INORGANIC CHEMISTRY

General principles and process of isolation of elements

1. How is pure alumina is obtained from bauxite by leaching process?
Al2O3 is treated with NaOH gives sodium aluminate leaving the impurities behind.
Al2O3(s) + 2NaOH(aq) + 3H2O(l) → 2Na[Al (OH) 4](aq)
The solution is neutralized by passing CO2 gas
2Na[Al (OH) 4](aq) + 2CO2(g) → Al2O3.xH2O (s) + 2NaHCO3(aq)
Hydrated alumina is filtered, dried to give back pure Al2O3.
Al2O3.xH2O(s) → Al2O3(s) + xH2O(g)
2. Explain Zone refining.
Principle : Impurities are more soluble in the molten state than in the solid state.
A moving electrical coil is fixed at one end of a impure metal rod.
On heating, pure metal solidifies while impurities pass into the molten zone.
The process is repeated for several times.
This method is used to get ultra-pure metals for producing semiconductors like germanium and silicon.

Recrystallized zone

Electric Coil Impurities

3. Explain Mond’s process for refining of nickel.

The crude metal is heated with carbon monoxide gives tetra carbonyl.
On heating tetra carbonyl gives metal.
350 𝐾
Ni + 4CO → Ni(CO)4
450 𝐾
Ni (CO)4 → Ni + 4CO

4. Explain Van Arkel method for refining of Zirconium or Titanium.

The crude metal is heated with iodine, gives tetra iodides.
On heating tetra iodides gives metal.
850 𝐾
Zr + 2I2 → ZrI4
200 𝐾
ZrI4 → Zr + 2I2

Metals used in space technology purified by this method.

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 5. Write down the reactions taking place in different zones in the Blast furnace during the
extraction of iron.
Combustion zone :
At the bottom of the furnace carbon burns with hot air gives CO2.
CO2 moves upwards meets more carbon gives carbon monoxide.
C + O2 → CO2
C + CO2 → 2CO
Reduction zone :
At the top of the furnace CO reduces iron oxide to iron
Fe2O3 + 3CO → 2Fe + 3CO2
Slag zone :
Limestone decomposed to CaO, which is combined with SiO2 form a slag.
CaCO3 → CaO + CO2
CaO + SiO2 → CaSiO3

6. Draw labelled diagram of Hall – Heroult Electrolytic cell for the extraction of aluminium.
Write anode and cathode reactions.
Purified Al2O3 (bauxite) is mixed with Na3AlF6, which lowers the melting point and increases the
conductivity of the melt.
Anode :
Graphite rod
C(s) + O2-(melt) → CO (g) + 2e-
C(s) + 2O2-(melt) → CO2(g) + 4e-
Cathode :
Steel vessel with carbon lining
Al3+(melt) + 3e- → Al
Overall reaction is
2Al2O3 + 3C → 4Al + 3CO2

7. Write the composition of copper matte.

Cu2S + FeS

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 p-BLOCK ELEMENTS

1. Write the chemical reaction involved and mention the condition required in the
manufacture of ammonia by Haber’s process.
Ans:
N 2(g ) + 3 H 2(g) 2 NH3(g) H = – Ve
Favourable Conditions:

• Temperature: 700 K

• Pressure: 200 atm

• Catalyst: FeO(Iron (II) oxide)

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• Catalytic promoter: K 2 O and Al 2 O3
2. Write the low chart for the preparation of ammonia.
Ans:

3. Write the reactions that take place during the manufacture of nitric acid by
Oswald process.
Ans:
Step-1: Oxidation of Ammonia
Pt − Rh gauze
4 NH3 + 5O2 ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
→ 4 NO + 6 H2O
500 K, 9 bar

Step-2: Oxidation of nitric oxide

2NO(g) + O 2 (g) 2NO 2 (g)

Step-3: Preparation of nitric acid

3 NO2 + H2O ⎯⎯→ 2HNO3 + NO

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4. Give two reasons for the anomalous behavior of Fluorine/Nitrogen /Oxygen.
Ans:

• Small size

• Ionisation energy is high

• d-orbitals are absent

• Electronegativity is high.

4. Write any two anomalous properties of Nitrogen/Oxygen.

Ans:

a. Bond dissociation enthalpy is high

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b. Catenation is low

c. Covalency is four.
d. Compounds are covalent

5. Write any two anomalous properties of Fluorine.

Ans:

a. Bond dissociation enthalpy is lesser than expected

b. Electron gain enthalpy is lesser than expected

c. HF is a liquid.

6. Which noble gas can diffuse through rubber and glass?

Ans: Helium or He.

7. Name the most abundant noble gas in atmospheric air.

Ans: Argon or Ar.

8. Name the noble gas having ns2 np6 electronic configuration but does not have
d-orbital in its valence shell.
Ans: Neon.

9. Name the noble gas does not occur in the atmosphere?

Ans: Radon or Rn.

10. Complete the reaction.

XeF6 + H2O ⎯⎯→ _______ + HF
Ans: XeOF4.

11. Complete the reaction

XeF6 + 2H2O ⎯⎯→ _______ + 4HF
Ans: XeO2 F2 .

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12. Complete the reaction.
XeF6 + 3H2O ⎯⎯→ _______ + HF
Ans: XeO3 .
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13. Name the noble gas obtained as decay product of Ra.
Ans: Radon or Rn.

14. Noble gases are chemically inert. Give one reason.

Ans: Due to their completely filled valence electronic configuration or Due to their octet
valence electronic configuration.

15. Mention the commercial source of Helium.

Ans: Natural gas.

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16. Name the noble gas which does not has the ns 2 np6 electronic configuration.
Ans: Helium or He.

17. Write the structure of XeF4.

Ans:

18. Name the first noble gas compound prepared by Neil Bartlett?
Ans: Xenonhexafluroplatinate(IV).

19. Name the noble gas that is radioactive?

Ans: Radon or Rn.

20. Which noble gas does not occur in nature?

Ans: Radon or Rn.

21. Complete the reaction. XeF4 + O2F2 ⎯⎯→ A + O2

Ans: XeF6 or Xenon fluoride.

22. What is geometry of the oxide of xenon formed when XeF 6 is hydrolysed?
Ans: Pyramidal.

23. Which noble gas has lowest boiling point?

Ans: Helium.

24. Complete the following equation:

XeF4 + ______ ⎯⎯→ XeF6 + O2
Ans: O2F2.

25. Noble gases have large positive values of electron gain enthalpy. Why?
Ans: Noble gases have fully filled electronic configuration and they have no tendency to
gain an electron, hence they have large positive electron gain enthalpy.

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 26. Which is the adsorbent used in the separation of noble gases?
Ans: Coconut charcoal.

27. Noble gases have very low boiling points. Why?

Ans: Noble gases are monoatomic and they are held together by weak van der waal’s
forces (dispersion forces or London forces). Hence, they have low boiling points.

28. Name the noble gas used in meteorological or weather balloon.

Ans: Helium.

29. Complete the following equations :

i) 8𝑁𝐻3 + 3Cl2 _____ + 𝑁2

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(𝐸𝑥𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠)
ii) 𝑁𝐻3 + 3Cl2 _______ + 3𝐻𝐶𝑙
(𝐸𝑥𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠)
iii) 2NaOH + Cl2 NaCl+−−−−−−−− + 𝐻2 𝑂
(cold & dilute)
iv) 6NaOH + 3Cl2 5NaCl+−−−−−−−− + 3𝐻2 𝑂
(hot & conc)
Ans : i) 6NH4Cl ii) NCl3 iii) NaOCl iv) NaClO3
30. What happens when chlorine reacts with dry slaked lime?
Ans : Bleaching powder is formed
2𝐶𝑎 𝑂𝐻 2 + 2𝐶𝑙2 → 𝐶𝑎 𝑂𝐶𝑙 2 + 𝐶𝑎𝐶𝑙2 + 2𝐻2 𝑂
31. Write the structure of
(i) Hypochlorous acid (ii) Chlorous acid iii) Chloric acid
Cl :
Ans : i) Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) H-O
O
Cl :
ii) Chlorous acid (HOClO) H–O
O
ll
Cl = 0
iii) Chloric acid (HOClO2) H-O

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32. What is aqua regia?
Ans : It is a mixture of Conc. HCl and Conc. HNO3 in the ratio 3 : 1
33. Explain the action of conc. HCl on KMnO4 crystals.
Ans : Chlorine gas is liberated
2𝐾𝑀𝑛𝑂4 + 16HCl 2KCl + 2MnCl2 + 8H2O + 5Cl2
34. Give an example for oxoacid of chlorine.
Ans : Hypochlorous acid [HOCl]
35. Complete the equations.
437𝐾
i) 𝐶𝑙2 + 𝐹2 _____________
(equal volumes)

ii) 𝐼2 + 3𝐶𝑙2  _________

(excess)

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573𝐾
iii) 𝐶𝑙2 + 3𝐹2 _____________
(excess)
iv) Br2 + 5F2  _________
(excess)
v) I2 + Cl2  _________
(equimolar)
Ans : i) 2ClF ii) 2ICl3 iii) 2ClF3 iv)2BrF5 v)2ICl.

36. Complete the equations

143𝐾
i) XeF4 + XeF6 + O2
ii) XeF6 + 3H2O  _______+6HF
iii) XeF6 + 2H2O  _______+4HF
i) XeF6 + H2O  _______ +2HF
Ans : i) O2F2 ii) XeO3 iii) XeO2F2 iv) XeOF4

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 d AND f BLOCK ELEMENTS
1. 3d Transition metals and their compounds are good catalysts. Give two
reasons? Or Transition metals show good catalytic property. Give any two
reasons.
Ans:

• Variable oxidation state

• Vacant d-orbitals

• Intermediates of lower activation energy are formed very easily

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• Provides large surface area

2. What is the common oxidation state of d-block elements

Ans: +2.

3. Which element of 3d series has more number of unpaired electrons in the

ground state?
Ans: Chromium (Cr).

4. Name the transition metal which doesn’t exhibit variable oxidation state.
Ans: Scandium (Sc).

5. Name the transition elements exhibit highest oxidation state.

Ans: Osmium (Os).

6. Which metal of 3d-series exhibit maximum number of oxidation state?

Ans: Manganese (Mn).

7. Transition metals exhibit variable oxidation state why?

Ans:
i. Comparable energies of ns and (n-1)d subshell.
ii. Due to the involvement of both ns and (n-1)d electron in metallic bonding.

8. Write the formula used to calculate magnetic moment or Write the formula
used to calculate the spin only magnetic moment.
Ans:  = n (n + 2) B M.

9. Calculate the magnetic moment of Mn2+ ion. Given atomic number of Mn = 25.
Ans:
Mn( Z = 25) = [Ar]3d 5 4 s 2
Mn2+ ( Z = 25) = [Ar]3d 5 4 s 0 ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑

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 n=5
 = n(n+ 2) BM
 = 5(5 + 2) BM
 = 35 BM = 5.91 BM

10. Calculate the magnetic moment of Fe3+ ion.

Ans:
Fe(Z = 26) = [Ar]3d 6 4 s 2
Fe 3 + (Z = 26) = [Ar]3d 5 4 s 0 ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑

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n=5
 = n(n+ 2) BM
 = 5(5 + 2) BM
 = 35 BM = 5.91 BM

11. Calculate the spin only magnetic moment of Fe2+.

Ans:
Fe(Z = 26) = [Ar]3d 6 4 s 2
Fe 2+ (Z = 26) = [Ar]3d 6 4 s 0 ↑↓ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑
n=4
 = n(n+ 2) BM
 = 4(4 + 2) BM
 = 24 BM = 4.89 BM

12. The spin only magnetic moment of Sc3+ is Zero (Z=21).

Ans:
Sc( Z = 21) = [Ar]3d1 4 s 2
Sc 2 + ( Z = 21) = [Ar]3d 0 4 s 0
n=0
  = 0 BM

13. Between Ti2+ and V2+ which ion contains more number of unpaired electrons?
Ans:

Ti(Z = 22) = [Ar]3d 2 4 s 2 V(Z = 23) = [Ar]3d 3 4 s 2

Ti 2+ (Z = 22) = [Ar]3d 2 4 s 0 V 2+ (Z = 23) = [Ar]3d 3 4 s 0
↑ ↑ ↑ ↑ ↑
n=2 n=3

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 Hence V 2+ contains number of unpaired electrons.

14. Give reason: Sc3+ ions are colourless but V3+ are coloured.
Ans:

Sc( Z = 21) = [Ar]3d1 4 s 2 V(Z = 23) = [Ar]3d 3 4 s 2

Sc 2 + ( Z = 21) = [Ar]3d 0 4 s 0 V 3 + (Z = 23) = [Ar]3d 2 4 s 0
n=0 ↑ ↑ ↑
It has no unpaired electrons n=2
hence it is colourless. It has unpaired electrons

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hence it is colourled.

15. Cu2+ ions are coloured, Zn2+ ions are colourless. Give reason.
Ans:

Cu(Z = 29) = [Ar]3d10 4 s1 Zn(Z = 30) = [Ar]3d10 4 s 2

Cu2+ (Z = 29) = [Ar]3d 9 4 s 0 Zn2+ (Z = 30) = [Ar]3d10 4 s 0
↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓
n=1 n=0
It has unpaired electrons It has no unpaired electrons
hence it is colourled. hence it is colourless.

16. Among Zn2+ and Cu2+ which is colourless.

Ans:

Cu(Z = 29) = [Ar]3d10 4 s1 Zn(Z = 30) = [Ar]3d10 4 s 2

Cu2+ (Z = 29) = [Ar]3d 9 4 s 0 Zn2+ (Z = 30) = [Ar]3d10 4 s 0
↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓ ↑↓
n=1 n=0
It has unpaired electrons It has no unpaired electrons
hence it is coloured. hence it is colourless.

17. Sc3+ salts are colourless whereas Cr3+ are coloured.

Ans:

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 Sc( Z = 21) = [Ar]3d1 4 s 2 Cr(Z = 24) = [Ar]3d 5 4 s1
Sc 2 + ( Z = 21) = [Ar]3d 0 4 s 0 Cr 3 + (Z = 30) = [Ar]3d 3 4 s 0
n=0 ↑ ↑ ↑
It has no unpaired electrons n=3
hence it is colourless. It has unpaired electrons
hence it is coloured.

18. Ti4+ salts are colourless whereas Cr3+ are coloured.

Ans:

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Ti( Z = 22) = [Ar]3d 2 4 s 2 Cr(Z = 24) = [Ar]3d 5 4 s1
Ti 4 + (Z = 22) = [Ar]3d 0 4 s 0 Cr 3 + (Z = 30) = [Ar]3d 3 4 s 0
n=0 ↑ ↑ ↑
It has no unpaired electrons n=3
hence it is colourless. It has unpaired electrons
hence it is coloured.

19. What are interstitial compounds? Mention its characteristics.

Ans: Compounds which are formed by trapping small atoms such as H, C or N in the
crystal lattices of metals.
Ex: TiC
Characteristics interstitial compounds

1. They have high melting points, higher than those of pure metals.
2. They are very hard.

3. They retain metallic conductivity.

4. They are chemically inert or less reactive

15. What are alloys? Mention its characteristics.

Ans: Homogeneous solid solutions in which the atoms of one metal are distributed
randomly among the atoms of the other. Ex: Ornamental gold.
Characteristics interstitial compounds

1. They have high melting points, higher than those of pure metals.
2. They are very hard.

3. They retain metallic conductivity.

4. They are chemically inert or less reactive

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16. Why do transition elements form complex compounds? or Give reasons for the
formation of large number of complex compounds by transition metals or d-
block elements form co-ordination compounds. Give three reason.
Ans:
1. Small size
2. High ionic charge
3. Availability of d-orbital.
17. Second ionization enthalpy of copper is very high. Why?
Ans: Due to its completely filled d-subshell electronic configuration.

18. Transition metals have high enthalpy of atomization. Or transition metals have
high Melting point and boiling point. Why?

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Ans:
1. Due the presence of strong interatomic metallic bonding
2. Due to the presence of large number of valence electrons.

19. Write the general electronic configuration of f-block elements?

Ans:  Noble gas  ( n − 2 ) f 1−14 ( n − 1) d 0 −1ns 2 .

20. Write the general electronic configuration lanthanides?

Ans:  Xe  4 f 1−14 5d 0 −1 6 s 2 .

21. What is the common oxidation number or state of lanthanides?

Ans: +3.

22. Lanthanoids show variable oxidation state why?

Ans: Due to the comparable energies of 4f, 5d and 6s subshell.

23. Actinoids show variable oxidation state why?

Ans: Due to the comparable energies of 5f, 6d and 7s subshell.

24. Cerium (Ce) exhibits +4 oxidation state why?

Ans: It attains noble gas electronic configuration in +4 oxidation state.

25. Name the elements in the lanthanide series which exhibits +4 oxidation state?
Ans: Cerium (Ce).

26. What is lanthanide contraction? Write its consequences?

Ans: The gradual decrease in atomic and ionic radii with increase in atomic number along
lanthanide series is called lanthanide contraction.
Consequences: Zr(Zirconium) and Hf(Hafnium) have similar radii.

27. Give reason: Hf (Hafnium) and Zr (Zirconium) have similar radii or Atomic
radii of second and third transition series elements are almost identical.
Ans: It is due to lanthanide contraction.

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28. What is the cause for lanthanide contraction?
Ans: Poor shielding caused by the electrons present in the 4f subshell.

29. What is actinide contraction?

Ans: The gradual decrease in atomic and ionic radii with increase in atomic number along
actinide series is called actinide contraction
30. What is the cause for actinide contraction?
Ans: Poor shielding caused by the electrons present in the 5f subshell.

31. Actinide contraction is greater than lanthanide contraction why?

Ans: 5f subshell causes very poor shielding effect than 4f subshell.

32. What is misch metal?

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Ans: Misch metall which consists of a lanthanide metal (~ 95%) and iron (~ 5%) and
traces of S, C, Ca and Al.
33. Transition elements show catalytic property. Give two reasons.
Ans : i) Due to variable (multiple) oxidation states.
ii) Large surface area for adsorption of reactants
iii) Formation of intermediate compounds
34. Give reasons : Transition metals generally from coloured compounds.
Ans : Due to the presence of unpaired electrons
Due to d-d electronic transition.

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 CO-ORDINATION COMPOUNDS
1. Using VBT account for the geometry, hybridisation and magnetic property of
2-
 Ni ( CN ) 
 4
.
Ans:
Electronic Configuration of Ni −  Ar  3d 4s
8 2

Electronic Configuration of Ni −  Ar  3d 4s
2+ 8 0

2.


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Hybridisation: dsp
Geometry: Square planar

Ans:
4
2

Magnetic property: Diamagnetic(Due to the absence of unpaired electrons).

Using VBT account for the geometry, hybridisation and magnetic property of
2-
 Ni ( Cl )  .

Electronic Configuration of Ni −  Ar  3d 4s
8

Electronic Configuration of Ni −  Ar  3d 4s
2+ 8
2

3
Hybrisisation: sp

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 Geometry: Tetrahedral
Magnetic property: Paramagnetic(Due to the presence of unpaired electrons).

3. Give the geometry, hybridization and magnetic property of [Co ( NH3 )6 ]3+
based on VBT
Ans:
Electronic Configuration of Co −  Ar  3d 4s
7 2

Electronic Configuration of Co =  Ar  3d 4s
3+ 6 0

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Ans:
3−
2
Hybridisation: d sp
3

Geometrical shape: Octahedral

Magnetic property: Diamagnetic(Due to the absence of unpaired electrons).

4. Using VBT, explain the hybridization, geometry and magnetic property of

 CoF6  hexafluoridocobaltate(III) ion(Atomic number of Co=27).

Electronic Configuration of Co −  Ar  3d 4s
7

Electronic Configuration of Co =  Ar  3d 4s
3+ 6
2

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 3 2
Hybridisation: sp d
Geometry: Octahedral
Magnetic property: Paramagnetic(Due to the presence of unpaired electrons).

5. What is crystal field splitting?

Ans: Splitting of degenerate d- orbitals of the metal in the presence of the ligand.
6. Draw energy level diagram for the splitting of d-orbitals in an octahedral
crystal field.
Ans:

7.

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Draw energy level diagram for the splitting of d-orbitals in a tetrahedral crystal
field.
Ans:

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8. Write any three postulates of Werner’s theory of complexes.
Ans:
1. Central metal atom has two types of valencies
a. Primary valency
b. Secondary valency
2. Primary valency
a. Ionisable
b. Non-directional
3. Secondary valency
a. Non-Ionisable
b. Directional

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9. What are homoleptic complexes? Give an example.
Ans: Complexes in which a metal is attached to only one kind of ligand
Ex: [CoF6 ]3 − .
10. What are heteroleptic complexes? Give an example.
Ans: Complexes in which a metal is attached to more than one kind of ligands
Ex: [Co(NH 3 )4 Cl2 ]+ .
11. What is an ambidentate ligand?
Ans: Ligands which have two or more donor atoms are called ambidentate ligands. Ex:
CN − .
12. Give an example for polydentate ligand or hexadentate ligand.
Ans: EDTA− 4

13. What is the charge present of the ligand EDTA.

Ans: − 4

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