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Pearson Edexcel International A Level Chemistry (YCH11)

Edexcel International A Level Chemistry, from bonding to synthesis.

Your tutor explains the reasoning behind each mechanism and calculation, then gives you unit-style questions and marks them the way examiners would.

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Explain why the boiling temperature increases from hydrogen chloride to hydrogen bromide to hydrogen iodide.[2 marks]

This is worth 2 marks. They go for:

  • Down the group the molecules have more electrons, so the London forces between them are stronger (1 mark)
  • More energy is needed to overcome these intermolecular forces (1 mark)

Examiner tip: Boiling separates molecules; it doesn’t break the H–X bond. An answer about bond strength gets no marks here.

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Assessment

How Pearson Edexcel International A Level Chemistry is assessed

The International AS is Units 1, 2 and 3 and is half of the International A Level, which adds Units 4, 5 and 6. Each unit is a separate exam, available in January, June and October, so you can take units as you go or all at the end.

Specification XCH11/YCH11, first examined in 2019. Pearson has announced new specifications for first teaching in September 2027, which these details don’t cover.

International AS (Units 1–3)

  • Unit 1 (WCH11): Structure, Bonding and Introduction to Organic Chemistry

    Multiple choice, short and open answers, calculations and extended writing

    Time
    1 h 30 min
    Marks
    80
    Weight
    40% of IAS, 20% of IAL

  • Unit 2 (WCH12): Energetics, Group Chemistry, Halogenoalkanes and Alcohols

    Multiple choice, short and open answers, calculations and extended writing

    Time
    1 h 30 min
    Marks
    80
    Weight
    40% of IAS, 20% of IAL

  • Unit 3 (WCH13): Practical Skills in Chemistry I

    Written paper on planning, carrying out and analysing practical work

    Time
    1 h 20 min
    Marks
    50
    Weight
    20% of IAS, 10% of IAL

International A Level adds Units 4–6

  • Unit 4 (WCH14): Rates, Equilibria and Further Organic Chemistry

    Multiple choice, short and open answers, calculations and extended writing, with some synoptic questions

    Time
    1 h 45 min
    Marks
    90
    Weight
    20% of IAL

  • Unit 5 (WCH15): Transition Metals and Organic Nitrogen Chemistry

    Multiple choice, short and open answers, calculations and extended writing, with some synoptic questions

    Time
    1 h 45 min
    Marks
    90
    Weight
    20% of IAL

  • Unit 6 (WCH16): Practical Skills in Chemistry II

    Written paper on planning, carrying out and analysing practical work

    Time
    1 h 20 min
    Marks
    50
    Weight
    10% of IAL

There is no coursework or practical exam. Practical skills are tested in the written Units 3 and 6, and questions in the other units draw on the core practicals. Chemistry has 16 core practicals.

From the official Pearson Edexcel syllabus, checked October 2026. Read the syllabus

Syllabus content

What’s on the Pearson Edexcel International A Level Chemistry syllabus

International AS

  • Formulae, equations and amount of substance
  • Atomic structure and the Periodic Table
  • Bonding and structure
  • Alkanes and alkenes
  • Energetics
  • Intermolecular forces
  • Redox and Groups 1, 2 and 7
  • Kinetics and equilibria
  • Halogenoalkanes, alcohols and spectra

International A Level

  • Kinetics
  • Entropy and energetics
  • Chemical and acid-base equilibria
  • Carbonyls, carboxylic acids and chirality
  • Redox equilibria
  • Transition metals
  • Arenes
  • Organic nitrogen compounds
  • Organic synthesis

Where marks are lost

Common Pearson Edexcel International A Level Chemistry mistakes

  • Numbering the carbon chain from the wrong end.

    Number from the end that gives the functional group the lowest number, and list substituents in alphabetical order.

  • Saying pressure changes Kc.

    Only temperature changes the value of Kc. Changing pressure or concentration moves the position of equilibrium instead.

  • Giving an indicator’s colour change backwards.

    Describe the change in the direction of the titration: phenolphthalein goes from colourless to pink when alkali is added to acid.

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FAQ

Pearson Edexcel International A Level Chemistry questions, answered.

Yes. Your tutor takes you through each mechanism arrow by arrow, then asks you to draw it yourself. Send a photo and it checks the curly arrows.

Yes. Ask about the core practicals, chemical tests, errors and uncertainties, and practise the written practical questions.

No. These details are for the current specification. Pearson has announced a new one for first teaching in September 2027, so check which one your school teaches.

Yes. The free plan includes 5 tutor messages and 15 minutes of calls a day. Pro and Max give you more when exams get close.

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More Pearson Edexcel International A Level subjects

Chemistry in other curricula