Wiley's J.D. Lee Concise Inorganic Chemistry for JEE (Main & Advanced), 5ed, 2026

Preface iii

Note to the Student v

A Chapter wise Comparative Analysis of JEE Advanced (2014–2024)

Questions with Focus Topics xiii

1. Structure of an Atom 1

1.1 Atoms 1

1.2 Some Important Definitions 2

1.3 Electronic Configuration of an Atom 3

Quantum numbers 4

Aufbau principle 6

Pauli exclusion principle 8

Hund’s rule 9

Stability of half-filled and fully-filled shells 13

Electronic configuration of ions 13

Nodal planes of different orbitals 15

Slater’s rule 15

Single Correct Choice Type Questions 17

Multiple Correct Choice Type Questions 20

Comprehension Type Questions 22

Assertion-Reasoning Type Questions 24

Integer Answer Type Questions 25

Matrix-Match Type Questions 26

Answers 27

2. Periodic Table and Periodic Properties 29

2.1 Periodic Table 29

Genesis of periodic classification 29

Moseley’s work 34

Modern periodic law 34

2.2 Classification of Elements Based on Electronic Configuration 35

Prediction of period and group number of an element from its electronic configuration 36

Neil Bohr’s classification 36

Naming of super heavy elements 36

2.3 Periodic Trends in Properties 37

Atomic radius 37

Ionic radius 40

Ionization energy 41

Applications of ionization energy 43

Electron affinity 43

Electronegativity 45

Lattice Energy 48

Hydration Energy 48

Ionic Mobility 49

Single Correct Choice Type Questions 50

Multiple Correct Choice Type Questions 53

Comprehension Type Questions 54

Assertion–Reasoning Type Questions 57

Integer Answer Type Questions 58

Matrix–Match Type Questions 59

Answers 59

3. Chemical Bonding 61

3.1 Attainment of a Stable Configuration 62

3.2 Types of Bonds 62

3.3 Transitions between the Main Types of Bonding 63

Ionic bonds 63

Covalent bonds 64

Oxidation numbers 65

Coordinate bonds 65

Double and triple bonds 66

Metallic bonds and metallic structures 66

3.4 The Covalent Bond 66

The Lewis theory 66

Sidgwick–Powell theory 68

3.5 Valence Bond theory 68

What is the essence of hybridization? 68

Features of hybrid orbitals 69

Calculation of steric number 70

3.6 Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) Theory

71

Effect of lone pair 71

Effect of double bond 75

Effect of electronegativity 75

Back bonding 77

3.7 The Extent of d Orbital Participation in Molecular Bonding 81

3.8 Types of Covalent Bonds (Sigma (σ ) and Pi (π ) Bonds) 82

Bridge bonding 85

3.9 Molecular Orbital Method 87

3.10 Lcao Method 87

s–s combinations of orbitals 88

s–p combinations of orbitals 89

p–p combinations of orbitals 90

p–d combinations of orbitals 91

d–d combinations of orbitals 91

Non-bonding combinations of orbitals 91

3.11 Rules for Linear Combination of Atomic Orbitals 92

3.12 Examples of Molecular Orbital Treatment for Homonuclear Diatomic Molecules 94

H2

+ molecule ion 95

H2 molecule 95

He2

+ molecule ion 95

He2 molecule 96

Li2 molecule 96

Be2 molecule 96

B2 molecule 96

C2 molecule 96

N2 molecule 97

O2 molecule 97

O−

2 ion 97

F2 molecule 98

3.13 Examples of Molecular Orbital Treatment for Heteronuclear

Diatomic Molecules 98

NO molecule 99

CO molecule 99xvii

3.14 Dipole Moment 100

Applications of dipole moment 102

Some special cases 104

3.15 The Ionic Bond 106

Radius ratio rules 106

Calculation of some limiting radius ratio values 107

3.16 Born–Haber Cycle 108

3.17 Polarizing Power and Polarizability – Fajans’ Rules 110

Properties of ionic compounds affected by polarization 111

3.18 Melting Point of Ionic Compounds 111

3.19 Solubility of Ionic Compounds 114

Prediction of solubility order in ionic compounds 115

3.20 Electrical Conductivity and Colour 117

3.21 Acidic Nature of Oxides 118

3.22 Thermal Stability of Ionic Compounds 118

3.23 Weak Forces 119

Attractive intermolecular forces 119

Repulsive intermolecuar forces 122

Lennard–Jones potential 122

3.24 Interactions between Ions and Covalent Molecules

122

3.25 The Metallic Bond 123

Conductivity 123

Lustre 124

Malleability and cohesive force 124

Crystal structures of metals 126

Bond lengths 127

3.26 Theories of Bonding in Metals 128

Free electron theory 128

Valence bond theory 128

Molecular orbital or band theory 128

3.27 Conductors, Insulators and Semiconductors 130

Single Correct Choice Type Questions 131

Multiple Correct Choice Type Questions 135

Comprehension Type Questions 138

Assertion–Reasoning Type Questions 143

Integer Answer Type Questions 144

Matrix–Match Type Questions 145

Answers 146

4. Hydrolysis 149

4.1 Introduction 149

4.2 Hydrolysis Through Sn1 Mechanism 149

4.3 Hydrolysis Through Sn2 Mechanism 150

4.4 Hydrolysis Through Addition–Elimination Mechanism 153

4.5 Hydrolysis Through Addition Mechanism 154

4.6 Hydrolysis Through Redox Reaction 154

4.7 Hydrolysis Through Push–Pull Mechanism 155

4.8 Hydrolysis Through Mixed Mechanism 156

Single Correct Choice Type Questions 157

Multiple Correct Choice Type Questions 159

Comprehension Type Questions 160

Assertion–Reasoning Type Questions 161

Integer Answer Type Questions 161

Matrix–Match Type Questions 162

Answers 163

5. Coordination Compounds 165

5.1 Double Salts and Coordination

Compounds 165

5.2 Werner’s Work 166

5.3 More Recent Methods of Studying Complexes 167

5.4 Classification of Ligands 169

5.5 Effective Atomic Number (EAN) 172

Sidgwick EAN rule 173

5.6 Shapes of d Orbitals 174

5.7 Bonding in Transition Metal Complexes 175

Valence bond theory 175

Crystal field theory 175

Molecular orbital theory 175

5.8 Valence Bond Theory 175

5.9 Crystal Field Theory 176

Octahedral complexes 177

5.10 Effects of Crystal Field Splitting 182

5.11 Tetragonal Distortion of Octahedral Complexes (Jahn-Teller Distortion) 183

5.12 Square Planar Arrangements 185

5.13 Tetrahedral Complexes 187

5.14 Magnetism 189

5.15 Extension of the Crystal Field Theory to Allow for Some Covalency 190

5.16 Nomenclature of Coordination Compounds 190

5.17 Isomerism 193

Polymerization isomerism 193

Ionization isomerism 193

Hydrate isomerism 193

Linkage isomerism 194

Coordination isomerism 194

Coordination position isomerism 195

Geometrical isomerism and optical isomerism 195

Single Correct Choice Type Questions 200

Multiple Correct Choice Type Questions 203

Comprehension Type Questions 204

Assertion–Reasoning Type Questions 206

Integer Answer Type Questions 207

Matrix–Match Type Questions 208

Answers 209

6. Metallurgy 211

6.1 Types of Ores 212

6.2 Principal Steps in the Recovery of a Metal from Its Ore 213

6.3 Concentration or Dressing of Ore 213

Gravity separation or levigation 214

Magnetic separation 214

Froth floatation or oil floatation 214

Chemical method of separation: Leaching 216

6.4 Conversion of Concentrated Ore into Its Oxide 216

Calcination 216

Roasting 216

6.5 Different Reduction Processes 217

Carbon reduction 217

Self reduction 218

Thermite reduction (or Goldschmidt-Thermite process) 218

Metal replacement method (Hydrometallurgy) 219

Electrolytic reduction 219

Thermal decomposition method 220

6.6 Purification or Refining of Metal 220

Thermal refining 220

Electrorefining 222

6.7 Thermodynamics of Reduction Process 223

6.8 Alloys and Amalgams 225

Classification of alloys 225

Characteristics of alloys 226

Preparation of alloys 226

Amalgam 227

6.9 Different Types of Furnaces Used in Metallurgy 227

6.10 Extraction of Silver 228

Refining of Ag 229

6.11 Extraction of Gold by Cyanide Process 229

Refining of Au 229

6.12 Extraction of Tin 230

Refining of Sn 231

6.13 Extraction of Magnesium 231

Electrolytic reduction 231

Carbon reduction process 233

Other processes 233

6.14 Extraction of Aluminium 233

Beneficiation of bauxite 234

Electrolytic reduction of pure Al2O3 236

Electrorefining of aluminium 237

6.15 Extraction of Lead 238

Carbon reduction 238

Self reduction process 240

Refining of lead 240

6.16 Extraction of Copper 240

Refining of blister copper 242

6.17 Extraction of Zinc 242

6.18 Extraction of Iron 244

Purification of iron or preparation of wrought iron 245

Steel making 246

Single Correct Choice Type Questions 247

Multiple Correct Choice Type Questions 249

Comprehension Type Questions 250

Assertion–Reasoning Type Questions 253

Integer Answer Type Questions 253

Matrix–Match Type Questions 254

Answers 255

7. Qualitative Salt Analysis 257

Tests for Acid Radicals 258

7.1 Action of Dilute Acids 258

7.2 Tests for CO2

3

−/HCO−

3 and SO2

3

−/HSO−

3 Radicals 259

Distinction between carbonate and bicarbonate 260

Detection of carbonate and bicarbonate when both are present together

261

Distinction between sulphite and bisulphite 264

Some other tests for SO3

2− ions 264

7.3 Tests for Sulphide (S2−) Radical 266

7.4 Tests for Thiosulphate (S2O3

2−) Radical 267

7.5 Tests for Nitrite (NO2

− ) Radical 269

7.6 Tests for Acetate, Formate and Oxalate Radicals 271

Specific test for acetate (cacodyl oxide test) 273

Specific test for formate (mercury (II) formate test) 273

Specific tests for oxalate 274

Another test for oxalate 274

7.7 Tests for Halide (Cl−, Br−, I−) Radicals 274

Specific test for Cl − (chromyl chloride test) 276

Specific test for Br− and I − (layer test) 276

Other test for Br− 276

Other tests for I − 277

7.8 Tests for Nitrate (NO3

−) Radical 278

7.9 Tests for Sulphate (SO2

4

−) Radical 279

7.10 Tests for Borate (BO3

3

−) Radical 280

7.11 Tests for Phosphate (PO3

4

−) Radical 281

7.12 Tests for Chromate (CrO2

4

−) and Dichromate (Cr2O2

7

−) Radicals 282

7.13 Tests for Permanganate (MnO−

4) and Manganate (MnO2

4

−) Radicals 284

Tests for Basic Radicals 285

7.14 Dry Tests for Basic Radicals 285

Heating effects on the dry sample 285

Flame test 287

Borax bead test 287

Sodium carbonate bead test 288

7.15 Wet Tests for Basic Radicals 288

Classification of cations (group analysis) 288

7.16 Some General Tests for Cations 290

Tests for group V cations 298

Tests for group VI and zero group cations 299

7.17 Specific Tests for Some Cations 300

Heating Effects 301

Single Correct Choice Type Questions 304

Multiple Correct Choice Type Questions 307

Comprehension Type Questions 308

Assertion–Reasoning Type Questions 311

Integer Answer Type Questions 312

Matrix–Match Type Questions 313

Answers 314

8. Hydrogen and the Hydrides 317

8.1 Electronic Structure 317

8.2 Position in the Periodic Table 318

8.3 Abundance of Hydrogen 318

8.4 Preparation of Hydrogen 318

8.5 Properties of Molecular Hydrogen 319

Physical properties 319

Chemical properties 319

Use of hydrogen as fuel 320

8.6 Isotopes of Hydrogen 321

8.7 Ortho and Para Hydrogen 322

8.8 Hydrides 323

Ionic or salt-like hydrides 323

Covalent hydrides 324xxi

Metallic (or interstitial) hydrides 325

Intermediate hydrides 326

8.9 The Hydrogen Ion 326

8.10 Hydrogen Bonding 326

Intermolecular hydrogen bonding 327

Intramolecular hydrogen bonding 330

Strength of hydrogen bonding 333

Extent of hydrogen bonding 334

Special cases of hydrogen bonding 334

Single Correct Choice Type Questions 335

Multiple Correct Choice Type Questions 336

Comprehension Type Questions 336

Assertion–Reasoning Type Questions 337

Integer Answer Type Questions 338

Matrix–Match Type Questions 338

Answers 339

9. The s-Block Elements and their Compounds 341

Group 1 – The Alkali Metals 342

9.1 General Properties 342

Electronic structure 342

Size of atoms and ions 342

Density 342

Ionization energy 343

Electronegativity and bond type 343

9.2 Structures of the Metals, Hardness and Cohesive Energy 344

Melting and boiling points 344

9.3 Flame Colours and Spectra 345

9.4 Colour of Compounds 345

9.5 Chemical Properties 346

Reaction with water 346

Reaction with air 347

Reaction with dinitrogen 347

9.6 Oxides, Hydroxides, Peroxides and Superoxides 347

Reaction with air 347

Normal oxides – monoxides 347

Hydroxides 347

Peroxides and superoxides 348

9.7 Sulphides 349

9.8 Oxosalts – Carbonates, Bicarbonates, Nitrates, Nitrites and Sulphates 350

9.9 Halides and Polyhalides 351

9.10 Hydrides 351

9.11 Solubility and Hydration 352

9.12 Solutions of Metals in Liquid Ammonia 354

9.13 Compounds with Carbon 355

9.14 Complexes, Crowns and Crypts 355

9.15 Biological Importance 357

9.16 Differences between Lithium and the Other Group 1 Elements 357

9.17 Preparation of Sodium Hydroxide 359

9.18 Electrolytic Processes 359

Diaphragm cell 359

Mercury cathode cell 360

9.19 Preparation of Sodium Carbonate 361

9.20 The Solvay (Or Ammonia – Soda) Process 361

Group 2 – The Alkaline Earth Elements 361

9.21 General Properties 362

Electronic structure 362

Size of atoms and ions 362

Ionization energy 363

Electronegativity 363

Hydration energies 363

Solubility and lattice energy 364

Solutions of the metals in liquid ammonia 364

9.22 Anomalous Behaviour of Beryllium 365

9.23 Chemical Properties 366

Reaction with water 366

9.24 Hydroxides 367

9.25 Hardness of Water 367

9.26 Reaction with Acids and Bases 368

9.27 Oxides and Peroxides 368

9.28 Sulphates 370

9.29 Nitrates 370

9.30 Hydrides 371

9.31 Halides 371

9.32 Nitrides 372

9.33 Carbides 372

9.34 Complexes 373

9.35 Biological Role of Mg2+ and Ca2+ 375

9.36 Differences between Beryllium and the Other Group 2 Elements 375

Single Correct Choice Type Questions 376

Multiple Correct Choice Type Questions 377

Comprehension Type Questions 378

Assertion–Reasoning Type Questions 379

Integer Answer Type Questions 379

Matrix–Match Type Questions 380

Answers 380

10. The p-Block Elements and their Compounds 383

Part 1: The Group 13 Elements 384

10.1 Oxidation States and Types of Bonds 384

The (+III) oxidation state 384

The (+I) oxidation state – the ‘inert pair effect’ 384

10.2 General Properties 385

Melting points, boiling points and structures 385

Size of atoms and ions 386

Electropositive character 386

Ionization energy 387

10.3 Preparation of Boron 387

10.4 Reactions of Boron 388

10.5 Reactions of the Other Elements 388

Reaction with water and air 389

Reaction with acids and alkalis 389

Reaction with dioxygen 389

Reaction with the halogens and sulphate 389

Alums 390

Cement 390xxiii

10.6 Compounds of Boron and Oxygen 390

Boron sesquioxide and the borates 390

Acidic properties of H3BO3 or B(OH)3 391

Structures of borates 392

Borax 393

Sodium peroxoborate 394

Qualitative analysis of boron compounds 394

Fluoroboric acid 395

10.7 The Other Group 13 Oxides 395

Preparation of Al2O3 395

Amphoteric behaviour – aluminates 395

10.8 Tetrahydridoborates (Borohydrides) 395

10.9 Halides 397

Trihalides 397

Dihalides 399

10.10 Complexes 399

10.11 Differences between Boron and the Other Elements

(Anomalous Behaviour of Boron) 399

10.12 Boron Hydrides 400

Compounds known 400

Preparation 400

10.13 Reactions of the Boranes 401

Hydroboration 401

Reaction with ammonia 402

Some other reactions of boranes 404

10.14 Structures of the Boranes 404

10.15 Organometallic Compounds 404

Single Correct Choice Type Questions 405

Multiple Correct Choice Type Questions 405

Comprehension Type Questions 405

Assertion–Reasoning Type Questions 406

Integer Answer Type Questions 406

Matrix–Match Type Questions 407

Answers 407

Part 2: The Group 14 Elements 409

10.16 Structure and Allotropy of the Elements 409

10.17 Differences between Carbon, Silicon and the Remaining

Elements 411

10.18 Physical Properties 411

Covalent radii 411

Ionization energy 412

Melting points 412

Metallic and non-metallic character 412

Four-covalent compounds 412

10.19 Chemical Reactivity 412

Inert pair effect 413

10.20 Carbides 413

Salt-like carbides 413

Interstitial carbides 414

Covalent carbides 414

10.21 Oxygen Compounds of Carbon 414

Carbon monoxide CO 414

Carbon dioxide CO2 417

Carbon suboxides 418

10.22 Carbonates 419

10.23 Sulphides of Carbon 419

10.24 Oxides of Silicon 420

10.25 Oxides of Tin and Lead 421

Oxides of Tin 421

Oxides of Lead 422

10.26 Silicates 424

Occurrence in the Earth’s crust 424

Soluble silicates 424

10.27 Classification of Silicates 425

Orthosilicates (neso-silicates) 425

Pyrosilicates (soro-silicates, disilicates) 425

Cyclic silicates 425

Chain silicates 426

Sheet silicates (phyllo-silicates) 427

Three-dimensional silicates 428

10.28 Glass 429

10.29 Organosilicon Compounds and the Silicones 430

Organosilicon compounds 430

Preparation of organosilicon compounds 430

Silicones 430

10.30 Hydrides of Silicon 433

10.31 Complexes 434

10.32 Internal π Bonding Using d Orbitals 435

10.33 Halides 436

Tetrahalides 436

Catenated halides 438

Dihalides 439

10.34 Organic Derivatives 439

Single Correct Choice Type Questions 439

Multiple Correct Choice Type Questions 440

Comprehension Type Questions 440

Assertion–Reasoning Type Questions 441

Integer Answer Type Questions 441

Matrix–Match Type Questions 442

Answers 442

Part 3: The Group 15 Elements 444

10.35 General Properties and Structures of the Elements

444

Nitrogen 444

Phosphorus 445

Bond type 445

Metallic and non-metallic character 446

Reactivity 446

10.36 Hydrides 447

Ammonia NH3 447

Phosphine PH3 448

Arsine AsH3, stibine SbH3 and bismuthine BiH3 449

Structure of the hydrides 449

Donor properties 450

Hydrazine N2H4 450

Hydroxylamine NH2OH 452

10.37 Liquid Ammonia as a Solvent 453

10.38 Hydrogen Azide and the Azides 454xxv

10.39 Nitrogen Fixation 455

Cyanamide pro