Grade 12 · Physical Sciences · Chemistry, Paper 2 · CAPS
Organic Reactions – Grade 12 Physical Sciences (Chemistry, Paper 2)
What Organic Reactions covers, how it is examined in Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry), the 5 sections to study and how long it takes – plus live online lessons when you get stuck.
- Study sections
- 5
- Exam-style questions
- 11
- Marks of practice
- 87
- Study time
- ≈ 4 h 45 min
What it covers
Organic reactions is about turning one type of organic compound into another. You classify and write equations for substitution, addition and elimination reactions – for example adding hydrogen, water or a hydrogen halide across a double bond, swapping a halogen for an –OH group, or removing water from an alcohol – and state the conditions each needs. Combustion, esterification and the cracking of long-chain alkanes are also covered, often in a flow diagram that links several reactions.
How it is examined
- Paper
- Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) – Monday 2 November 2026, 09:00 (3 hours, 150 marks)
- Weighting
- Matter & materials ≈ 58/150 (reactions question typically ≈ 15–20 marks, typically Question 4, plus 2–3 MCQs)
- Questions
- In a typical paper you will find it in Question 4 of Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry), with multiple-choice items in Question 1 as well.
Question numbers and mark splits are typical, not fixed – they vary a little from year to year.
Sections to study
- Combustion and esterification35 min
- Substitution reactions30 min
- Addition reactions and Markovnikov's rule30 min
- Elimination reactions and Zaitsev's rule30 min
- Cracking and flow-diagram questions45 min
Study time
| Notes and worked examples5 sections | 2 h 50 min |
|---|---|
| Exam-style questions11 questions · 87 marks × 1,2 min per mark | 1 h 45 min |
| Topic quiz | 10 min |
| Total | ≈ 4 h 45 min |
Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) is written on Monday 2 November 2026 at 09:00.
What you get in the portal
- 11 exam-style questions on Organic Reactions (87 marks in total), each with a full marking memo
- Worked examples with diagrams and step-by-step calculations for each of the 5 sections
- Tutor notes added to sections and questions – for the whole class or just for you
- A topic quiz, mock papers and a study plan that counts down to Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry)
Notes, worked examples, questions and memos open once the tutor approves your account – usually with your first confirmed lesson.
Stuck on Organic Reactions? Book a one-on-one lesson.
R250 per hour – 60, 90 or 120 minutes, online from anywhere in South Africa. Pick Organic Reactions as your topic; you pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms.
Related Chemistry P2 topics
- Rate and Extent of Reaction
- Chemical Equilibrium
- Acids and Bases
- Electrochemistry 1: Redox and Galvanic Cells
All Grade 12 Physical Sciences topics, weighting and study time
Questions about Organic Reactions
How many marks is Organic Reactions worth in the matric exam?
In Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) (3 hours, 150 marks) the usual weighting is: Matter & materials ≈ 58/150 (reactions question typically ≈ 15–20 marks, typically Question 4, plus 2–3 MCQs). In a typical paper you will find it in Question 4 of Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry), with multiple-choice items in Question 1 as well. The exact marks change a little from year to year.
How long does it take to study Organic Reactions?
About 4 h 45 min: 2 h 50 min for the notes and worked examples in its 5 sections, 1 h 45 min for the 11 exam-style questions (87 marks) at exam pace of 1,2 minutes per mark, and a 10-minute quiz.
When is the Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) exam in 2026?
Physical Sciences Paper 2 (Chemistry) is written on Monday 2 November 2026 at 09:00 and lasts 3 hours (150 marks), according to the DBE’s 2026 NSC timetable. Confirm the date with your school, because the DBE can amend the timetable.
Can I get online lessons for Organic Reactions?
Yes. Create a free account in the Adventuity portal, request a one-on-one online lesson of 60, 90 or 120 minutes (or a seat in a group class) and choose Organic Reactions as your topic. You pay by EFT only after the tutor confirms the booking.