; VSEPR; intermolecular forces
3. The Gaseous State — Ideal gas law, kinetic theory, deviations from ideality
4. Thermodynamics — Enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs Free Energy, Born-Haber cycles, Hess’s Law
5. Introduction to Chemical Equilibria — Kc, Kp, Le Chatelier’s principle
6. Ionic Equilibria — Acid-base equilibria, Ka, Kb, pH, buffer solutions, Ksp
7. Reaction Kinetics — Rate equations, order of reaction, activation energy, Arrhenius equation
8. Electrochemistry — Electrode potentials, galvanic cells, electrolysis, Faraday’s laws

Inorganic Chemistry

9. Periodic Table — Trends across Period 3 and down groups
10. Group 2 — Physical/chemical properties, reactions, uses
11. Group 17 — Halogens, halide chemistry, halogen displacement
12. Period 3 — Oxides and chlorides of Period 3 elements
13. Transition Elements — Variable oxidation states, complex ions, catalysis, colour

Organic Chemistry

14. Introduction to Organic Chemistry — Nomenclature, isomerism, reaction types
15. Hydrocarbons — Alkanes, alkenes, arenes
16. Halogen Derivatives — Nucleophilic substitution, elimination
17. Hydroxyl Compounds — Alcohols, phenols
18. Carbonyl Compounds — Aldehydes, ketones
19. Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives — Acyl chlorides, esters, amides
20. Nitrogen Compounds — Amines, amino acids
21. Polymers — Addition and condensation polymers

Paper Structure (9729, 2026)

Paper 1 (1 hour, 30 marks) — 30 multiple choice questions

Paper 2 (2 hours, 80 marks) — Short answer and free-response structured questions. Includes data analysis.

Paper 3 (2 hours, 80 marks) — Free-response questions, some involving planning and evaluating experimental work

Paper 4 — Practical Examination (2.5 hours, 55 marks) — Lab-based practical skills assessment

H2 Chemistry 9729 Assessment Objectives

The examination tests three assessment objectives (AOs): AO1 (Knowledge and Understanding), AO2 (Handling, Applying and Evaluating Information), and AO3 (Experimental Design and Practical Skills).

Preparing for H2 Chemistry 9729

Students should focus on:

• The new Thermodynamics chapter — often tested in Paper 2/3 with multi-step calculations
• Organic chemistry mechanisms — systematic understanding of nucleophilic, electrophilic, and radical reactions
• Practical skills — Paper 4 is examined in the actual lab; NEA-approved lab experience is valuable

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