Chemistry 2025 Paper I 50 marks Draw

Q8

(a) Draw the structures of S₂N₂, S₄N₂, S₁₁N₂, S₅N₆ and I₂Cl₆. 10 marks (b) What are silicones ? Mention some of their uses. How will you prepare hexamethyldisiloxane ? Draw its structure. What happens if some (CH₃)₃ SiCl is mixed with (CH₃)₂ SiCl₂ and hydrolysed ? 10 marks (c) How many lanthanides can be easily separated from the lanthanide mixture by using valency change method ? Justify your answer. 10 marks (d) Write electronic configuration (outer) of the following lanthanide ions and calculate the magnetic moment in BM from L-S coupling. 10 marks (i) Pr³⁺ (g = 4/5) (ii) Tb³⁺ (g = 3/2) (e) Complete the following chemical reactions and indicate the category of these reactions. Justify your answer. 10 marks (i) 2[Co(CN)₅]³⁻ + MeI ———→ (ii) [Ru(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂] + MeI ———→

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

(a) S₂N₂, S₄N₂, S₁₁N₂, S₅N₆ और I₂Cl₆ की संरचनाओं को बनाइए। 10 अंक (b) सिलिकोन्स क्या हैं ? उनके कुछ उपयोगों का उल्लेख कीजिए। हेक्सामेथिलडाइसिलोक्सेन को आप कैसे निर्मित करेंगे ? इसकी संरचना बनाइए। यदि कुछ (CH₃)₃ SiCl को (CH₃)₂ SiCl₂ के साथ मिलाकर जल-अपघटन किया जाए तो क्या होता है ? 10 अंक (c) संयोजकता परिवर्तन की विधि से लैन्थेनाइड मिश्रण में से कितने लैन्थेनाइड आसानी से अलग किए जा सकते हैं ? अपने उत्तर की पुष्टि कीजिए। 10 अंक (d) निम्नलिखित लैन्थेनाइड आयनों का इलेक्ट्रॉनिक विन्यास (बाहरी) लिखिए और L-S युग्मक/युग्मन से चुंबकीय आघूर्ण का BM में परिकलन कीजिए। 10 अंक (i) Pr³⁺ (g = 4/5) (ii) Tb³⁺ (g = 3/2) (e) निम्नलिखित रासायनिक अभिक्रियाओं को पूरा कीजिए और इन अभिक्रियाओं के संवर्ग को निर्दिशित कीजिए। अपने उत्तर की पुष्टि कीजिए। 10 अंक (i) 2[Co(CN)₅]³⁻ + MeI ———→ (ii) [Ru(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂] + MeI ———→

Directive word: Draw

This question asks you to draw. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

This question demands precise structural drawings and chemical reasoning across five sub-parts. Allocate approximately 20% time to part (a) for five accurate sulfur-nitrogen and halogen structures; 20% to part (b) covering silicone definition, uses, preparation, and co-hydrolysis; 15% to part (c) on lanthanide separation via valency change; 20% to part (d) for electronic configurations and magnetic moment calculations using L-S coupling; and 25% to part (e) for completing organometallic reactions with proper categorization. Begin with clear labeled diagrams, follow with systematic explanations, and conclude with justified reaction mechanisms.

Key points expected

  • Part (a): Correct planar square structure of S₂N₂ with alternating S-N bonds; S₄N₂ as six-membered ring with transannular S-S bond; S₁₁N₂ as two fused S₇ rings with N atoms; S₅N₆ with cage structure; I₂Cl₆ as planar bridged dimer with two bridging Cl atoms
  • Part (b): Definition of silicones as polymeric organosiloxanes; uses in sealants, lubricants, medical implants, and water repellents; preparation of hexamethyldisiloxane via hydrolysis of (CH₃)₃SiCl; linear structure with Si-O-Si bridge; co-hydrolysis yields cross-linked silicone polymers with controlled properties
  • Part (c): Identification of Ce, Eu, and Yb as separable lanthanides; justification based on stable +4 (Ce⁴⁺) and +2 (Eu²⁺, Yb²⁺) oxidation states enabling selective oxidation/reduction and precipitation/solubility differences
  • Part (d): Electronic configuration of Pr³⁺ as 4f² with ³H₄ term symbol; calculation of μ_eff = 3.58 BM using g=4/5; Tb³⁺ as 4f⁸ with ⁷F₆ term symbol; calculation of μ_eff = 9.72 BM using g=3/2 with proper J value
  • Part (e): Completion of [Co(CN)₅]³⁻ + MeI → [Co(CN)₅Me]³⁻ + I⁻ as SN2-type oxidative addition; [Ru(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂] + MeI → [Ru(CO)₃(PPh₃)₂MeI] as oxidative addition with 18-electron rule violation; proper categorization as organometallic oxidative addition reactions with electron count justification

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Concept correctness20%10Demonstrates flawless understanding of sulfur-nitrogen cage chemistry, silicone polymerization, lanthanide oxidation state stability, L-S coupling theory, and organometallic reaction mechanisms; correctly identifies 18-electron rule applications and term symbolsShows basic understanding of most concepts but makes minor errors in oxidation state stability, electron counting, or term symbol assignments; some confusion between S₄N₄ and S₄N₂ structuresFundamental misconceptions about sulfur-nitrogen bonding, incorrect identification of separable lanthanides, wrong application of L-S coupling formula, or failure to recognize oxidative addition mechanisms
Mechanism / equation20%10Writes balanced equations for all reactions with proper stoichiometry; clearly explains hydrolysis mechanism of chlorosilanes; provides electron-pushing mechanism for oxidative addition showing SN2 character at cobalt and 16→18 electron change at rutheniumWrites most equations correctly but misses balancing details; provides generic description of hydrolysis without mechanistic steps; identifies reaction type without detailed electron flow explanationUnbalanced or incorrect equations; confuses hydrolysis with condensation; fails to identify oxidative addition or mislabels reaction categories; no mechanistic insight provided
Numerical accuracy20%10Calculates magnetic moments precisely using μ_eff = g√[J(J+1)] with correct J values (J=4 for Pr³⁺, J=6 for Tb³⁺); obtains 3.58 BM and 9.72 BM respectively; shows all intermediate steps in calculationUses correct formula but makes arithmetic errors or uses wrong J values; calculates spin-only moments incorrectly or confuses g-factor application; partial credit for correct formula identificationUses completely wrong formula (e.g., spin-only μ = √[n(n+2)] without justification); incorrect g-factor values; no calculation shown or absurd numerical results without units
Diagram / structure20%10Draws all five structures in part (a) with correct geometry, bond angles, and connectivity; shows planar S₂N₂ square, S₄N₂ boat/chair with transannular S-S, S₁₁N₂ fused rings, S₅N₆ cage, and bridged I₂Cl₆; hexamethyldisiloxane with proper bond angles and methyl group orientationDraws most structures with correct connectivity but errors in geometry (e.g., tetrahedral instead of planar for S₂N₂); missing one structure or incorrect ring size in sulfur-nitrogen compounds; adequate but not precise I₂Cl₆ representationMajor structural errors such as wrong ring sizes, incorrect atom connectivity, missing bridging atoms, or confusion between different sulfur-nitrogen compounds; no attempt at three-dimensional perspective where required
Application context20%10Cites Indian context: use of silicones in ISRO spacecraft sealing and thermal protection; lanthanide separation relevance to Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) processing of monazite sands from Kerala and Odisha; industrial significance of valency change method in Indian nuclear fuel reprocessingMentions generic industrial uses of silicones without Indian context; describes lanthanide separation without reference to Indian mineral resources; adequate but not specific application examplesNo mention of practical applications; completely misses industrial relevance; fails to connect coordination chemistry to catalysis or materials science applications relevant to India

Practice this exact question

Write your answer, then get a detailed evaluation from our AI trained on UPSC's answer-writing standards. Free first evaluation — no signup needed to start.

Evaluate my answer →

More from Chemistry 2025 Paper I