ISC 2026 EXAMINATION

Sample Question Paper - 1

Chemistry

Time Allowed: 3 hours and 15 minutes Maximum Marks: 70

General Instructions:
1. You are allowed additional 15 minutes for only reading the question paper.
2. You must NOT start writing during the reading time.
3. This question paper has 11 printed pages.
4. It is divided into four sections and has 21 questions in all.
5. All questions are compulsory. Answer all questions.
6. Section A has fourteen subparts. Each question carries 1 mark.
7. While attempting Multiple Choice Questions in Section A, you are required to write only ONE
option as the answer.
8. Section B has ten questions. Each question carries 2 marks.
9. Section C has seven questions. Each question carries 3 marks.
10. Section D has three questions. Each question carries 5 marks.
11. Internal choices have been provided in one question each in Sections B, C and D.
12. The intended marks for questions are given in brackets [ ].
13. All working, including rough work, should be done on the same sheet as, and adjacent to the rest
of the answer.
14. Balanced equations must be given wherever possible and diagrams where they are helpful.
15. When solving numerical problems, all essential workings must be shown.
Section A
1. Fill in the blanks by choosing the appropriate word(s) from those given in the brackets: [4]
(a) Fill in the blanks by choosing the appropriate word! words from those given in the [4]
brackets:
(Cannizzaro, aldol condensation, Cannizzaro, Rosenmund, benzoin, absence, presence,
α -hydrogen, no α -hydrogen, SOCI2, benzoic acid, benzoic acid, potassium cyanide,

potassium hydroxide, PCI5, aldol, benzal chloride, formaldehyde, lactic acid,

acetaldehyde cyanohydrins, acetone, tartaric acid)
i. Acetaldehyde in the presence of dilute alkali gives ________ and the reaction is called
________.
ii. Benzaldehyde undergoes . reaction on treabnent with concentrated sodium
hydroxide because it has ________ atom.
iii. Benzaldehyde when treated with an alcoholic solution of ________ forms ________.
iv. When benzaldehyde reacts with ________ it forms ________ and POCl3.
v. Acetaldehdye reacts with HCN to give ________ which on hydrolysis gives ________.
vi. Benzaldehyde undergoes reaction due to ________ of α -hydrogen atom.
2. Select and write the correct alternative from the choices given below. [7]
(a) Correct the following statement and rewrite: [1]
Osmotic pressure and boiling point are colligative properties.
(b) Correct the following statement and rewrite: [1]
Addition of sodium chloride lowers the boiling point and freezing point of water.
(c) Correct the following statement and rewrite: [1]
Correct the following statement by changing the underlined part of the sentence.

Water boils below 100oC by the addition of NaCl.

(d) Correct the following statement and rewrite: [1]
Freezing point of a solution is directly proportional to its molality.
(e) Correct the following statement and rewrite: [1]
Chloroacetic acid is more acidic than acetic acid because of the -M effect.
(f) Assertion (A): Adding water to two beakers 'A' and 'B' containing NaOH and CH3COOH [1]

solutions respectively will increase the molar conductance ( Λm ) of the solutions

sharply in beaker 'A' and slowly in beaker 'B'.
Reason (R): Molar conductance ( Λm ) increases with a decrease in concentration or
upon dilution.

a) Both A and R are true and R is the b) Both A and R are true but R is not
correct explanation of A. the correct explanation of A.

c) A is true but R is false. d) A is false but R is true.

(g) Assertion (A): Specific conductance of all electrolytes decreases on dilution. [1]
Reason (R): On dilution, number of ions per unit volume decreases.

a) Both A and R are true and R is the b) Both A and R are true but R is not
correct explanation of A. the correct explanation of A.

c) A is true but R is false. d) A is false but R is true.

3. Show that the time required for the completion of 75% of a reaction of first order is twice the [3]
time required for the completion of 50% of the reaction.
Section B
4. With the help of a diagram, explain the physical significance of energy of activation (Ea) in [2]
chemical reactions.
5. The rate of reaction becomes four times when the temperature changes from 293K to 313 K. [2]
Calculate the energy of activation (Ea) of the reaction assuming that it does not change with
temperature.

(R = 8.314 JK-1 mol-1) is

6. Calculate the mass of ascorbic acid (molecular mass =176 g/mol) that should be dissolved in 155 [2]
g of acetic acid to cause a depression of freeing point by 1.15 K. Assume that ascorbic acid does
not dissociate or associate in the solution.
[Kf for acetic acid = 3.9Kkg/mol]

7. A certain aqueous solution boils at 100.303oC. What is its freezing point? Kb for water = 0.5 K kg [2]
 mol-1 and Kf = 1.87 K kg mol-1.
8. A 10% aqueous solution of cane sugar (mol. wt. 342) is isotonic with 1.754% aqueous solution of [2]
urea. Find the molecular mass of urea.
9. Write the IUPAC names of the following coordination compounds. [2]
i. [Cr(NH3)4 (H2O)2]Cl3
ii. [PtCI2 (NH3)4] [PtCI4]

10. For the coordination complex ion [Co(NH3)6]3+ [2]

i. Give the IUPAC name of the complexion.

ii. What is the oxidation number of cobalt in the complex ion?
iii. State the type of hybridisation of the complex ion.
iv. State the magnetic behaviour of the complex ion.
11. Explain the following. [2]
i. Why do transition metal ions possess a great tendency to form complexes?
ii. The paramagnetic character in 3d-transition series elements increases upto Mn and then
decreases.
OR
Account for each of the following.
i. Zirconium (Zr) and Hafuium (Hf) are difficult to separate.
ii. Salts of cupric (Cu2+)ion are coloured whereas salts of cuprous (Cu+) ion are colourless.
12. Give balanced equation and explain what happens when phenol is treated with bromine water? [2]
13. Identify the compounds A, B, C and D. [2]
SOCl2 NH3 Br 2 /KOH NaNO2 +HCl

C6 H5 COOH −−−→ [A] −−→ [B] −−−−−→ [C] −−−−−−−→ [D]

o
0−5 C

Section C
14. Identify the compounds A, Band C. [3]
+
P Cl5 KCN H3 O N H3

i. C2 H5 OH −−−→ [A] −−−→ [B] −−−→ C2 H5 COOH −−−

→ [C]
Δ
SOCl2 NH3 Br 2 /KOH

ii. C6 H5 COOH −−−→ [A] −−→ [B] −−−−−→ [C]

15. Rearrange the compounds of each of the following sets in order of reactivity towards SN2 [3]

displacement.
i. 2-bromo-2-methylbutane, 1-bromopentane, 2-bromopentane.
ii. 1-bromo-3-methylbutane, 2-bromo-2-methylbutane, 3-bromo-2-methylbutane.
iii. 1-bromobutane, 1-bromo-2, 2-dimethylpropane, 1-bromo-2-methylbutane, 1-bromo-3-
methylbutane.

16. i. [F e(CN )6 ] is a coordination complex ion:

4
[3]

a. Is the complex ion diamagnetic or paramagnetic?

b. What is the hybridisation state of the central metal atom?
ii. Name the type of isomerism shown by the following pair of coordination compounds:
[Co( N H 3 ) SO 4 ] Br
5
and [Co( N H 3 )5 Br] SO4 ]
[3]
 −1

17. A conductivity cell has a cell constant of 0.5 cm . This cell when filled with 0.01 M sodium
chloride solution has a resistance of 384Ω at 25 ∘
C . Calculate the equivalent conductivity of 0.01
M sodium chloride at 25∘ C .
OR
0.05 M NaOH solution offered a resistance of 31.6Ω in a conductivity cell at 298 K . If the cell constant
−1

of the cell is 0.367 cm , calculate the molar conductivity of the NaOH solution.
18. Define the following terms: [3]
i. Glycosidic linkage
ii. Invert sugar
iii. Oligosaccharides

19. i. Mention any two factors that influence the rate of a chemical reaction. [3]
ii. In a first order reaction, 20% of a reaction is consumed in 30 minutes. Calculate the following:
a. The half-life period of the reaction.
b. The time required for completing 93.75% of the reaction.

20. i. Define molecularity of a reaction. Give one difference between the order of reaction and its [3]
molecularity.

ii. The rate constant (k) of a first order reaction is 4.5 × 10-2 s-1. What will be the time required
for the initial concentration of 0.4 M of the reactant to be reduced to 0.2 M?
Section D
21. An organic compound [A]having molecular formula C2H7N when treated with nitrous acid gives a [5]

compound [B] which has molecular formula C2H6O.

[B) on treating with an organic compound [C) gives a carboxylic acid [D] and a sweet-smelling
compound [E]. D is also obtained by oxidation of [B] with acidified potassium dichromate.
i. Identify [A], [B], [C), [D] and [E].
ii. Write a balanced chemical equation of [D] with chlorine in the presence of red phosphorus
and name the reaction.

22. i. Write the formula of reagents used in the following reactions: [5]

a. Bromination of phenol to 2,4,6-trlbromophenol

b. Hydroboration of propene and then oxidation to propanol.
ii. Arrange the following compound groups in the increasing order of their property indicated:
a. p-nitrophenol, ethanol, phenol (acidic character)
b. Propanol, Propane, Propanal (boiling point)
iii. Write the mechanism (using curved arrow notation) of the following reaction:
+
H +

2CH3 − CH2 − OH −
−→ CH3 − CH2 − O − CH2 − CH3 + H2 O
|

23. The following results were obtained for the decomposition of nitrogen peroxide in an inert [5]
solvent:

t(c) 0 300 600 900 ∞

Vol. of O2 evolved (cm3) 0 3.42 6.30 8.95 34.75

Show that the reaction is of first order and also calculate the rate constant.
OR
Consider the reaction, A + B ⟶ C + D
The initial rates for different initial concentrations of the reactants are given below.

Initial concentration (mol/L) Initial rate

[A] [B] (mol/L-s)

(a) 1.0 1.0 2.0 × 10-3

(b) 2.0 1.0 4.0 × 10-3

(c) 4.0 1.0 8.0 × 10-3

(d) 1.0 2.0 2.0 × 10-3

(e) 1.0 4.0 2.0 × 10-3

i. What are the order of reaction with respect to A and B?

ii. What is the overall order?
iii. Write the rate law equation.
iv. Calculate the rate constant.
v. Suggest a possible mechanism.
 Solution

Section A
1. Fill in the blanks by choosing the appropriate word(s) from those given in the brackets:
(a) i. aldol, aldol condensation
ii. Cannizzaro, no α -hydrogen
iii. potassium cyanide, benzoin
iv. PCl5, benzal chloride
v. Acetaldehyde cyanohydrin, lactic acid
vi. Cannizzaro, absence
2. Select and write the correct alternative from the choices given below.
(a) Osmotic pressure and elevation in boiling point are colligative properties.
(b) Addition of sodium chloride increases the boiling point and decreases the freezing point of
water.
(c) Water boils above 100oC by the addition of NaCl. It is because, NaCI is a strong electrolyte and it
dissociates into 2 ions, therefore its van't Hoff value, i is 2 and the elevation of boiling point ΔTb
proportional to i.
(d) Depression in freezing point of a solvent is directly proportional to its molality.
i.e. ΔTf ∝ m
(e) The correct statement is chloroacetic acid is more acidic than acetic acid because of the -I effect
of Cl group.
(f) (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation:
When NaOH is added to acetic acid, there is firstly a gradual increase in the conductance and
then there is a rapid increase in the conductance. This is because firstly the more hydrated
protons are replaced by sodium ions and then after neutralisation of acetic acid.
Sodium ions and hydroxide ions are added to the solution.
(g) (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Explanation:
Specific conductance always decreases with the decrease in concentration both for weak and
strong electrolytes.
3. For 75% completion, suppose [A]0 = 100, then [A] = 100 - 75 = 25
k= 2.303

t
log
100

25

= [As, log 4 = 2 log 2 = 2 × 0.3010]

1.386

For 50% completion, k = 0.693

t 1

But, for a given reaction, k is constant

1.386 0.693
∴ =
t t 1

=2
t 1.386
⇒ =
t 1 0.693

or t = 2t 1

So, time (t) required for completion of 75% of a reaction is twice the time required for completion of 50%
(half-life) of the reaction.
Section B
4. The excess energy which must be supplied to the reactants to undergo chemical reactions is called
activation energy Ea. It is equal to the difference between the threshold energy Ep, needed for the
reaction and the average of all the reacting molecules, ER.
 Activation energy = Threshold energy - Average kinetic energy of the reacting molecule

5. Given, T1 = 293 K, k1 = k (Suppose)

when T2 = 313 K, k2 = 4k
Substituting these values in the equation,
k2 Ea T2 −T1
log = ( )
k1 2.303R T1 T2

Ea 313 K−293 K
4k
log = ×( )
k −1
−1
2.303×8.314JK mol 313 K×293 K

log 4 =
Ea 20
×
2.303×8.314 313×293

Ea = J mol-1
0.6021×2.303×8.314×313×293
∴
20

Ea = 52.86 kJ mol-1
6. W1, Mass of acetic acid = 155 g
M2, Molecular mass of (C6HgO6) = 176 g/mol
Depression of freezing point = 1.15 K
We know,
Kf ×1000×w2
ΔTf =
M2 ×W1

39×1000×w2
1.15 =
176×155

176×155×1.15
w2 = = 8.04 g
3.9×1000

7. Boiling point of pure water = 100oC

Boiling point of aqueous solution = 100.303oC
Δ T = 100.303 - 100 = 0.303oC
ΔT = m × Kb

0.303 = m × 0.5

m = 0.606
ΔT = m × Kf

= 0.606 × 1.87
∘
= 1.133 C

Therefore, the freezing point of aqueous solution

= 0oC - 1.133oC = -1.13oC
8. Number of moles of cane sugar = = 0.0292
10

342

Number of moles of urea =

1.754

π
cane sugar
= π
urea
(isotonic solution)
RT RT 1.754
n1 = n2 , 0.0292 =
V V x

x = 60.07
9. IUPAC name
i. [Cr(NH3)4(H2O)2] Cl3
Tetraamminediaquachromium (III) chloride
ii. [PtCI2(NH3)4][PtCI4]
Tetraamminedichloroplatinum (IV) tetrachloroplatinate (II)
10. i. Hexaamminecobalt (III) ion.
 ii. Let the oxidation number of Co in the complex [Co(NH3)6]3+ be x.
x + 6 × (0) = +3
x = +3
iii. Electronic configuration of Co is [Ar]3d7 4s2.

NH3 is a strong field ligand, it causes pairing of 3d6 electrons.

Thus, [Co(NH3)6]3+ =

Thus, hybridisation of [Co(NH3)6]3+ is d2sp3.

iv. As all electrons are paired so, it is diamagnetic.
11. i. Due to small size of transition metal atoms or their cations and high effective nuclear charge, they
have a high positive charge density on them. This high positive charged density makes the atoms or
cation to attract the lone pair of electrons from the ligand and transition metal cation or atoms have
vacant d-orbital in which they can accommodate the lone pair of electrons donated by ligands and
thus, can form L → M coordinate bonds.
ii. Paramagnetic character increases with the increase in the number of unpaired electrons. The larger
is the number of unpaired electron in central atom or ion greater is the paramagnetic character
hence on moving from Sc to Mn, number of unpaired electron increases and then from Fe to Zn
decreases.
Thus, paramagnetic character also increases from Sc to Mn and then decreases from Fe to Zn.
OR
i. Due to lanthanoid contraction, there is a small difference in the size of Zr and Hf. So, there is
difference in some properties of lanthanoids like solubility, degree of hydration and complex
formation. These differences enable the separation of lanthanoids by ion exchange method.
ii. Cu2+ ion has an electronic configuration 3d9 whereas Cu+ ion has an 3d10. Hence, an unpaired
electron is present in Cu2+ due to which d-d electronic transition takes place. The energy of excitation
corresponds to the frequency of light absorbed. The colour observed corresponds to the
complementary colour of the light absorbed. In contrast, due to lack of unpaired electrons Cu+ is
colourless.
12. Reaction of phenol with bromine water produces white ppt. of 2, 4, 6-tribromophenol.
13.

Section C
PCl5 C2 H5 Cl + POCl 3 + HCl
14. i. C2 H5 OH −−→
(A)
+
H3 O
KCN
C2 H5 CN −−−→ C2 H5 COOH
C2 H5 Cl −−−→

(B)
NH3

C2 H5 COOH −−→ C2 H5 COONH4

Δ (C)

ii.

15. i. 1-bromopentane > 2-bromopentane > 2- bromo-2-methylbutane

ii. 1-bromo-3-methylbutane > 3-bromo-2-methylbutane > 2-bromo-2-methylbutane
iii. 1-bromobutane > 1-bromo-3-methylbutane > 1-bromo-2-methylbutane > 1-bromo-2, 2
dimethylpropane
16. i. a. The complex [Fe(CN)6]4- is diamagnetism nature because of the absence of unpaired electrons as
all electrons are paired.
b. The hybridization of Fe in the complex is d2Sp3

ii. The type of isomerism present in the complex [Co( N H 3 )5 SO4 ] Br and [Co( N H 3 )5 Br] SO4 is
ionization isomerism.
−1

17. Given, cell constant = 0.5 cm

Concentration, C = 0.01 M, R = 384Ω
Equivalent conductance,
∗
1000 1000 G 1000 0.5
Λeq = ×κ = × = ×
0.01 0.01 R 0.01 384

(For NaCl, 0.01 M = 0.01 N)

2 −1

= 130.2Ω
−1
cm equiv
OR
 Given, concentration, C = 0.05 M,
Resistance, R = 31.6Ω
Cell constant = 0.367 cm-1
−1
0367 −1
κ = Ω cm
31.6
∗
1000 1000 G
Λm = ×κ = ×
C C R
1000 0.367
Λm = ×
0.05 31.6
2 −1
−1
= 232.278Ω cm mol

18. i. Glycosidic linkage: The two monosaccharides units are joined together through an oxide linkage
formed by loss of a molecule of H2O. Such a linkage between two monosaccharide units through
oxygen atom is called as glycosidic linkage.
ii. Invert sugar: Hydrolysis of sucrose brings about a change in a sign of rotation from dextro (+) to
laevo (-) and the product is known as invert sugar.
iii. Oligosaccharides: Carbohydrates that yields two to ten monosaccharides units, on hydrolysis are
called as oligosaccharides. Examples are sucrose, maltose, etc.
19. i. The two factors that affect the rate of a chemical reaction are:
a. Concentration of reactant: Increase in the concentration of reactant increases the rate of reaction.
b. Temperature: As the temperature increases, the rate of chemical reaction also increases.
ii. a. According to the first order reaction
2.303 a
k = log
t a−x

t = 30 min
Initial concentration (a) = 100
If the reaction is 20% completed in 30 min
Final concentration (a - x) = 100 - 20 = 80
Putting the values in equation,
2.303 100
k = log
30 80

k= 0.145s-1
Half-life, t1/2
0.693
=
k

0.693
t1/2 = = 4.77 min
0.145

b. Initial concentration (a) = 100

If the reaction is 93.75% completed in time t min,
Final concentration (a - x) = 100 - 93.75 = 6.25
2.303 100
t = log
0.145 6.25

= 19.12min
Time required to complete 93.75 % is 19.12 m
20. i. Molecularity is defined as the number of reacting species undergoing simultaneous collisions in the
elementary or simple reactions.
Order of a reaction Molecularity of reaction
It is the sum of powers raised on It is the number of molecules of raectants taking
concentration term in the rate expression. part in elementary step of a reaction.
−1

ii. Given, k = 4.5 × 10−2 s

Since the initial concentration is to be reduced to one half, the time required will be equal to half life
period, t0.5. For a first order reaction,
0.693
t0.5 =
k
0.693
=
−2
4.5×10

= 15.4 s
Therefore, time required to reduce the initial concentration of 0.4 M to 0.2 M is 15.4 s.
Section D
21. A: C2H5NH2 - ethylamine
B: C2H5OH - ethanol
C: CH3COOCOCH3 - acetic anhydride
D: CH3COOH - acetic acid
E: CH3COOC2H5 - ethyl acetate
RedP
CH3 COOH + Cl2 −−−−→ CH2 ClCOOH
−HCl
Monochloro acetic acid
Reaction is: Hell-volhards-Zelinsky (HVZ) reaction

22. i. a.

B2 H 6

3CH3 − CH = CH2 −−−→ ( CH3 − CH2 − CH2 ) −B

3

−−−−−−→ 3CH3 − CH2 − CH2 OH

H2 O2 /3OH

ii. a. ethanol < phenol < p-nitrophenol

b. Propane < Propanal < propanol
iii.

23. The reaction will be of first order, if it obeys the equation,

−2.303 a
k = log
t a−x

In this reaction, oxygen is liberated and collected at different times. The total volume of oxygen collected
at the end of reaction (after infinite time, t = ∞ ) gives a measure of the total concentration of nitrogen
peroxide taken initially, i.e., a. If Vt is the volume collected after time t and V∞ is the total volume
collected at the end of the reaction, then the concentration of nitrogen peroxide at any time t, i.e., (a - x)
is V∞ - Vt
Thus, the above equation becomes
2.303 V∞
k = log
t Vi −Vt

Substituting the values,

t = 300 s, V∞ = 34.75, Vt = 3.42
2.303 34.75
∴ k = log
300 34.75−3.42

= 0.000345
t = 600 s, V∞ = 34.75, Vt = 6.30
2.303 34.75
k = log = 0.000333
600 34.75−6.30
t = 900 s, V∞ = 34.75, Vt = 8.95
2.303 34.75
k = log = 0.000332
900 34.75−8.95

Since the value of k is almost constant, the reaction is of first order. The average value of rate constant is
0.000336.
OR
Given reaction, A + B ⟶ C + D
Suppose the given reaction is of order p with respect to A and q with respect to B.
The rate of formation of C and D can also be written as
2.0 × 10-3 = k[A]p [B]q = k(1)p (1)q ...(i)
4.0 × 10-3 = k(2)p (1)q ...(ii)
2.0 × 10-3 = k(1)p (2)q ...(iii)
From Eqs. (i) and (ii), we get
p q

(2)1 = 2p
−3 k(2) (1)
4.0×10
= p q
⇒
−3
2.0×10 k(1) (1)

Hence, p = 1
From Eqs. (i) and (iii), we get
p q
−3 k(1) (2)
2.0×10
−3
= p q
2.0×10 k(1) (1)

⇒ 1 = 2q ⇒ 20 = 2q
Hence, q = 0
i. The order of reaction with respect to A is first order, i.e. r ∝ [A] and with respect to B is zero order,
i.e. r ∝ [B]0.
ii. Overall order is one (1 + 0 = 1).
iii. Rate law equation is, r = k[A][B]0 where, k is rate constant.
iv. Since, r = k[A]. Then rate constant,
= 2 × 10-3 s-1
−3

k= r
=
2×10

[A] 1.0

v. So first either A or B takes part in the reaction to generate reactive intermediate, which the attacks on
other to give the product.
A ⟶ A*
A* + B ⟶ C + D