General Chemistry II Important Questions (All 5 Units) – MSU B.Sc Chemistry April 2026

General Chemistry – Important Questions (All 5 Units)

Manonmaniam Sundaranar University – B.Sc. Chemistry (I Year, II Semester) – April 2026 Examination

Based on the previous year papers (April 2024, November 2024, April 2025), here are the most frequently asked and important questions unit-wise. This post helps you focus on high-weightage topics and prepare smartly for exams.

This is a last-minute revision guide along with key concepts you should understand for better scoring.

---

Unit 1 – Acids, Bases and Ionic Equilibria

This unit is very important for numerical and theory-based questions. Focus on pH calculations, buffer solutions, and equilibrium concepts.

Part A (1 mark)

• pH calculations (NaOH, HCl solutions)
• Weakest acid identification
• NH₃ as soft/hard acid or base
• Henderson-Hasselbalch equation – what it relates

Quick Tip: Remember that pH = -log[H⁺] and strong acids completely dissociate.

Part B (5 marks)

• Lewis concept of acids and bases
• Lowry-Bronsted acid-base theory
• Uses of acid-base indicators
• Degree of dissociation / hydrolysis
• Buffer solutions

Concept Insight: Buffer solutions resist change in pH when small amounts of acid or base are added.

Part C (8 marks)

• Derive Henderson-Hasselbalch equation ⭐
• Factors affecting relative strengths of acids and bases
• pH scale, Common ion effect, Degree of dissociation
• Hydrolysis of salts and factors affecting it

---

Unit 2 – Chemistry of s-Block Elements

This unit focuses on trends and special behaviors of elements like Lithium and Beryllium.

Part A (1 mark)

• Size of lithium compared to other alkali metals
• Properties of lithium (correct statements)
• Borazine – state (solid/liquid/gas)

Part B (5 marks)

• Anomalous behaviour of Beryllium ⭐
• Structure of Borazine / Diborane ⭐
• Properties of NaOH, KBr, KClO₄

Exam Tip: Lithium and Beryllium show anomalous behavior due to small size and high charge density.

Part C (8 marks)

• Structure and preparation of Borazine ⭐
• Preparation and uses of Na₂CO₃
• Extraction of Aluminium ⭐
• Alloys of Aluminium

---

Unit 3 – Chemistry of p-Block Elements (Group 15–18)

This unit is theory-heavy and often includes structure-based questions.

Part A (1 mark)

• Hybridisation of BrF₅, IF₇, XeOF₄
• Interhalogen compound examples
• Ozone – oxidizing/reducing agent

Part B (5 marks)

• Pseudohalogens and Interhalogen compounds ⭐
• Clathrate compounds
• Caro's acid and Marshall's acid
• Unique nature of noble gases

Concept Insight: Noble gases are generally inert due to complete valence shells but can form compounds under special conditions.

Part C (8 marks)

• Structure & preparation of XeF₂, XeF₆ ⭐
• Interhalogen compounds (detailed)
• Oxy acids of phosphorus
• General characteristics of halogens
• Baeyer's Strain theory

---

Unit 4 – Hydrocarbon Chemistry I

This unit focuses on reaction mechanisms and organic chemistry rules.

Part A (1 mark)

• Acidity of acetylene
• Catalyst in Friedel-Crafts reaction
• Nitrating reagent
• Electrophile in nitration of benzene
• Structure of 1,2-butadiene

Part B (5 marks)

• Markownikoff's rule with example ⭐
• Saytzeff's rule with example ⭐
• Stability of 1,4-butadiene vs 1,2-butadiene
• Mechanism of nitration in benzene

Exam Tip: Always practice reaction mechanisms step-by-step to score full marks.

Part C (8 marks)

• E1 and E2 elimination mechanisms ⭐
• Hoffmann's rule and Kharasch effect
• Stability of 1,2 and 1,4-dienes
• Halogenation and acylation of benzene with mechanism
• Acidic nature of acetylene + epoxidation

---

Unit 5 – Hydrocarbon Chemistry II

This unit includes aromatic compounds and important synthesis reactions.

Part A (1 mark)

• Diel's-Alder reaction – alkene reacts with?
• Benzene – aromatic/anti-aromatic
• Huckel's rule (who stated it)
• Method for naphthalene synthesis

Part B (5 marks)

• Haworth Synthesis for naphthalene ⭐
• Elbs Synthesis for anthracene ⭐
• 1,2 vs 1,4 addition of 1,3-butadiene

Concept Insight: Aromatic compounds follow Huckel’s rule (4n + 2 π electrons).

Part C (8 marks)

• Diel's-Alder reaction with example ⭐
• Huckel's rule + mechanism of sulphonation in benzene
• Haworth's synthesis of naphthalene (detailed) ⭐
• Synthesis of anthracene
• Properties of naphthalene

---

⭐ High-Priority Topics

Questions marked with ⭐ are repeated across multiple years — focus on these first during your revision.

Final Preparation Tips

• Revise derivations and mechanisms daily
• Practice previous year question papers
• Focus on understanding concepts instead of memorizing
• Allocate time for each unit based on weightage

Good luck with your exam!

---

Disclaimer

This post is created for educational purposes only for students of Manonmaniam Sundaranar University B.Sc. Chemistry (I Year, II Semester).

The questions listed are based on analysis of previous year question papers (April 2024, November 2024, April 2025) and are intended for practice and revision.

This is not an official question paper or guarantee of questions for the April 2026 examination. Students are advised to study all topics thoroughly.

All content is compiled to help students prepare effectively. If any content belongs to you and you wish to have it removed or modified, please contact us.