IIT JAM Chemistry 2015
Previous Year Question Paper with Solution.
1. The first row transition metal complexes having tetrahedral geometry are high-spin due to
(a) 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
Ans. b
Sol. In tetrahedral geometry there is no direct approach of ligand and there are four ligand aproach in comparision to octahedral geometry. So, for high spin complexes 
Correct option is (b)
2. The major product formed in the following reaction is
(a) 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
Ans. a
Sol. 
3. Which one of the following is an identity matrix?
(a) 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
Ans. b
Sol. 
Correct option is (b)
4. The structure of (2S, 3R)-2-amino-3-hydroxy butanoic acid is
(a) 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
Ans. c
Sol. 
5. The intermolecular van der Waals potential is inversely proportional to r6. The corresponding force is proportional to
(a) 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
Ans. c
Sol. 
6. The ene-yne that produces a chiral compound upon treatment with Lindlar's catalyst is
(a) 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
Ans. b
Sol. Lindlar's catalyst selective reducing agent for alkynes over alkenes. Lindlar's catalyst convert alkynes into z-alkenes.
Correct option is (b)
7. An organic compound P (C4H8O) is positive to Bayer's test, but inert to sodium metal. On treatment with conc. HCl, P gives CH3CH2Cl and CH3CHO. The structure of P
(a) 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
Ans. b
Sol. 
When react with conc. HCl to give CH3CH2Cl + CH3CHO
Correct option is (b)
8. Low-spin iron(III) center is present in
(a) deoxy form of hemoglobin
(b) oxy form of hemoglobin
(c) hemocyanin
(d) carbonic anhydrase
Ans. b
Sol. The low spin iron (III) centre is present in oxy form of hemoglobin
The size of Fe2+ increase by 28% on going from
The globular protein prevents the irreversible oxidation of Fe(II) to Fe(III).
Here, it should be pointed out that there are evidences to support that the oxygenated form of Hb, iron exists as Fe(III) and O2 as O2– (superoxide) because of the, O–O stretching frequency ~1106cm–1 is close to that of O2–
The Fe–O–O bond angle is close to 120º. In fact, Fe(II) is reversible oxidised to Fe(III) in this O2– uptake process and at the site of delivery of O2, it again attains the Fe(II) state through deoxygenation.
Correct option is (b)
9. A filter paper moistened with cadmium acetate solution turns yellow upon exposure to H2S. The transition responsible for the yellow colour is
(a) d-d
(b) metal to ligand charge transfer
(c) ligand to metal charge transfer
(d) 
Ans. c
Sol. 
The ligand to metal charge transfer transition is responsible for yellow colour.
Correct option is (c)
10. The species responsible for the superacidity of SbF5-HSO3F system is
(a) HSO3F
(b) SbF5
(c) HF
(d) H2SO3F+
Ans. d
Sol. 
11. The correct order of the pKa values for the conjugate acids of heterocyclie compounds given below is
(a) II > III > I > IV
(b) IV > II > III > I
(c) III > II > IV > I
(d) III > IV > II > I
Ans. c
Sol. 
Basicity: Lone pair donating tendency.
Pyrole:
Delocalised lone pair present on nitrogen which have lowest basicity.
Pyridine 
Pyridine have poor basic character. In pyridine, lone pair present on the nitrogen atom are perpendicular to the orthogonal orbital, containing sp2 hybrid orbital.
(Aziridine) having more s-character than pyrrolidine. So, pyrrolidine is more basic than (Aziridine).
So, correct order of pKa value.
III > II > IV > I
Correct option is (c)
12. The species having trigonal pyramidal shape is
(a) NO3–
(b) CO32–
(c) BrF3
(d) SO32–
Ans. d
Sol. 
sp2 hybridisation and one lone-pair
Correct option is (d)
13. The Volhard method is used for the estimation of
(a) Cyanide ion by titration with silver nitrate
(b) Silver ion directly
(c) Oxygen in water
(d) Glucose in blood
Ans. a
Sol. Volhard method determine to conc. of Cl– ion in solution. It involves the addition of excess silver nitrate to the analyte, the silver chloride is filtered, and the remaining silver nitrate is titrated against ammonium thiocyanate, with ferric ammonium sulfate as an indicator which form blood-red [Fe(OH2)5(SCN)]2+ at the end point.
Correct option is (a)
14. The correct order of the 1H NMR chemical shift values 
for the indicated hydrogens (in bold) in the following compounds is
(a) I > II > III > IV
(b) II > I > III > IV
(c) III > II > I > IV
(d) II > III > IV > I
Ans. b
Sol. 
15. The reagent 'oxine' commonly used in analytical chemistry is
(a) 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
Ans. b
Sol. The reagent 'Oxine' commonly used in analytical chemistry is 8-hydroxyquinoline. An alcoholic solution of 8-hydroxyquinoline used in the determination of Zn, Al, Mg and other minerals.
Correct option is (b)
16. The correct statement about ionization potential (IP) is
(a) Non-metallic character of an element decreases as the IP increases
(b) IP decreases down the group in the periodic table
(c) Second IP of Ca is larger than second IP of K
(d) IP decreases on going from left to right in the periodic table
Ans. b
Sol. In the periodic table down the group ionization potential (IP) is decreases.
Correct option is (b)
17. The set of products formed in the following reaction is
(a) CHBr3 and a racemic acid
(b) CHBr3 and a chiral acid
(c) CHBr3 and a racemic acid
(d) CH2Br2 and a chiral ester
Ans. b
Sol. Haloform Reaction:
Correct option is (b)
18. The normal spinel among the following mixed metal-oxides is
(a) CoFe2O4
(b) NiFe2O4
(c) CuFe2O4
(d) ZnFe2O4
Ans. d
Sol. 
Fe3+ (Oh) and Td (CFSE) = 0
But Fe3+ have more lattice in Oh. Hence, it tend to be in Oh voids, hence behaves as normal spinels.
Correct option is (d)
19. The ground state term for a free ion with 3d7 configuration is
(a) 4F3/2
(b) 4F9/2
(c) 4F1/2
(d) 4F5/2
Ans. b
Sol. 
Ground state term = 2s + 1FJ (for L = 3) = 4F9/2 (more than half field)
Correct answer is (b)
20. The correct set of reagents required for the following transformation is
(a) (i) CrO3; (ii) acrylonitrile; (iii) H3O+
(b) (i) O2; (ii) methyl acrylate
(c) (i) CrO3; (ii) NaOMe/MeOH, methyl acrylate; (iii) H3O+
(d) (i) H2O; (ii) methyl acrylate
Ans. c
Sol. 
Correct option is (c)
21. The concentration of K+ ion inside a biological cell is 20 times higher than outside. The magnitude of potential difference between the two sides is [Given: 2.303 RT/F = 59 mV].
(a) 0 mV
(b) 26 mV
(c) 77 mV
(d) 177 mV
Ans. c
Sol. 
Correct option is (c)
22. At 25ºC, the solubility product (Ksp) of CaF2 in water is 3.2 × 10–11. The solubility (in mole per kg of water) of the salt at the same temperature (ignore ion pairing) is
(a) 4.0 × 10–6
(b) 3.2 × 10–4
(c) 2.5 × 10–4
(d) 2.0 × 10–4
Ans. d
Sol. 
Correct answer is (d)
23. The complex that is expected to show orbital contribution to the overall magnetic moment is
(a) [Cr(CN)6]3–
(b) [Co(H2O)6]2+
(c) [Ni(en)3]2+
(d) [Cu(NH3)6]2+
Ans. b
Sol. 
For orbital contribution by unsymmetrically filled.
Correct answer is (b).
24. The correct order of the fundamental vibrational frequencies of the following diatomic molecules is
(a) 1H35Cl > 1H37Cl > 2D35Cl
(b) 2D35Cl > 1H37Cl > 1H35Cl
(c) 1H37Cl > 1H35Cl > 2D35Cl
(d) 1H37Cl > 2D35Cl > 1H35Cl
Ans. a
Sol. 
1H35Cl > 1H37Cl > 2D35Cl
Correct answer is (a)
25. Identify the correct reagents required for the following transformation
(a) (i) NaBH4; (ii) H3O+
(b) (i) LiAlH4; (ii) H3O+
(c) (i) HOCH2CH2OH, H+; (ii) LiAlH4 (iii) H3O+
(d) (i) HSCH2CH2SH, H+; (ii) LiAlH4; (iii) H3O+
Ans. c
Sol. 
26. For an isothermal free expansion of an ideal gas into vaccum, which one of the following set of values is correct?
(a) 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
Ans. c
Sol. 
27. The kinetics of the reaction 
in liquid bromine medium was measured independently for three different initial concentration of N2O5 : 0.11, 0.07 and 0.05 mol L–1. The half-life of the reaction was found to be 4.5 hours for all these concentrations. The order of the reaction is
(a) 0
(b) 1
(c) 2
(d) 0.5
Ans. b
Sol. t1/2 remains constant in first order reaction, and is independent of initial concentration of reactant.
Correct option is (b)
28. Which of the following statements are correct for SNAr reaction?
(i) Follows second order kinetics
(ii) KH/KD > 1
(iii) Involves carbanion-type intermediate
(iv) Involves two transition states
(a) (i) and (ii) only
(b) (ii) and (iii) only
(c) (i), (iii) and (iv) only
(d) (i) and (iii) only
Ans. c
Sol. SNAr reaction follow second order kinetics, involves carbanion type intermediate and form two transition states.
Correct option is (c)
29. According to the equipartition principle, the predicted high temperature limiting value of the molar heat capacity at constant volume for C2H2 is
(a) 5.5 R
(b) 6.0 R
(c) 9.0 R
(d) 9.5 R
Ans. d
Sol. 
Correct answer is (d)
30. The major product formed in the following reaction is
(a) 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
Ans. a
Sol. Favorskii rearrangement:
Correct option is (a)
31. 
(a) 
(b) 
(c) 0
(d) 
Ans. a,b
Sol. 
Correct answer is (a, b)
32. The common feature(s) of Rb+, Kr and Br– is/are that they
(a) have same number of valence electrons
(b) have same magnitude of effective nuclear charge
(c) have same magnitude of first ionization potential
(d) are isoelectronic species
Ans. a,d
Sol. Rb+, Kr and Br– have same number of valence electrons and are isoelectronic species.
Correct option is (a, d)
33. The characteristics of the blue solution of sodium in liquid ammonia is/are
(a) diamagnetic
(b) paramagnetic
(c) reducing in nature
(d) conducts electricity
Ans. b,c,d
Sol. 
Ammoniated electron is present in the cavity formed by ammonia molecule.
Dilute solution of alkali metal in ammonia is
(i) blue due to the presence of ammoniated electron
(ii) paramagnetic
(iii) strong reducing agent
(iv) electrical conductivity
Correct answer is (b, c, d)
34. Which of the following compound(s) show(s) only two signals in 1H NMR and a strong IR band at ~1690 cm–1?
(a) 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
Ans. a,d
Sol. 
Correct answer is (a, d)
35. The reaction(s) which give(s) phenol is/are
(a) 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
Ans. a,b,c,d
Sol. 
Correct option (a,b,c,d).
36. At what angle(s) of incidence, X-rays of wavelength 5.0 Å will produce diffracted beam from the (110) planes in a simple cubic lattice with a = 10 Å?
(a) 6.8º
(b) 10.2º
(c) 20.7º
(d) 45.0º
Ans. c,d
Sol. 
Correct answer is (c), (d)
37. Which of the following statement(s) is/are true about the reaction given below?
(a) It involves a carbocation intermediate
(b) Rearrangement is due to SN1 reaction mechanism
(c) It proceeds via a concerted SN2pathway
(d) It involves neighbouring group participation
Ans. c,d
Sol. 
If process via a concerted SN2pathway.
It involves neighbouring group participation.
So, correct option is (c, d)
38. Which of the following species is/are aromatic in nature?
(a) 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
Ans. a,b,c
Sol. 
Follow Huckel rule, Planar, complete delocalisation of electron.
Follow Huckel rule, planar, complete delocalisation of electron.
Follow Huckel rule, planar, complete delocalization of electron.
Correct option is (a, b, c)
39. Which of the following statement(s) is/are true about the transition metal-alkene complexes?
(a) Back-bonding weakens the double bond of the alkene
(b) 
and back bonding synergistically strengthen metal-alkene interaction
(c) Electron-withdrawing substituents on alkene reduce back-bonding
(d) 
co-ligands on metal strengthen back-bonding
Ans. a,b
Sol. In transition metal alkene complex backbonding weakness the double bond of the alkene and 
bonding and back-bonding synergistically strengthen metal-alkene interaction.
Correct option (a, b)
40. Which of the following thermodynamic relation(s) is/are correct?
(a) 
(b) 
(c) 
(d) 
Ans. b,c
Sol. 
Correct option is (b, c)
41. In the gas phase, the ratio of excluded volume to molecular volume for a spherical molecule is _______.
Ans. 8
Sol. 
Correct answer is (8)
42. The pKa values of lysine are 2.18, 8.95 and 10.79. The isoelectric point of lysine is _______
Ans. 9.87
Sol. 
Where pI is the average pka values of two similarly ionisable groups.
Correct answer is 9.87.
43. The amount (in grams) of potassium dichromate (MW = 294) present in 75 mL of 0.16 M aqueous solution is _______.
Ans. 3.52,3.54
Sol. 
M = 0.16 M; VCml = 75 ml; MB = 294
Correct answer is 3.52 to 3.54
44. Given that the expected spin-only magnetic moment for (Et4N)2[NiCl4] is 2.83 
the total number of unpaired electrons in this complex is ________
Ans. 2
Sol. 
Correct answer is (2)
45. Given that the crystal field stabilization energy for [Co(H2O)6]2+ is 7360 cm–1, the calculated value of 
in kJ mol–1 is ________
Ans. 110.75
Sol. 
Correct answer is (110.75 kJ/mole)
46. The amount (in grams) of NaOH (MW = 40) required for complete neutralization of one mole of the following compound is _________
Ans. 4
Sol. Correct answer is 4
47. For the reaction, 
the equilibrium constant KP = 5.0 at 207ºC. If the partial pressures of SO2, O2 and SO3 are 1.0 × 10–3, 0.20 and 1.0 × 10–4, respectively, then the Gibbs free energy of the reaction 
in kJ mol–1 at 20ºC is______[Given: R = 8.314 J K–1 mol–1]
Ans. –18.3,–18.5
Sol. 
= –2.303 × 8.314 × 480 × 2 × 1 = –18381.256 K–1 mol–1.
Correct answer is –18.3 to –18.5
48. In the given list, the total number of compounds that form a clear homogenous solution on treatment with cold dilute H2SO4 is ______
1-propyne; cyclohexanone; cyclohexane; 1-propene;
propan-1-amine; propoxypropane; tetrahydropyran; ethyl butanoate
pyridine
Ans. 4
Sol. Those compound gives reaction with dil. H2SO4, form homogeneous solution.
From the above compounds total number of 4 compounds from homogeneous solution.
Correct answer is 4.
49. Two moles of an ideal gas is expanded isothermally and reversibly from 5 to 1 bar at 298 K. The change in the entropy (in J K–1) of the system is _______
Ans. 26.76
Sol. 
= 2 × 2.303 × 8.314 × log 5
= 2 × 2.303 × 8.314 × 0.6989 = 26.76 JK–1
Correct answer is (26.76 JK–1)
50. The pKa values of H3PO4 are 2.12, 7.21 and 12.67. The pH of a phosphate buffer containing 0.2 M NaH2PO4 and 0.1 M Na2HPO4 is ______
Ans. 6.9,7.0
Sol. 
Here, pKa is as NaH2PO4 is acting as acid and Na2HPO4 is acting as salt.
pH = 6.9
Correct answer is 6.9 to 7.0
51. The ionic radii of Cs2+ and Cl– ions are 181 and 167 pm, respectively. The Born exponents for the He, Ne, Ar, Kr and Xe configurations are 5, 7, 9, 10 and 12 respectively. If the value of 
is 2.45 × 10–4 J m, the lattice energy (in kJ mol–1) of CsCl according to Born-Lande equation is _____
Ans. –636,–637
Sol. 
Correct answer is –636 to –637 kJ/mol.
52. A 2.5 × 10–4 M solution of a complex exhibits an absorption maximum at 625 nm with an absorbance of 0.90 when measured in a cuvette with a path length of 1.5 cm. The absorbance of 1.5 × 10–3 M solution of the same complex recorded in a cuvette with a path length of 0.2 cm is _______
Ans. 0.72
Sol. 
Correct answer is (0.72)
53. The total number of compounds (shown below) that form phenylhydrazone derivatives under acidic conditions is ________
Ans. 5
Sol. 
From the above compound, five compound form phenylhydrozone derivative under acidic condition.
54. The standard reduction potentials of the Fe3+/Fe2+ and Fe2+/Fe couples are 0.77 and –0.44 V, respectively. The standard reduction potential (in V) for the Fe3+/Fe couple is _______
Ans. –0.03,–0.04
Sol. 
Correct answer is (–0.03 to –0.04).
55. The number of possible monoalkylated products formed in the Friedel-Crafts reaction of anisole with 2-chloro-3-methylbutane in the presence of anhydrous AlCl3 at 50ºC is _______
Ans. 4
Sol. 
So, four possible monoalkylated product are formed.
56. In an ideal monoatomic gas, the speed of sound is given by 
If the speed of sound in argon at 25ºC is 1245 km h–1, the root mean square velocity in ms–1 is ______.
Ans. 463,464
Sol. 
Correct answer is (463 to 464).
57. A wood specimen containing 14C taken from an ancient palace showed 24 counts in 3 minutes per gram of carbon in a detector. however, a fresh wood showed 52 counts in 2 minutes per gram of carbon. Assuming no background signal in the detector and half life of 14C as 5730 years, the age (in years) of the wood specimen is ______
Ans. 9745.58
Sol. 
58. The magnetic field (in Tesla) required for flipping a 1H nucleus in an NMR spectrometer operating at 400 MHz is _______ 
Ans. 9.4
Sol. 
Correct answer is (9.4 T)
59. For a reaction, the rate constant at 25ºC is doubled when the temperature is raised to 45ºC. The activation energy (in kJ mol–1) of the reaction is _______[Given: ln2 = 0.693]
Ans. 27.99
Sol. 
Correct answer is (27.99)
60. When a perfect monolayer of stearic acid is formed at the air-water interface, each molecule of stearic acid (MW = 284, density = 0.94 g cm–3) occupies an area of 20 Å2. The length (in Å) of the molecule is _______
Ans. 25
Sol. 
Correct answer is 25.