Syllabus for Paper I of UPSC Chemistry Optional subject:

Inorganic Chemistry:
1. Chemical periodicity
2. Chemical bonding and structure
3. Acids and bases
4. Main group elements (s and p blocks)
5. Transition elements and coordination compounds
6. Inner transition elements
7. Organometallic compounds
8. Cages and metal clusters
9. Analytical chemistry - principles and techniques
10. Bioinorganic chemistry

Organic Chemistry:
1. IUPAC nomenclature of organic compounds
2. Principles of stereochemistry
3. Organic reaction mechanisms and methods
4. Reagents in organic synthesis
5. Organic transformations and rearrangements
6. Pericyclic reactions
7. Biomolecules and their chemistry
8. Heterocyclic compounds

Physical Chemistry:
1. Basic principles of quantum mechanics
2. Atomic structure and molecular structure
3. Chemical thermodynamics
4. Chemical and phase equilibria
5. Electrochemistry
6. Spectroscopy and photochemistry
7. Statistical thermodynamics
8. Kinetics and catalysis

Key Points:
- Paper I of UPSC Chemistry Optional subject covers topics from the three major branches of chemistry: Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry.
- Inorganic Chemistry focuses on chemical periodicity, chemical bonding and structure, acids and bases, main group elements, transition elements and coordination compounds, inner transition elements, organometallic compounds, cages and metal clusters, analytical chemistry, and bioinorganic chemistry.
- Organic Chemistry includes topics such as IUPAC nomenclature, stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms, reagents, organic transformations, pericyclic reactions, biomolecules, and heterocyclic compounds.
- Physical Chemistry covers the basic principles of quantum mechanics, atomic and molecular structure, chemical thermodynamics, chemical and phase equilibria, electrochemistry, spectroscopy and photochemistry, statistical thermodynamics, and kinetics and catalysis.
- The syllabus aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental concepts, theories, and applications of chemistry.
- Candidates are expected to have a good grasp of the theoretical aspects as well as practical applications of the subject.
- It is important to study and understand each topic thoroughly to perform well in the examination.
- Regular practice of solving numerical problems, understanding reaction mechanisms, and memorizing key concepts and reactions will be beneficial.
- Candidates should refer to standard textbooks and reference materials recommended for the UPSC Chemistry Optional subject to gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Paper I.