Important topics in Chemistry for the JEE Main

Important topics in Chemistry for the JEE Main: The JEE Main exam typically marks oriented exam and hence the approach of a student must be to score maximum marks with minimum efforts. Chemistry is one such subject which can give you the maximum score by contributing very less time. Chemistry is divided into three parts:

1. Physical chemistry
2. Organic Chemistry
3. Inorganic Chemistry

Covering all the important topics from all the three parts will help you in boosting your score of JEE. We understand how crucial your time is and so bring you a ready list of the most important topics in chemistry.

1. Coordination chemistry and Transition elements

• 3-4 questions are frequently asked in the IIT JEE Main exam from this topic.
• The nomenclature for the coordinate compounds is important. A set of rules is applicable for the nomenclature and that should be learnt by heart to correctly write the name of the complex.
• After that the molecular geometry should be understood on the basis of coordination number and the number of ligands.
• In transition elements, the compounds of copper and zinc are the most important topics. Apart from that, the reactions of potassium permanganate and potassium dichromate are also crucial.
• Short numerical based on the magnetic moments should be practiced carefully.

2. Solid states

• The topic accounts for 8 marks at the JEE Main and is mostly numerically based.
• For this, the seven primitive crystal systems with their variations, axial distance, axial edge and axial angle is only to be understood properly along with the examples in order to solve the numerical based on them.
• Also, the topic of the tetrahedral and octahedral voids is of importance.
• The question of the magnetic properties of the semiconductors is memory based and hence is an easy-to-score topic.

3. Periodic table and representative elements

• The weightage of this chapter is as much as 12 marks.
• The first thing here to do is remember the periodic table. You can apply some short tricks here as per your convenience.
• After that, the topics such as atomic radius, ionic radius, ionization enthalpy, electron gain enthalpy, electron affinity and electronegativity should be understood properly as questions such as correct order of increasing ionization enthalpy and similar questions are frequently asked.

4. Thermodynamics and Gaseous states

• This topic also covers 8 marks in the exam.
• Here generally numerical are asked related to the state functions, heat capacity, and thermodynamic processes.
• The questions on the heat of neutralization, free energy, the equilibrium constant, internal energy and work done are also frequently asked.
• Here many times the questions indicating graphs of the behavior of gases are seen.

5. Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding

• These topics have questions of expectedly 16 marks.
• The general structure of the molecules which includes their molecule type, no. of bonding pairs, no. of lone pairs, and arrangement of the electronic pairs, their shape and example should be learnt thoroughly.
• The properties such as bond order, the variation in the length of the bonds due to addition or removal of electrons or the effect on stability of the atoms, the bond angles and the difference between interpolar and intrapolar hydrogen bonds are topics which form the crux of chemical bonding and should be understood in an appropriate manner to solve the conceptual questions.

6. Equilibrium

• This carries weightage of 8 marks.
• Here, the numerical with the concentration of particular ions or molecules in aqueous solutions or their solubility products are asked.
• The topics of ionic equilibrium, ionization of acid, base and ionic product of water, ionization constants of weak acids and weak bases and hydrolysis are also crucial as numerical are also asked from these.

7. Mole Concept

• This carries at least 4 marks in the exam.
• It is one of the most fundamental concepts and so numerical based on finding the number of molecules, equivalent weight, normality, molality, molarity, number of the protons, dilution, weight of the particular atom in solution, molecular weight, etc. are asked.
• Here, the variety that can be produced is endless and hence practice of as many as questions are required.

8. Hydrocarbons

• This also carries 4 marks.
• The topic of hydrocarbons should be studied in four parts:

1. Alkanes
2. Alkenes (important: ozonolysis of alkenes and reaction with halide)
3. Alkynes (important: geometric isomerism)
4. Aromatic compounds (important: reactions of benzene)

9. Alkyl Halides, ketones, carboxylic acids, haloalkane, haloarene, phenol, ether and alcohol compounds

• These form a large part of the question paper as 4-5 question based on the reactions are asked here.
• The only solution for this type of questions is understanding the properties and mechanisms of their reactions
• Special care must be taken at the various name of the various reactions such as Cannizzaro reaction, Fehling’s test, Benedict’s test, aldol condensation, wurtz reaction, Grignard’s reaction, dow process, and cumene process.
• Also, the determination of the strength of the carboxylic acid and question based on isomerism is frequently asked in the exams
• Similarly, the resonance effect in haloarenes is important

10. Biomolecules and polymers

• This topic is straightforward. Their properties and products obtained by reactions with other elements such as oxygen or water can be directly asked. This becomes an easier option to score more because you only have to understand their reactions and remember the properties.

11. Environment Chemistry

• This is also a bonus topic. It only has theory which you have to remember and questions such as causes of water pollution, the various compounds used for purification, oxides of Sulphur, nitrogen and carbons.
• The reactions of various phenomenon such as ozone depletion and acid rain, the compounds used in green chemistry are also crucial.

Here is a list of certain recommended books for practice of questions of JEE:

1. P.Tandon – Physical Chemistry
2. Bhahadur – Numerical Chemistry
3. Nruce H Mahan – University Chemistry

1. P.Tandon – Organic Chemistry
2. Paula Bruce Yurkanis – Organic Chemistry
3. Organic chemistry by MORRISON and BOYD – Organic chemistry

1. NCERT –Chemistry XI and XII
2. P.Tandon – Inorganic Chemistry
3. D. Lee – Inorganic Chemistry

We really hope that this article has helped you in knowing the dos for the chemistry and that this will help you in achieving your desired JEE Main score by improving your performance in the subject of Chemistry. You can download JEE preparation app from Google Play Store to prepare for JEE Main exam. It provides free notes, quizzes, mock test, online practice set, question papers, & mock test series. Moreover, you can also download homework helper app to find solutions for NCERT, RS Aggarwal, RD Sharma, Lakhmir Singh and more.