UPSC IFOS Chemistry Paper I Syllabus

UPSC IFOS Chemistry Paper I: topic-wise syllabus

1. 1

   Atomic Structure

   • Quantum theory and Heisenberg's uncertainty principle
   • Schrödinger wave equation (time independent)
   • Interpretation of the wave function
   • Particle in a one-dimensional box
   • Quantum numbers and hydrogen atom wave functions
   • Shapes of s, p and d orbitals
2. 2

   Chemical Bonding

   • Ionic bond, lattice energy and Born-Haber cycle
   • Covalent bond, bond polarity and dipole moments
   • Valence bond theory and resonance
   • Molecular orbital theory (LCAO) and homonuclear molecules
   • Bond order, bond strength and bond length
3. 3

   Solid State

   • Crystal systems and crystal classes
   • Lattice structures, unit cell and laws of rational indices
   • Bragg's law and X-ray diffraction
   • Close packing and radius ratio rules
   • Structures of NaCl, ZnS, CsCl, CaF2, CdI2 and rutile
   • Crystal imperfections and semiconductors
   • Liquid crystals
4. 4

   The Gaseous State

   • Equation of state for real gases
   • Intermolecular interactions and critical phenomena
   • Liquefaction of gases
   • Maxwell's distribution of speeds
   • Intermolecular collisions, wall collisions and effusion
5. 5

   Thermodynamics and Statistical Thermodynamics

   • First law, work, heat and internal energy
   • Calorimetry and enthalpy changes
   • Second law, entropy and reversibility
   • Free energy functions and criteria for equilibrium
   • Equilibrium constant and thermodynamic quantities
   • Nernst heat theorem and third law
   • Micro and macro states, canonical ensemble and partition functions
   • Chemical equilibrium in ideal gas reactions
6. 6

   Phase Equilibria and Solutions

   • Clausius-Clapeyron equation
   • Phase diagram of a pure substance
   • Phase equilibria in binary systems
   • Partially miscible liquids and critical solution temperatures
   • Partial molar quantities
   • Excess thermodynamic functions
7. 7

   Electrochemistry

   • Debye-Huckel theory and limiting law
   • Galvanic and concentration cells
   • Electrochemical series and e.m.f. measurement
   • Fuel cells and batteries
   • Electrode processes, double layer and overpotential
   • Voltammetry, polarography, amperometry and ion selective electrodes
8. 8

   Chemical Kinetics

   • Differential and integral rate equations
   • Reverse, parallel, consecutive and chain reactions
   • Effect of temperature and pressure on rate constant
   • Fast reactions: stop-flow and relaxation methods
   • Collision and transition state theories
9. 9

   Photochemistry

   • Absorption of light
   • Decay of the excited state
   • Hydrogen-halogen photochemical reactions and quantum yields
10. 10

    Surface Phenomena and Catalysis

    • Adsorption from gases and solutions
    • Langmuir and B.E.T. isotherms
    • Determination of surface area
    • Heterogeneous catalysis
11. 11

    Bio-inorganic Chemistry

    • Metal ions in biological systems and ion transport
    • Ionophores
    • Photosynthesis: PSI and PSII
    • Nitrogen fixation
    • Oxygen-uptake proteins, cytochromes and ferredoxins
12. 12

    Coordination Chemistry

    • Valence bond and crystal field theories
    • Magnetism and electronic spectra of complexes
    • Isomerism and IUPAC nomenclature
    • Stereochemistry, chelate effect and trans effect
    • Substitution kinetics and stability of complexes
    • Metal carbonyls, carbonyl hydrides and nitrosyls
    • Metal olefin, alkyne and cyclopentadienyl complexes
    • Oxidative addition, insertion and fluxional molecules
    • Metal-metal bonds and metal atom clusters
13. 13

    General Chemistry of f-Block Elements

    • Lanthanides and actinides
    • Separation and oxidation states
    • Magnetic and spectral properties
    • Lanthanide contraction
14. 14

    Non-Aqueous Solvents

    • Reactions in liquid NH3, HF, SO2 and H2SO4
    • Solvent system concept and its failure
    • Coordination model of non-aqueous solvents
    • Fluorosulphuric acid and super acids