Arba Minch University

College of Natural and Computational Sciences

Department of Chemistry

1. Hydrogen resembles halogens in many respects for which several factors are responsible. Of
the following factors which one is most important in this respect?
A. Its tendency to lose an electron to form a cation.
B. Its tendency to gain a single electron in its valence shell to attain stable electronic
configuration. (Correct answer: This is the most important factor, as halogens also gain a single
electron to complete their valence shell.)
C. Its low negative electron gain enthalpy value.
D. Its small size.
2. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of most ionic compounds?
A. They are solids.
B. They have low melting points. (Correct answer: Ionic compounds typically have high melting
points due to strong electrostatic forces between ions.)
C. When melted, they conduct an electric current.
D. They are composed of metallic and nonmetallic elements.
3. Compared to the alkali metals, the alkaline-earth metals:
A. Are less reactive. (Correct answer: Alkaline-earth metals are less reactive than alkali metals
due to their higher ionization energies.)
B. Have lower melting points.
C. Are less dense.
D. Combine more readily with nonmetals.
4. Which of the following statements is not correct from the viewpoint of molecular orbital
theory?

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24
A. Be2 is not a stable molecule.
B. He2 is not stable but He2+is expected to exist.
C. Bond strength of N2 is maximum amongst the homonuclear diatomic molecules belonging to
the second period.
D. The order of energies of molecular orbitals in N2 molecule is σ2s < σ2s < σ2pz < (π2px =
π2py) < (π2px = π2py) < σ2pz. (Correct answer: The correct order for N22 is σ2s < σ2s < (π2px
= π2py) < σ2pz < (π2px = π2py) < σ2pz.)

5. In NO3− ion, the number of bond pairs and lone pairs of electrons on the nitrogen atom are:
A. 2, 2
B. 3, 1 (Correct answer: Nitrogen in NO3− has 3 bond pairs and 1 lone pair.)
C. 1, 3
D. 4, 0
6. Which of the following options represents the correct bond order:
A. O2− > O2> O2+
B. O2−> O2 < O2+
C. O2− < O2 < O2+ (Correct answer: The bond order increases as electrons are removed from
antibonding orbitals: O2− < O2< O2+.)
D. O2−< O2> O2+
7. Electronic configurations of four elements i, ii, iii and iv are given below:
(i) 1s2 2s2 2p6
(ii) 1s2 2s2 2p4
(iii) 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1
(iv) 1s2 2s2 2p5
8. Which of the following is the correct order of increasing tendency to gain electron?
A. i < iii < ii < iv (Correct answer: The noble gas configuration (i) is the least likely to gain an
electron, followed by the alkali metal (iii), the chalcogen (ii), and the halogen (iv) which has the
highest tendency to gain an electron.)
B. iv < ii < iii < i
C. i < ii < iii < iv
D. iv < i < ii < iii

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24
9. Which one of the following describes the major intermolecular force in I2 (s)?
A. Covalent bonds
B. Dipole-dipole forces
C. Ionic bonds
D. Dispersion forces (Correct answer: Dispersion (London dispersion) forces are the primary
intermolecular forces in nonpolar molecules like I2.)
10. Which one of the following statements concerning elements in the Periodic Table is correct?
A. Elements of the same group all have the same number of electrons in the outermost occupied
electron shell. (Correct answer: This is the defining characteristic of elements in the same group.)
B. Elements of Group 16 occur as cations in ionic compounds.
C. Oxides of elements in Groups 16 and 17 are basic.
D. The halogens (Group 17) are all gases at room temperature.
11. What do all p-block elements have in common?
A. Their valence electrons are in the p orbital. (Correct answer: The defining feature of p-block
elements is that their valence electrons are in the p orbital.)
B. They can be gases at room temperature.
C. They are all very reactive.
D. They are all great conductors.
12. Use VSEPR theory to predict the molecular geometry of BCl3.
A. Bent
B. Trigonal planar (Correct answer: BCl3 has three bonding pairs and no lone pairs on the central
atom, resulting in a trigonal planar geometry.)
C. Trigonal pyramidal
D. Tetrahedral
13. Which noble gas is most abundant in the atmosphere?
A. He
B. Ne
C. Ar (Correct answer: Argon is the most abundant noble gas in the Earth's atmosphere.)
D. Kr

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24
14. Which three groups of the Periodic Table contain the most elements classified as metalloids
(semimetals)?
A. 1, 2, and 13
B. 2, 13, and 14
C. 14, 15, and 16 (Correct answer: Groups 14, 15, and 16 contain the most metalloids.)
D. 16, 17, and 18
15. Compared to the stability of the original atom, the stability of its ion that resembles a noble
gas configuration would be __.
A. Identical
B. Sometimes less
C. Less
D. Greater (Correct answer: An ion that resembles a noble gas configuration is typically more
stable due to achieving a full valence shell.)
16. Radioactive elements emit α, β and γ rays and are characterized by their half-lives. The
radioactive isotope of hydrogen is:
A. Protium
B. Deuterium
C. Tritium (Correct answer: Tritium is the radioactive isotope of hydrogen.)
D. Hydronium
17. Metals form basic hydroxides. Which of the following metal hydroxides is the least basic?
A. Mg(OH)2 (Correct answer: Magnesium hydroxide is the least basic among the given options.)
B. Ca(OH)2
C. Sr(OH)2
D. Ba(OH)2
18. Which of the following oxides is acidic in nature?
A. B2O3 (Correct answer: Boron trioxide is an acidic oxide.)
B. Al2O3
C. Ga2O3
D. In2O3

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24
19. Which of the following are the correct reasons for the anomalous behavior of lithium?
A. Exceptionally small size of its atom (Correct answer: Lithium's small size contributes to its
anomalous behavior.)
B. It has a high degree of hydration
C. Its high polarizing power (Correct answer: Lithium's high polarizing power also contributes to
its unique behavior.)
D. Exceptionally low ionization enthalpy
20. The order of decreasing ionization enthalpy in alkali metals is:
A. Na > Li > K > Rb
B. Li > Na > K > Rb (Correct answer: Ionization enthalpy decreases down the group in alkali
metals.)
C. Rb < Na < K < Li
D. K < Li < Na < Rb
21. Why do Li and Mg, Be and Al show similarities in physical and chemical properties?
A. Because of the neighboring effect
B. Because of diagonal relationships (Correct answer: Diagonal relationships explain the
similarities between Li and Mg, Be and Al.)
C. Because they are found in the same group
D. A and C
22. Alkali metals react with water vigorously to form hydroxides and dihydrogen. Which of the
following alkali metals reacts with water least vigorously?
A. Li (Correct answer: Lithium reacts with water less vigorously compared to other alkali metals
due to its higher ionization energy and smaller atomic size.)
B. Na
C. K
D. All

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24
23. The correct statement in respect of d-block elements is
A. They are all metals C. They form colored ions and complex salts
B. They show variable valiancy D. All of the above statements are correct.
24. What is the electron configuration of Cu+ (Z=29)?
A. [Ar] 4s23d8 B. [Ar] 4s1 3d9 C. [Ar] 3d10 D. [Ar] 4s23d9
25. In which of the following pairs are both the ions colored in aqueous solution?
[Atomic No. SC=21, Ti=22, Co=27, Ni=28, Cu=29]
A. Ni2+, Cu+ B. Ni2+, Ti3+ C. SC3+, Ti3+ D. SC3+, CO2+
26. Which catalyst is used to prepare SO3 from SO2 in contact process of production of H2SO4?
A. NO B. V2O5 C. Fe D. Ni
27. Which of following is correct order of magnetic moment (In BM) for Mn2+, Cr2+ & V2+
A. Mn2+ > V2+ > Cr2+ C. V2+ > Cr2+ > Mn2+
B. Mn2+ > Cr2+ > V2+ D. Cr2+ > V2+ > Mn2+
28. Different (variable) oxidation state is shown by transition element. It is due to the fact
A. ns electrons may be excited to (n-1) d orbitals.
B. (n-1) d electrons may be excited to ns orbitals.
C. (n-1) d electron may get involved along with ns electron in bonding.
D. None of the above fact is correct.
29. Which of following group of transition metals is used to prepare currency coins?
A. Cu, Ag, Au (Correct answer: These metals, known as coinage metals, are traditionally used to
make currency due to their durability and resistance to corrosion.)
B. Ru, Rh, Pd
C. Fe, Co, Ni
D. Os, Ir, Pt
30. Consider the coordination compound, Na2[Pt(CN)4]. The Lewis acid is:
A. CN-
B. Na+
C. Pt
D. Pt2+ (Correct answer: Pt2+ is the central metal ion accepting electrons from the ligands,
making it the Lewis acid.)

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24
31 . Which of the following is a wrong statement?
A. La(OH)3 is less basic than Lu(OH)3. (Correct answer: This is incorrect because La(OH)3 is
more basic than Lu(OH)3. Basicity decreases as we move from La to Lu due to the lanthanide
contraction.)
B. In the lanthanide series, ionic radius decreases while moving from Ce3+ to Lu3+ ion.
C. La is actually a transition element.
D. Due to lanthanide contraction, the atomic radius of Zn and Hf are the same.
32. Actinides have a greater tendency to form complexes as compared to lanthanides because
actinides have:
A. Large size of ions
B. High nuclear charge (Correct answer: The higher nuclear charge of actinides compared to
lanthanides allows them to form complexes more readily.)
C. Low multiplicity of atoms
D. Low nuclear charge
[Link] one among the following lanthanides exhibits radioactive nature?
A. Sm
B. Eu
C. Gd
D. Pm (Correct answer: Promethium (Pm) is the only lanthanide that is naturally radioactive.)
27. The actinides exhibit more oxidation states in general than the lanthanides because:
A. The 5f-orbitals are more spread in space than the 4f orbitals.
B. The energy difference between 5f and 6d orbitals is less than that of 4f and 5d orbitals.
(Correct answer: This allows actinides to exhibit a greater variety of oxidation states.)
C. The energy difference between 5f and 6d orbitals is more than that of 4f and 5d orbitals.
D. Actinides are more reactive than lanthanides.
34. Which of similarity is seen in Lanthanides & actinides?
A. Electronic configuration
B. Ionization energy
C. Oxidation states (Correct answer: Both lanthanides and actinides show a variety of oxidation
states, although actinides show a wider range.)
D. Formation of complexes

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24
35. For which pair of complexes is the order of values of Δoct correct?
A. [Rh(NH3)6]3+ > [Co(NH3)6]3+ (Correct answer: Rhodium (Rh) in the +3 oxidation state has a
larger crystal field splitting energy than cobalt (Co) in the +3 oxidation state.)
B. [Fe(CN)6]4- > [Fe(CN)6]3-
C. [Cr(OH2)6]2+ > [Cr(OH2)6]3+
D. [CrF6]3- > [Cr(CN)6]3-
36. The general oxidation state of lanthanide elements is +3. Which of the following is incorrect
statement for them?
A. Ln(III) hydroxides are mainly basic in character.
B. Because of the large size of the Ln(III) ions, the bonding in its compounds is ionic in
character.
C. Ln(III) compounds are generally colorless. (Correct answer: Many Ln(III) compounds are
colored due to f-f transitions.)
D. The ionic sizes of Ln(III) decrease with an increase in atomic number.
37. Ce is an important member of the lanthanide series. Which of the following is a wrong
statement for Ce?
A. The general oxidation state of Ce is +3 and +4.
B. +3 oxidation state of Ce is more stable than +4.
C. +4 oxidation state of Ce is not available in its aqueous solution. (Correct answer: Ce(IV) can
exist in aqueous solution, but it's a strong oxidizing agent and is not stable in neutral or basic
solutions.)
D. Ce(IV) behaves as an oxidizing agent.
38. Consider the following statements:
I. The size of the lanthanides Ln3+ ions decreases as the atomic number of Ln increases.
II. Electronic spectra of lanthanides show very broad bands.
III. Coordination number six is very common among lanthanide complexes.
A. I and II
B. I, II and III
C. I only
D. I and III (Correct answer: Lanthanides typically show sharp f-f transitions in their electronic
spectra.)

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24
39. Which of the following statements is wrong for transition elements?
A. Once the d5 configuration is exceeded, the tendency to involve all the 3d electrons in bonding
decreases.
B. In addition to the normal oxidation states, the zero oxidation state is also shown by these
elements in complexes.
C. In the highest oxidation states, the transition metals show basic behavior. (Correct answer: In
their highest oxidation states, transition metals typically form acidic oxides or compounds.)
D. In the highest oxidation states of the first five transition elements (Sc to Mn), all the 4s and 3d
electrons are used for bonding.
40. Which of the following ions is most stable in aqueous solution?
A. V3+
B. Ti3+
C. Mn3+
D. Cr3+ (Correct answer: Cr3+ is highly stable in aqueous solution due to its half-filled t2g
configuration in an octahedral crystal field.)
41. There are 14 elements in the actinide series. Which of the following elements does not
belong to this series?
A. U
B. Np
C. Tm (Correct answer: Thulium (Tm) is a lanthanide, not an actinide.)
D. Fm
42. Identify the optically active compounds from the following:
A. trans–[Co(en)2Cl2]+
B. [Cr(NH3)5Cl]
C. cis–[Co(en)2Cl2]+ (Correct answer: Cis-isomers of octahedral complexes with chelating
ligands like en (ethylenediamine) are optically active.)
D. A and B
43. Which of the following statements is not correct?
A. Copper liberates hydrogen from acids. (Correct answer: Copper does not liberate hydrogen
from acids because it is below hydrogen in the reactivity series.)

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24
B. In its higher oxidation states, manganese forms stable compounds with oxygen and fluorine.
C. Mn3+ and Co3+ are oxidizing agents in aqueous solution.
D. Ti2+ and Cr2+ are reducing agents in aqueous solution.
44. The spin-only magnetic moment of K3[Cr(ox)3] is 3.87 B.M. Given that the spectrochemical
series is: CN- > phen ~ NO2- > en > NH3 ~ py > H2O > ox2- > OH- > F- > Cl- > Br-. In the
complex [Cr(en)3]Cl3, the magnetic moment would be:
A. Larger than that determined for K3[Cr(ox)3].
B. Smaller than that determined for K3[Cr(ox)3].
C. Impossible to determine from the information given.
D. The same as that determined for K3[Cr(ox)3]. above
37. Which of the following is a weak π-donor ligand?
A. Cl- (Correct answer: Chloride ion (Cl-) is a weak π-donor ligand due to its ability to donate
electron density through π-bonds.)
B. NH3
C. H2O
D. CO
45. Although Zirconium belongs to the 4d transition series and Hafnium to the 5d transition
series even then they show similar physical and chemical properties because:
A. Both belong to the d-block.
B. Both have similar atomic radius. (Correct answer: The lanthanide contraction causes Zr and
Hf to have very similar radii, leading to similar properties.)
C. Both belong to the same group.
D. Both have the same number of electrons.
46..M+4 ions of Lanthanides can be converted into M+3 ions by:
A. Gain of electron through Oxidation
B. Loss of electron through Oxidation
C. Loss of electron through Reduction (Correct answer: M+4 ions can be reduced to M+3 by
gaining electrons, i.e., reduction.)
D. Gain of electron through Reduction

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24
47. Which of the following has zero CFSE in octahedral complexes?
A. Fe3+ (low spin)
B. Cr3+ (high spin)
C. Fe3+ (high spin) (Correct answer: Fe3+ in high spin has a half-filled d5 configuration, leading
to zero crystal field stabilization energy (CFSE).)
D. Co2+ (low spin)
48. According to crystal field theory, Ni2+ can have two unpaired electrons in:
A. Both octahedral and tetrahedral geometries
B. Octahedral geometry only
C. Square-planar geometry only
D. Tetrahedral geometry only
49. What is the IUPAC name of [Co(NH3)3(NO2)Cl(CN)] compound?
A. Chlorocyanonitrotriamine cobalt(III)
B. Cyanochloronitrotriamine cobalt(III) (Correct answer: The ligands are named in alphabetical
order: Cyano- (CN), Chloro- (Cl), Nitro- (NO2), and Triamine (NH3) for cobalt(III).)
C. Triaminechlorocyanonitro cobalt(III)
D. Nitrochlorocyanotriamine cobalt(III)
50. In the form of dichromate, Cr(VI) is a strong oxidizing agent in acidic medium but Mo(VI) in
MoO3 and W(VI) in WO3 are not because:
A. Cr(VI) is more stable than Mo(VI) and W(VI).
B. Higher oxidation states of heavier members of group-6 of transition series are more stable.
C. Lower oxidation states of heavier members of group-6 of transition series are more stable.
(Correct answer: Heavier members like Mo and W stabilize in lower oxidation states compared
to Cr.)
D. All of the above
51. Which of the following statements is true?
A. Cu2+ is a colorless ion.
B. Ions of d-block elements are colored due to d-d transitions. (Correct answer: The colors of d-
block element ions are due to electronic transitions between d-orbitals.)
C. Ions of f-block elements are colorless due to f-f transitions.

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24
D. [Sc(H2O)6]3+, [Ti(H2O)6]4+ are colored complexes.
52. Consider the coordination compound, K2[Cu(CN)4]. A coordinate covalent bond exists
between:
A. K+ and [Cu(CN)4]2-
B. C and N in CN- (Correct answer: In the cyanide ligand, the bond between carbon and nitrogen
involves a coordinate covalent bond.)
C. Cu2+ and CN-
D. K+ and Cu2+
53. (Crystal Field Theory) Which one of the following statements is FALSE?
A. In an octahedral crystal field, the d electrons on a metal ion occupy the eg set of orbitals
before they occupy the t2g set of orbitals. (Correct answer: This is false because in an octahedral
crystal field, the t2g orbitals are filled before the eg orbitals due to their lower energy.)
B. Diamagnetic metal ions cannot have an odd number of electrons.
C. Low spin complexes can be paramagnetic.
D. In high spin octahedral complexes, Δoct is less than the electron pairing energy, and is
relatively very small.
54. Among the following statements, identify the correct ones for the complexes of lanthanide
(III) ions:
i. Metal-ligand bond is significantly ionic.
ii. Complexes rarely show isomerism.
iii. The coordination number is not more than 8.
iv. The magnetic moments are not accounted even approximately by the spin-only value for the
majority of lanthanides.
A. i, ii and iii
B. i and iv
C. i, ii and iv
D. ii and iii
55. (Crystal Field Theory) Consider the complex ion [Mn(OH2)6]2+ with 5 unpaired electrons.
Which response includes all the following statements that are true?
I. It is diamagnetic.
II. It is a low spin complex.

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24
III. The metal ion is a d5 ion.
IV. The ligands are weak field ligands.
V. It is octahedral.
A. I, II
B. III, IV, V (Correct answer: Mn2+ has 5 unpaired electrons, indicating it's a high spin d5 ion
with weak field ligands forming an octahedral complex.)
C. I, IV
D. II, V
56. Which of the following is a characteristic feature of organometallic compounds?
A) Presence of ionic bonds between metal and organic moiety.
B) Presence of covalent bonds between metal and organic moiety.
C) Presence of hydrogen bonds between metal and organic moiety.
D) Presence of Van der Waals interactions between metal and organic moiety.
Answer: B) Presence of covalent bonds between metal and organic moiety.
Explanation: Organometallic compounds are characterized by the presence of at least one metal-
carbon covalent bond. This bond can be between the metal and a carbon atom of an organic
group, such as an alkyl, aryl, or alkene group.
57. Which of the following metals is commonly used in Grignard reagents?
A) Sodium
B) Potassium
C) Magnesium
D) Iron
Answer: C) Magnesium
Explanation: Grignard reagents are organomagnesium compounds typically represented as R-
Mg-X, where R is an organic group and X is a halogen. They are widely used in organic
synthesis to form carbon-carbon bonds.
58. The 18-electron rule is particularly applicable to which type of compounds?
A) Ionic compounds
B) Covalent compounds
C) Organometallic compounds
D) Coordination compounds

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24
Answer: C) Organometallic compounds
Explanation: The 18-electron rule is used to predict the stability of organometallic compounds,
particularly for transition metals. It states that a stable organometallic complex has 18 valence
electrons around the metal center, combining both the metal's d-electrons and the electrons
donated by ligands.
60. Which of the following organometallic compounds is commonly used as a catalyst in
polymerization reactions?
A) Ferrocene
B) Zeise's salt
C) Ziegler-Natta catalyst
D) Tetracarbonyl nickel
Answer: C) Ziegler-Natta catalyst
Explanation: Ziegler-Natta catalysts, which are typically based on titanium or other transition
metals in combination with aluminum alkyls, are widely used in the polymerization of olefins
(alkenes) to produce polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene.
61. Which of the following ligands is a π-acceptor ligand?
A) NH3
B) CO
C) H2O
D) Cl-
Answer: B) CO
Explanation: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a classic example of a π-acceptor (or π-backbonding)
ligand. It can donate electron density through its lone pair on carbon (σ-donation) and accept
electron density back into its π* anti-bonding orbitals from the metal (π-acceptance).
62. What is the oxidation state of the metal in ferrocene (Fe(C5H5)2)?
A) 0
B) +1
C) +2
D) +3
Answer: A) 0

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24
Explanation: In ferrocene, the iron (Fe) is in the +2 oxidation state when considering the entire
molecule. However, because each cyclopentadienyl (C5H5) ligand is considered to be a
negatively charged ligand (C5H5-) and two such ligands balance the +2 charge on the Fe, the
effective oxidation state of Fe in the neutral molecule is zero.
[Link] type of reaction is the oxidative addition in organometallic chemistry?
A) A reaction where a metal inserts into a single bond, increasing its oxidation state by 2.
B) A reaction where a metal eliminates a ligand, decreasing its oxidation state by 2.
C) A reaction where a ligand is replaced by another ligand without changing the oxidation state
of the metal.
D) A reaction where a metal forms a π-bond with an unsaturated hydrocarbon.
Answer: A) A reaction where a metal inserts into a single bond, increasing its oxidation state by
2.
Explanation: Oxidative addition is a fundamental reaction in organometallic chemistry where a
metal complex reacts with a molecule (typically with a single bond like H-H, R-X, etc.), leading
to an increase in the oxidation state and coordination number of the metal by 2.
64. Which of the following organometallic compounds is known for its "sandwich" structure?
A) Nickel tetracarbonyl
B) Cyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
C) Zeise's salt
D) Ferrocene
Answer: D) Ferrocene
Explanation: Ferrocene (Fe(C5H5)2) is known for its "sandwich" structure, where the iron atom
is situated between two parallel cyclopentadienyl rings. This structure is a key example of an η5-
ligand interaction with a metal center.
65. Which of the following statements is true regarding the stability of organometallic
compounds?
A) Organometallic compounds are always air and moisture stable.
B) Organometallic compounds are generally unstable in air and moisture.
C) Organometallic compounds never undergo decomposition.
D) Organometallic compounds are stable at all temperatures.
Answer: B) Organometallic compounds are generally unstable in air and moisture.

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24
Explanation: Many organometallic compounds, especially those of early and middle transition
metals, are sensitive to air and moisture and can undergo rapid decomposition when exposed.
This instability is due to the reactive nature of the metal-carbon bond and the potential for
oxidation or hydrolysis.
66. Which of the following metals is commonly found in Wilkinson's catalyst?
A) Copper
B) Palladium
C) Rhodium
D) Platinum
Answer: C) Rhodium
Explanation: Wilkinson's catalyst is chlorotris(triphenylphosphine)rhodium(I) (RhCl(PPh3)3). It
is widely used for the hydrogenation of alkenes and is a well-known example of a homogeneous
catalyst containing rhodium.

67. What is the nature of the bonding in metal carbonyls such as nickel tetracarbonyl (Ni(CO)4)?
A) Only σ-bonding
B) Only π-bonding
C) σ- and π-backbonding
D) Ionic bonding
Answer: C) σ- and π-backbonding
Explanation: In metal carbonyls, there is both σ-donation of electron density from the carbon
monoxide's lone pair to the metal and π-backbonding where the metal donates electron density
back into the empty π* anti-bonding orbitals of the CO. This dual interaction stabilizes the
complex.
68. Which organometallic compound is involved in the Monsanto acetic acid process?
A) Nickel carbonyl
B) Titanium tetrachloride
C) Rhodium iodide
D) Iron pentacarbonyl
Answer: C) Rhodium iodide

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24
Explanation: The Monsanto process for acetic acid production involves the rhodium complex
[Rh(CO)2I2]− as the catalyst. This complex facilitates the carbonylation of methanol to produce
acetic acid.
[Link] of the following is true about the Dewar-Chatt-Duncanson model?
A) It explains the bonding in organometallic hydrides.
B) It describes the bonding in metal-alkene complexes.
C) It applies to metal-alkyl complexes.
D) It is used to describe metal-hydride interactions.

Answer: B) It describes the bonding in metal-alkene complexes.

Explanation: The Dewar-Chatt-Duncanson model explains the nature of bonding in metal-alkene

70. What type of ligand is cyclopentadienyl (Cp)?

A) η1-Ligand

B) η2-Ligand

C) η3-Ligand

D) η5-Ligand

Answer: D) η5-Ligand

Explanation: The cyclopentadienyl (Cp) ligand typically coordinates to metals in an η5-fashion,

[Link] the context of organometallic chemistry, what does the term "hapto" (η) refer to?

A) The number of metal atoms in the complex

B) The number of electrons donated by the ligand

C) The number of ligand atoms coordinated to the metal

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24
D) The number of lone pairs on the ligand

Answer: C) The number of ligand atoms coordinated to the metal

Explanation: The term "hapto" (η) specifies the number of contiguous atoms in a ligand that are
directly bonded to the central metal atom. For example, in an η5-ligand, five atoms of the ligand
are coordinated to the metal.

72. What is the role of the phosphine ligands in the hydroformylation reaction?
A) They act as reducing agents.
B) They stabilize the metal catalyst.
C) They serve as oxidizing agents.
D) They are the source of hydrogen atoms.
Answer: B) They stabilize the metal catalyst.
Explanation: Phosphine ligands (e.g., triphenylphosphine) stabilize the metal catalyst in
hydroformylation reactions by donating electron density to the metal, thus stabilizing its
oxidation state and facilitating the catalytic cycle.
73. Which type of ligand is ethylene in a typical transition metal complex?
A) σ-Donor
B) π-Acceptor
C) σ-Donor and π-acceptor
D) Chelating
Answer: C) σ-Donor and π-acceptor
74. What type of reaction involves the replacement of a ligand in a metal complex by
another ligand?
A) Oxidative addition
B) Reductive elimination
C) Ligand substitution
D) Beta-hydride elimination
Answer: C) Ligand substitution

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24
Explanation: Ligand substitution is a reaction where one ligand in a metal complex is replaced
by another ligand. This type of reaction is common in coordination chemistry and organometallic
chemistry.
75. Which metal ion is central to the oxygen-carrying function of hemoglobin?
A) Copper
B) Iron
C) Zinc
D) Magnesium
Answer: B) Iron
Explanation: The iron ion (Fe²⁺) in the heme group of hemoglobin binds to oxygen, allowing
hemoglobin to transport oxygen from the lungs to tissues and return carbon dioxide from the
tissues to the lungs.
Question 2
76. What is the primary role of zinc in biological systems?
A) Oxygen transport
B) Structural and catalytic roles in enzymes
C) Electron transport
D) Light absorption
Answer: B) Structural and catalytic roles in enzymes
Explanation: Zinc ions play essential structural and catalytic roles in various enzymes, including
DNA polymerase and carbonic anhydrase, helping to stabilize protein structure and participate in
catalytic activity.
77. Which of the following metalloenzymes contains a molybdenum cofactor?
A) Carbonic anhydrase
B) Cytochrome c oxidase
C) Nitrogenase
D) Superoxide dismutase
Answer: C) Nitrogenase
Explanation: Nitrogenase, the enzyme responsible for nitrogen fixation in certain bacteria,
contains a molybdenum-iron cofactor (FeMo-co) crucial for the reduction of atmospheric
nitrogen (N₂) to ammonia (NH₃).

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24
78. Which metal is involved in the active site of superoxide dismutase (SOD) found in humans?
A) Copper and Zinc
B) Iron
C) Manganese
D) Magnesium
Answer: A) Copper and Zinc
Explanation: In humans, the most common form of superoxide dismutase (SOD1) contains both
copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) ions at its active site, which play critical roles in the dismutation of
superoxide radicals to oxygen and hydrogen peroxide.
79. Which of the following is a key structural component of vitamin B12?
A) Iron
B) Cobalt
C) Nickel
D) Magnesium
Answer: B) Cobalt
Explanation: Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) contains a central cobalt ion coordinated within a corrin
ring. The cobalt ion is crucial for the vitamin's biological functions, including DNA synthesis
and cellular energy production.
80. What role does magnesium play in biological systems?
A) Oxygen transport
B) ATP stabilization and enzyme cofactor
C) Electron transport
D) DNA replication
Answer: B) ATP stabilization and enzyme cofactor
Explanation: Magnesium ions stabilize ATP molecules and serve as cofactors for many
enzymes, including those involved in DNA replication, protein synthesis, and cellular energy
metabolism.
81. Which metal ion is crucial for the function of the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase in the
electron transport chain?
A) Copper and Iron
B) Zinc

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24
C) Magnesium
D) Calcium
Answer: A) Copper and Iron
Explanation: Cytochrome c oxidase, a key enzyme in the electron transport chain, contains both
copper and iron ions at its active site. These metal ions facilitate the transfer of electrons and the
reduction of oxygen to water.
82. What is the primary function of iron-sulfur clusters in biological systems?
A) Oxygen transport
B) DNA repair
C) Electron transfer
D) Light absorption
Answer: C) Electron transfer
Explanation: Iron-sulfur clusters are prosthetic groups in various proteins that facilitate electron
transfer in biological processes, including respiration and photosynthesis, due to their ability to
undergo reversible oxidation and reduction.
83. Which metal ion is essential for the activity of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase?
A) Copper
B) Zinc
C) Iron
D) Manganese
Answer: B) Zinc
Explanation: Carbonic anhydrase, an enzyme that catalyzes the reversible conversion of carbon
dioxide and water to bicarbonate and protons, requires a zinc ion at its active site to function
effectively.
84. Which of the following is true about the role of manganese in biological systems?
A) It is involved in DNA synthesis.
B) It is a cofactor in the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II.
C) It transports oxygen in the blood.
D) It stabilizes protein structures.
Answer: B) It is a cofactor in the oxygen-evolving complex of photosystem II.

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24
Explanation: Manganese is a crucial cofactor in the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) of
photosystem II in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria, where it plays a vital role in the splitting of
water molecules to release oxygen during photosynthesis.
85. What is the role of copper in the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase?
A) Binding and transport of oxygen
B) Catalyzing the reduction of oxygen to water
C) Stabilizing enzyme structure
D) Facilitating electron transfer in chlorophyll
Answer: B) Catalyzing the reduction of oxygen to water
Explanation: In cytochrome c oxidase, copper ions are part of the active site and are crucial for
the enzyme's function of reducing molecular oxygen to water, a key step in cellular respiration.
88. Which metalloenzyme contains a nickel ion at its active site?
A) Hydrogenase
B) Cytochrome c oxidase
C) Carbonic anhydrase
D) Catalase
Answer: A) Hydrogenase
Explanation: Hydrogenases are enzymes that contain nickel (or iron) at their active sites and
catalyze the reversible oxidation of hydrogen gas (H₂) into protons and electrons.
86. In which biological process does the metal ion magnesium play a critical role?
A) Oxygen transport
B) Photosynthesis
C) DNA repair
D) Electron transport chain
Answer: B) Photosynthesis
Explanation: Magnesium is a central ion in chlorophyll molecules, which are essential for
capturing light energy during photosynthesis in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria.
87. What is the role of cobalt in biological systems?
A) Catalyzing the formation of ATP
B) Facilitating the transport of electrons
C) Serving as a structural component of enzymes

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24
D) Being a key component of vitamin B12
Answer: D) Being a key component of vitamin B12
Explanation: Cobalt is a key component of vitamin B12, which is essential for red blood cell
formation, neurological function, and DNA synthesis.

88. Which of the following methods is commonly used for the extraction of aluminum from its
ore?
a) Blast furnace
b) Electrolysis
c) Roasting
d) Hydrometallurgy
Answer: b) Electrolysis
89. Which main group metal is extracted from bauxite ore?
a) Magnesium
b) Calcium
c) Sodium
d) Aluminum
Answer: d) Aluminum
90. Which process is used in the extraction of sodium from molten sodium chloride?
a) Hall-Héroult process
b) Downs process
c) Haber process
d) Bayer process
Answer: b) Downs process
91. Which main group metal is essential for human bones and teeth?
a) Sodium
b) Potassium
c) Calcium
d) Magnesium
Answer: c) Calcium

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24
92. Which of the following is a common ore of iron?
a) Bauxite
b) Hematite
c) Galena
d) Chalcopyrite
Answer: b) Hematite

93. Which method is commonly used for the extraction of copper from its sulfide ore?
a) Electrolysis
b) Carbon reduction
c) Froth flotation
d) Roasting followed by reduction
Answer: d) Roasting followed by reduction
94. Which of the following metals is extracted using the blast furnace process?
a) Aluminum
b) Iron
c) Titanium
d) Copper
Answer: b) Iron
95. Which transition metal is used as a catalyst in the Haber process for ammonia production?
a) Nickel
b) Chromium
c) Iron
d) Platinum
Answer: c) Iron
96. Which of the following transition metals is most commonly used in electrical wiring?
a) Copper
b) Zinc
c) Chromium
d) Manganese
Answer: a) Copper

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24
97. What is the primary application of titanium due to its high strength-to-weight ratio?
a) Jewelry
b) Aerospace
c) Batteries
d) Paint
Answer: b) Aerospace
98. Which process is used to convert bauxite into alumina (Al2O3) in the extraction of
aluminum?
a) Hall-Héroult process
b) Bayer process
c) Mond process
d) Kroll process
Answer: b) Bayer process
99. What is the main reducing agent in the extraction of iron in a blast furnace?
a) Carbon monoxide
b) Hydrogen
c) Aluminum
d) Magnesium
Answer: a) Carbon monoxide
100. Which main group metal is obtained from the mineral sphalerite?
a) Aluminum
b) Zinc
c) Lead
d) Tin
Answer: b) Zinc

Inorganic Chemistry model questions for exit exam preparation by Tsegaye F. 2023/24