IIT JEE Chemistry

Chemistry is one of the core subjects for JEE (Joint Entrance Examination), a highly competitive engineering entrance exam in India. It focuses on the study of matter—its properties, composition, and the transformations it undergoes through various processes. Chemistry is subdivided into specialised disciplines, each dedicated to exploring specific aspects of matter and its interactions.

 In both JEE Main and JEE Advanced, Chemistry carries equal weight to Physics and Mathematics. Each subject typically has 30 questions in JEE Main and a significant portion in JEE Advanced, making it an essential part of the total score.

The Chemistry syllabus for JEE is divided into three main parts: Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry, all covering Class 11 and Class 12. The officials will release the JEE Main and JEE Advanced syllabus along with the information brochures. Until then, candidates can refer to the previous year's brochures for the JEE Main and JEE Advanced syllabus which includes important topics in Chemistry. 

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Chemistry

1.0IIT JEE Chemistry Syllabus

Chemistry is one of the core subjects for JEE (Joint Entrance Examination), a highly competitive engineering entrance exam in India. The Chemistry syllabus for JEE is divided into three main parts: Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry. Here's a brief overview of each:

Organic Chemistry 

Carbon's ability to form covalent bonds with itself and other elements allows for an astonishing variety of structures. In organic Chemistry, we explore the reactions used to create these complex carbon-based structures and the analytical techniques for characterising them. We also delve into the molecular-level mechanisms behind these reactions. Organic Chemistry is akin to constructing with molecular Legos, enabling us to build and understand beautiful organic molecules.

Haloalkanes and Haloarenes:

  • Nomenclature, nature of C-X bond
  • Mechanisms of substitution and elimination reactions

Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers:

  • Nomenclature, methods of preparation, properties, and reactions

Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids:

  • Nomenclature, structure, and reactivity
  • Mechanisms of nucleophilic addition and nucleophilic acyl substitution

Inorganic Chemistry

Inorganic Chemistry is broadly described as the Chemistry of non-carbon compounds, encompassing everything else. This includes elements from the periodic table and certain carbon compounds like carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2), which are significant in Inorganic Chemistry. Thus, inorganic Chemistry focuses on the properties and reactions of inorganic compounds, which do not include the carbon chains or rings characteristic of organic compounds.

Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties:

  • Modern periodic table and periodic properties
  • Atomic and ionic radii, ionisation enthalpy, electron gain enthalpy

General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Metals:

  • Metallurgy and extraction processes
  • Ellingham diagram
  • Refining of metals

Hydrogen:

  • Position of hydrogen in the periodic table
  • Hydrides, water, heavy water
  • Hydrogen peroxide

Physical Chemistry

Examines matter's physical properties and behaviour and the changes it undergoes during chemical reactions. Physical Chemistry explores macroscopic and particulate phenomena in chemical systems through principles and concepts from physics, including motion, energy, force, time, thermodynamics, quantum Chemistry, statistical mechanics, analytical dynamics, and chemical equilibria. Physical Chemistry predominantly operates at the macroscopic or supra-molecular level, applying principles that relate more to bulk properties than individual molecular or atomic details.

Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure:

  • Ionic bonding, covalent bonding, and molecular orbital theory
  • VSEPR theory and shapes of molecules
  • Hydrogen bonding

Chemical Thermodynamics:

  • Laws of thermodynamics, internal energy and enthalpy
  • Entropy, Gibbs free energy
  • Spontaneity of reactions

Chemical Equilibrium:

  • Equilibrium constant (Kc, Kp)
  • Le Chatelier’s principle
  • Ionic equilibrium in solutions

Practical Chemistry

Practical Chemistry, often called experimental or applied Chemistry, involves hands-on work with chemical substances and processes to understand their properties and reactions. It also involves the techniques and methods used to determine the composition of substances. This branch of Chemistry emphasises performing experiments, analysing results, and applying theoretical concepts to real-world situations.

Basic Laboratory Techniques

  • Includes measurements
  • Preparation of solutions
  • Handling of equipment.

Qualitative Analysis

  •  Identification of ions 
  •  Substances in given samples.

Quantitative Analysis

  • Techniques like titration to determine the concentration of solutions.

Biochemistry

Biomolecules:

  • Carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids
  • Enzymes, vitamins

Polymers:

  • Classification, types, and mechanisms of polymerisation
  • Uses and properties

2.0Chapter-wise Weightage for JEE Main Chemistry

JEE Main Chemistry Chapter-Wise Weightage: Candidates can refer to the table below to see the total number of questions typically asked from each chapter in the JEE Main Chemistry syllabus, along with their respective weightage.

Chapter

Total Questions

Weightage (%)

Alkyl Halides

1

3.30%

Aromatic Compounds

1

3.30%

Atomic Structure

2

6.60%

Carbohydrates, Amino Acids, and Polymers

1

3.30%

Carboxylic Acids & Their Derivatives

1

3.30%

Chemical and Ionic Equilibrium

2

6.60%

Chemical Bonding

2

6.60%

Chemical Kinetics

1

3.30%

Electrochemistry

1

3.30%

General Organic Chemistry

1

3.30%

Hydrocarbons

1

3.30%

Mole Concept

1

3.30%

Nuclear & Environmental Chemistry

2

6.60%

Periodic Table, s and p-Block Elements

3

9.90%

Redox Reactions

1

3.30%

Solid State and Surface Chemistry

2

6.60%

Solution & Colligative Properties

1

3.30%

Stereochemistry

1

3.30%

Thermodynamics & the Gaseous State

2

6.60%

Transition Elements & Coordination Compounds

3

9.90%

3.0Chemistry In Everyday Life

Chemical reactions constantly occur around us, and the human body facilitates thousands daily. From digesting food to muscle movement, all bodily functions involve chemical processes. Here are a few other examples of Chemistry in daily life:

  • Photosynthesis: Plants carry out photosynthesis, a chemical process that converts sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen.
  • Medication: Prescription and over-the-counter drugs work through chemical interactions to treat or manage health conditions.
  • Cooking: Cooking processes, such as boiling, baking, and frying, involve chemical changes that alter the flavour, texture, and nutritional content of food.
  • Preservation: Food preservation techniques, such as canning and refrigeration, involve chemical methods to prevent spoilage and extend shelf life.
  • Combustion: Burning fuels like gasoline and natural gas involves chemical reactions that release energy for heating and powering vehicles.
  • Cosmetics: Beauty products, including lotions, shampoos, and makeup, contain chemicals that interact with skin and hair to achieve desired effects.

Read more about: Chemistry in everyday life

Frequently Asked Questions:

Inorganic Chemistry is vital in many fields and everyday applications, providing foundational knowledge for all branches of Chemistry. It helps understand the properties and behaviours of non-carbon compounds. Key areas of importance include industry (fertilisers, water purification, electronics), material science (ceramics, metals, semiconductors), environmental science (pollution mitigation), medicine (cancer treatments, imaging), agriculture (fertilisers, pesticides), catalysis (industrial reactions, pollution control), energy (batteries, fuel cells, solar cells), geology (minerals, rocks), and education (advancing scientific knowledge and technology).

No, the JEE Chemistry syllabus remains largely consistent each year. Any changes are typically minor and announced well in advance.

Focus on understanding the core concepts, practice problem-solving regularly, revise frequently, and take mock tests to assess your preparation.

Yes, Chemistry is a significant part of the IIT JEE syllabus, divided into Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry.

NCERT is essential for building your foundation, but for JEE, you should also practice with additional reference books and solve previous years' papers.

Apart from NCERT, consider ALLEN’s study material, and solving previous years’ question papers and mock tests for comprehensive preparation.

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