Table of contents |
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Introduction |
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Paper I: Physical Chemistry |
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Paper II: Organic and Inorganic Chemistry |
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Recommended Sources |
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Preparation Strategy |
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The Chemistry Optional for UPSC Civil Services Examination is a specialized subject suitable for candidates with a strong background in chemistry, particularly those with a degree in the field. It offers a scientific and analytical approach, with a well-defined syllabus covering Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry. The subject is scoring due to its objective nature and minimal overlap with General Studies, but it requires thorough understanding and regular practice. This document outlines the detailed syllabus for both Paper I and Paper II, along with hyperlinks to EduRev resources, recommended books, and a preparation strategy to help aspirants excel.
Paper I focuses on Physical Chemistry, covering fundamental principles and theories essential for understanding chemical processes and reactions.
Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, Schrödinger wave equation, quantum numbers, hydrogen atom wave functions, shapes of s, p, and d orbitals.
Ionic bonds, lattice energy, Born-Haber cycle, covalent bonds, polarities, resonance, molecular orbital theory, bond order, strength, and length.
Crystal systems, lattice structures, Bragg’s law, X-ray diffraction, close packing, radius ratio rules, structures of NaCl, ZnS, CsCl, CaF2, defects, semiconductors.
Equation of state for real gases, intermolecular interactions, critical phenomena, Maxwell’s distribution, thermal conductivity, viscosity.
Kelvin equation, surface tension, surface energy, wetting, contact angle, interfacial tension, capillary action.
First and second laws, entropy, free energy functions, Maxwell relations, temperature, volume, pressure dependence, J-T effect, equilibrium, Nernst heat theorem.
Clausius-Clapeyron equation, phase diagram, binary systems, partial molar quantities, excess thermodynamic functions.
Debye-Hückel theory, galvanic and concentration cells, electrochemical series, electrode processes, rate of charge transfer, electroanalytical techniques.
Rate equations for various orders, reactions, temperature and pressure effects, fast reaction methods, collisions, transition state theories.
Light absorption, decay of excited states, photochemical reactions, quantum yields.
Adsorption isotherms, surface area determination, reaction mechanisms on heterogeneous catalysts.
Metal ions in biological systems, ion-transport, oxygen-uptake proteins, cytochromes, ferredoxins.
Bonding theories, isomerism, nomenclature, stereochemistry, chelate effect, trans effect, substitution reactions, stability, metal carbonyls, metal-aromatic complexes.
Boranes, borazines, phosphazenes, silicates, silicones, interhalogen compounds, sulfur-nitrogen compounds, noble gas compounds.
Lanthanides and actinides: separation, oxidation states, magnetic and spectral properties, lanthanide contraction.
Paper II covers Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, emphasizing organic reaction mechanisms, coordination chemistry, and transition metals, with applications and properties.
Aromaticity, anti-aromaticity, annulenes, azulenes, tropolones, fulvenes, sydnones.
Generation, structure, stability, and reactivity of carbocations, carbanions, free radicals, carbenes, benzynes, nitrenes.
SN1, SN2, SNi, electrophilic and nucleophilic aromatic substitution, neighboring group participation.
E1, E2, E1cb mechanisms, orientation, stereochemistry.
Electrophilic and nucleophilic addition to C=C, C≡C, conjugated systems.
Mechanisms, regioselectivity, stereochemistry.
Mechanisms, reactivity, synthetic applications.
Pinacol-pinacolone, Hoffmann, Beckmann, Baeyer-Villiger, Favorskii, Claisen, Cope, Stevens, Wagner-Meerwein rearrangements.
Electrocyclic, cycloaddition, sigmatropic rearrangements, selection rules.
Polymerization mechanisms, structure-property relationships.
Synthetic and natural polymers, applications.
Proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides, their structure and functions.
OsO4, HIO4, CrO3, Pb(OAc)4, NBS, B2H6, NaBH4, n-BuLi, MCPBA.
Photochemical reactions of organic compounds, Norrish Type I and II, Paterno-Buchi.
Principles and applications of UV-Vis, IR, NMR, and Mass spectrometry in organic chemistry.
Molecular rotation, microwave spectroscopy, applications.
IR spectroscopy, vibrational modes, functional group analysis.
Chemical shift, coupling constants, structure elucidation.
UV-Vis spectroscopy, chromophores, electronic transitions.
Applications in organic compound analysis.
Molecular ion, fragmentation patterns, structure determination.
Below is a curated list of standard books and resources to cover the Chemistry Optional syllabus comprehensively:
Physical Chemistry:Preparing for Chemistry Optional requires a structured approach, leveraging its scientific nature and predictable question patterns. Below is a 6–8 month preparation strategy:
1. What is the syllabus for the optional subject Chemistry in the UPSC exam? | ![]() |
2. How many papers are there in the UPSC exam for the optional subject Chemistry? | ![]() |
3. What are some frequently asked questions in the UPSC exam for the optional subject Chemistry? | ![]() |
4. How can I prepare for the optional subject Chemistry in the UPSC exam? | ![]() |
5. Is it necessary to have a background in chemistry to choose it as an optional subject in the UPSC exam? | ![]() |