I would move the problematic projects to On my iPad in the project screen, to avoid messing up what you have on thevDropbox server, and then fix things when you have access to your Mac.
Good idea. Thanks. 
Embarrassed to say I realised what was wrong.
Drum roll…
There were 2 folders with the same name ‘Writing’: one filed on my computer and one in dropbox.
I was comparing the computer file called Writing with the IOS file syncing with dropbox version of Writing
red faced… 
posting in case someone else is a complete nong brain too
Copied the latest computer file to dropbox and now syncing perfectly with IOS.
Two things not on your list of things you’ve tried:
-
Troubleshooting guide for iOS synchronization, here: scrivener.tenderapp.com/help/kb … os-syncing
-
Open a support ticket, here: literatureandlatte.com/contact-us
Katherine
What do you mean, exactly? Did you use “Sync with external folder” on your Mac or did you simply save the project in Dropbox/Apps/Scrivener?
And did you set iOS Scrivener to look in the same folder on Dropbox where you are Saving your projects on your Mac?