{"id":2323,"date":"2024-01-29T11:33:43","date_gmt":"2024-01-29T11:33:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.khanglobalstudies.com\/blog\/?p=2323"},"modified":"2025-01-25T12:39:43","modified_gmt":"2025-01-25T07:09:43","slug":"upsc-chemistry-optional-syllabus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.khanglobalstudies.com\/blog\/upsc-chemistry-optional-syllabus\/","title":{"rendered":"UPSC IAS Chemistry Optional Syllabus for Paper 1 and Paper 2"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

UPSC Chemistry Optional Syllabus<\/strong> is designed for candidates with a chemistry background at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. It covers subjects at the undergraduate degree level and is divided into two papers, each worth 250 marks. While preparing for UPSC Chemistry Optional, candidates should adopt a strategic approach because of the special nature of the subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UPSC Chemistry Optional Syllabus<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The chemistry exam consists of two papers, Paper 1 and Paper 2 in UPSC Mains Exam. Each paper carries 250 marks making a total of 500 marks for the subject.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UPSC Chemistry Optional Syllabus<\/strong><\/td>Topics<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Paper 1<\/strong><\/td>Atomic Structure
Chemical bonding
Solid State
The Gaseous State and Transport Phenomenon
Liquid State
Thermodynamics
Phase Equilibria and Solutions
Electrochemistry
Chemical Kinetics
Photochemistry
Bio\u2010inorganic Chemistry
Coordination Chemistry
Main Group Chemistry
General Chemistry of \u2018F\u2019 Block Element<\/td><\/tr>
Paper 2<\/strong><\/td>Delocalised Covalent Bonding
Reaction Mechanisms
Reactive Intermediates
Substitution Reactions
Elimination Reactions
Addition Reactions
Reactions and Rearrangements
Pericyclic Reactions
Chemistry and Mechanism of Reactions
Polymeric Systems
Synthetic Uses of Reagents
Photochemistry
Spectroscopy<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\n
\ud83d\ude80 Click here to get more information about other government exams\ud83d\udcd6 like UPSC, SSC, Defence, Police, Banking etc.<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

UPSC Chemistry Optional Syllabus for Paper 1<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Atomic Structure<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle Schr\u00f6dinger wave equation (time independent); Interpretation of wave function, particles in one-dimensional box, quantum numbers, hydrogen atom wave function; Shapes of s, p and d orbitals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chemical Bonding<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Ionic bonding, characteristics of ionic compounds, lattice energy, Born-Haber cycle; Covalent bond and its general characteristics, polarities of bonds in molecules and their dipole moments; Valence bond theory, concept of resonance and resonance energy; Molecular orbital theory (LCAO method); Connecting H2+, H2 He2+ to Ne2, NO, CO, HF, CN-, comparison of valence bond and molecular orbital theories, bond order, bond strength and bond length.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solid State<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Crystal System; designation of crystal faces, lattice structures, and unit cell; Bragg’s law; X-ray diffraction by crystals; Closed packing, radius ratio rules, calculation of some finite radius ratio values; Structures of NaCl, ZnS, CsCl, CaF2; Stoichiometric and the government strive to create a workforce that reflects gender balance and female candidates are encouraged to apply. Nonstoichiometric defects, impurity defects, semiconductors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gaseous State and Transport Phenomena<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Equation of state for real gases, intermolecular interactions, and important phenomena and liquefaction of gases; Maxwell’s momentum distribution, intermolecular collisions, wall collisions and flow; Thermal conductivity and viscosity of ideal gases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Liquid State<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Kelvin equation; Surface tension and surface energy, wettability and contact angle, interfacial tension and capillary action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thermodynamics<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Work, heat and internal energy; First law of thermodynamics. Second law of thermodynamics; Entropy as a state function, entropy change in various processes, entropy-reversibility and irreversibility, free energy function; Thermodynamic equation of state; Maxwell relations; Temperature, volume and pressure dependence of U, H, A, G, CP and CV, and; J-T effect and inversion temperature; Relationship between equilibrium parameters, equilibrium constants and thermodynamic quantities; Nernst’s heat theorem is an introductory idea to the third law of thermodynamics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phase Equilibrium and Solution<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Clausius\u2013Clapeyron equation; Phase diagram for a pure substance; Phase equilibria in binary systems, partially miscible fluids \u2013 upper and lower critical solution temperatures; Partial molar quantities, their importance and determination; Additional thermodynamic functions and their determination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Electrochemistry<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Debye\u2013Huckel theory of strong electrolytes and the Debye\u2013Huckel limit law for various equilibrium and transport properties. Galvanic cell, concentration cell; Electrochemical Series, E.M.F. Measurement of cells and their applications Fuel cells and batteries. Processes at electrodes; Double layer at interface; rate of charge transfer, current density; most likely; Electroanalytical techniques: amperometry, ion selective electrodes and their uses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chemical Kinetics<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Differential and integral rate equations for zeroth, first, second and fractional order reactions; Rate equations involving reverse, parallel, consecutive and series reactions; branch chain and explosion; Effect of temperature and pressure on rate constant. Study of rapid reactions by stop-flow and relaxation methods. Collision and transition state theory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photochemistry<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

absorption of light; Excited state decay by various pathways; Photochemical reactions between hydrogen and halogens and their quantum yields. Surface events and motivations: The government strives to create a workforce that reflects gender balance and female candidates are encouraged to apply. Adsorption from gases and solutions onto solid adsorbents; Langmuir and B.E.T. Adsorption isotherms; Determination of surface area, characteristics and mechanism of reaction on heterogeneous catalysts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bio-Inorganic Chemistry<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Metal ions in biological systems and their role in ion transport across membranes (molecular mechanisms), oxygen-taking proteins, cytochromes and ferredoxins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coordination Chemistry<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Bonding in transition metal complexes. Valence bond theory, crystal field theory and its modifications; Application of principles in the interpretation of magnetism and electronic spectra of metal complexes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Isomerism in coordination compounds; IUPAC nomenclature of coordination compounds; Stereochemistry of complexes with coordination numbers 4 and 6; Chelate effect and polynuclear complexes; Trance effect and its principles; Kinetics of substitution reactions in square-planar complexes; Thermodynamic and kinetic stability of complexes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. EAN rules, synthesis structure and reactivity of metal carbonyls; Carboxylate ions, carbonyl hydrides and metal nitrosyl compounds.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Complexes containing aromatic systems, synthesis, structure and bonding in metal benzene complexes, alkyne complexes and cyclopentadienyl complexes; Coordination unsaturation, oxidative addition reactions, insertion reactions, flow-related molecules and their characterization; Compound-metal bonds and metal atomic groups with metals.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Main Group Chemistry<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Borane, borazine, phosphazene and cyclic phosphazene, silicates and silicones, interhalogen compounds; Sulphur-nitrogen compound, noble gas compound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    General Chemistry of ‘F’ Block Elements:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Lanthanides and actinides: dissociation, oxidation states, magnetic and spectral properties; Lanthanide contraction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    Get Daily Current Affairs for UPSC<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n
    Get Daily News Highlights for UPSC<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    UPSC Chemistry Optional Syllabus for Paper 2<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Delocalized Covalent Bond<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    aromaticity, anti-aromaticity; Aniline, Azuline, Tropolone, Fulvene, Sidone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Reaction Mechanisms<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    (i) Mechanisms or general methods to study organic reactions (both kinetic and non-kinetic): isotopes, method cross-over experiments, intermediate trapping, stereochemistry; Energy of activation; Thermodynamic control and kinetic control of reactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    (ii) Reactive intermediates: origin, geometry, stability and reactions of carbenium and carbanion, free radicals, carbenes, benzene and nitrene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Substitution Reactions<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    SN1, SN2, and SN1, mechanisms; neighbourhood group involvement; Heterocyclic compounds-electrophilic and nucleophilic reactions of aromatic compounds including pyrrole, furan, thiophene and indole. The government strives to create a workforce that reflects gender balance and female candidates are encouraged to apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    \n

    Elimination Reactions:- <\/strong>E1, E2 and E1cb mechanisms; Orientation in E2 reactions-Satzeff and Hoffmann; Pyrolytic Syn elimination-acetate pyrolysis, Chugaev and Cope elimination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Addition Reactions:- <\/strong>Electrophilic addition in C=C and C C; Nucleophilic additions to C=O, CN, conjugated olefins and carbonyls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Reactions and Rearrangements<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Pinacol\u2013pinacolone, Hoffmann, Beckman, Baer\u2013Villiger, Favorsky, Fries, Claassen, Cope, Stevens and Wagner\u2013Meerween rearrangements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Aldol condensation, Claisen condensation, Dieckmann, Perkin, Knoevengel, Witting, Clemmensen, Wolff-Kishner, Cannizzaro and von Richter reactions; Stob, benzoin and acyloin condensation; Fischer indole synthesis, scrap synthesis, Bischler-Napieralski, Sandmeyer, Reimer-Tiemann and Reformatski reactions.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

      Pericyclic Reactions<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

      Classification and Examples; Woodward\u2013Hoffmann rules-electrocyclic reactions, cycloaddition reactions [2+2 and 4+2] and sigmatropic shifts [1, 3; 3, 3 and 1, 5], FMO approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        \n
      1. Preparation and Properties of Polymers:<\/strong> Organic polymers Polyethylene, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, Teflon, Nylon, Terylene, synthetic and natural rubber.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Biopolymer: Structure of protein, DNA and RNA.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Synthetic Uses of Reagents:<\/strong> OsO4, HLO4, CrO3, Pb(OAC)4, CO2, NbS, Bi2H6, Na-liquid NH3, LiAlH4, NaBH4, N-BuLi, MCPbA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Photochemistry<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

        <\/strong>Photochemical reactions of simple organic compounds, excited and ground states, singlet and triplet states, nutrition-type I and type II reactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

        Spectroscopy<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

        Principles and Applications in Structure Elucidation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

          \n
        1. Rotational-diatomic molecules; Isotope replacement and rotational constants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        2. Vibrational-specific frequencies of functional groups in diatomic molecules, linear triatomic molecules, and polyatomic molecules.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        3. Electronic \u2013 singlet and triplet states. n and infection; Application of Woodward-Pfizer rules to conjugated double bonds and conjugated carbonyls; Charge transfer spectra.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        4. Nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR): basic principles; Chemical shifts and spin-spin interactions and coupling constants.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        5. Mass spectrometry:-Parent peak, Base peak, Metastable peak, McLafferty rearrangement.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          Tips to Prepare for UPSC IAS Chemistry Optional Syllabus<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Preparing for the UPSC IAS Chemistry course can be a challenging but rewarding journey. Here are some tips to improve your preparation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n