Chemistry Jamb Syllabus

Candidates should be able to:
i. deduce reason (s) for the existence of air as a mixture.

ii. identify the principle involved in the separation of air components.

iii. deduce reasons for the variation in the composition of air in the environment.

iv. specify the uses of some of the constituents of air.

(a) The natural gaseous constituents and their proportion in the air – nitrogen, oxygen, water vapour, carbon (IV) oxide and the noble gases (argon and neon).

(b) Air as a mixture and some uses of the noble gas.

Candidates should be able to:
i. distinguish between atom, molecules and ions.

ii. assess the contributions of these scientists to the development of the atomic structure.

iii. deduce the number of protons, neutrons and electrons from atomic and mass numbers of an atom.

iv. apply the rules guiding the arrangement of electrons in an atom.

v. identity common elements exhibiting isotopy;
vi. relate isotopy to mass number.

vii. perform simple calculations on relative atomic mass.

viii. determine the number of electrons in s and p atomic orbitals.

ix. relate atomic number to the position of an element on the periodic table.

x. relate properties of groups of elements on the periodic table.

xi. identify reasons for variation in properties across the period.

xii. differentiate between the different types of bonding.

xiii. deduce bond types based on electron configurations.

xiv. relate the nature of bonding to properties of compounds.

xv. apply it in everyday chemistry.

xvi. differentiate between the various shapes of molecules.

xvii. distinguish between ordinary chemical reaction and nuclear reaction.

xviii. differentiate between natural and artificial radioactivity.

xix. compare the properties of the different types of nuclear radiations.

xx. compute simple calculations on the half-life of a radioactive material.

xxi. balance simple nuclear equation.

xxii. identify the various applications of radioactivity.

(a)
1. The concept of atoms, molecules and ions, the works of Dalton, Millikan, Rutherford, Mosely, Thompson and Bohr.

2. Atomic structure, electron configuration, atomic number, mass number and isotopes; specific examples should be
drawn from elements of atomic number 1 to 20.

3. Shapes of s and p orbitals.

(b)

1. The periodic table and periodicity of elements.

2. Presentation of the periodic table with a view to recognizing families of elements e.g. alkali metals, halogens, the noble gases and transition metals.

3. The variation of the following properties should be noticed: ionization energy, ionic radii, electron affinity and electronegativity.

(c)

1. Chemical Bonding: Electrovalency and covalency, the electron configuration of elements and their tendency to attain the noble gas structure.

2. Hydrogen bonding and metallic bonding as special types of electrovalency and covalency respectively.

3. Coordinate bond as a typ of covalent bond as illustrated by complexes like [Fe(CN)₆]_3-, [Fe(CN)₆]4-, [Cu(NH₃)₄]2+ and [Ag(NH₃)₂]+; van der WaalsÂ’ forces should be mentioned as a special type of bonding forces.

(d)

1. Shapes of simple molecules: linear ((₂, O2C₁₂,HCI and CO₂), non-linear (H₂O) and tetrahedral. (CH)

(e) Nuclear Chemistry:

1. Radioactivity (elementary treatment only).

2. Nuclear reactions, simple equations, uses and applications of natural and artificial radioactivity.

Candidates should be able to:
i. perform simple calculations involving formulae, equations/chemical composition and the mole concept.

ii. deduce the chemical laws from given expressions/statements/data.

iii. interpret graphical representations related to these laws.

iv. deduce the stoichiometry of chemical reactions.

(a) Stoichiometry.

(b) Laws of definite and multiple proportions.

(c) Law of conservation of matter.

(d) Gay LussacÂ’s law of combining volumes.

(e) AvogadroÂ’s law.

(f) Chemical symbols, formulae, equations and their uses.

(g) Relative atomic mass based on 12C=12.

(i) The mole concept and AvogadroÂ’s number.

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify the factors that affect the position of equilibrium of a chemical reaction.

ii. predict the effects of each factor on the position of equilibrium.

iii. determine the effects of these factors on equilibrium constant.

(a) Reversible reactions and factors governing the equilibrium position.

(b) Dynamic equilibrium.

(c) Le ChatelierÂ’s principle and equilibrium constant.

(d) Simple examples to include action of steam on iron and N₂O₄ = 2NO₂. No calculation will be required.

Candidates should be able to:
i. classify chemical industri in terms products.

ii. identify raw materials for eacindustry.

iii. distinguish between fine and heav chemicals.

iv. enumerate the relevance of each of theindustries.

v. relate industrial processes to biotechnology.

Chemical industries: Types, raw materials and relevancies; Biotechnology.

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify between electrolytes and non- electrolytes.

ii. perform calculations based on faraday as a mole of electrons.

iii. identify suitable electrodes for different electrolytes.

iv. specify the chemical reactions at the electrodes.

v. determine the products at the electrodes.

vi. identify the factors that affect the product of electrolysis.

vii. specify the different areas of application of electrolysis.

viii. identify the various electrochemical cells.

ix. calculate electrode potentials using half-cell reaction equations.

x. determine the different areas of applications of electrolytic processes.

xi. identify methods used in protecting metals.

(a) Electrolytes and non-electrolytes: FaradayÂ’s laws of electrolysis.

(b)
1. Electrolysis of dilute H₂SO₄, aqueous CuSO₄, CuCl₂ solution, dilute and concentrated NaCl solutions and fused NaCl.

2. Factors affecting discharge of ions at the electrodes.

(c) Uses of electrolysis: Purification of metals e.g. copper and production of elements and compounds (Al, Na, O₂, Cl₂ and NaOH).

(d) Electrochemical cells: Redox series (K, Na, Ca, Mg, AI, Zn, Fe, PbII, H, Cu, Hg, Au,) half-cell reactions and electrode potentials. (Simple calculations only).

(e) Corrosion as an electrolytic process, cathodic protection of metals, painting, electroplating and coating with grease or oil as ways of preventing iron from corrosion.

Candidates should be able to:
i. determine the types of heat changes (?H) in physical and chemical processes.

ii. interpret graphical representations of heat changes.

iii. relate the physical state of a substance to the degree of orderliness.

iv. determine the conditions for spontaneity of a reaction.

v. relate ?H⁰, ?S⁰ and ?G⁰ as the driving forces for chemical reactions.

vi. solve simple problems based on the relationships ?G⁰= ?H⁰ -T?S⁰).

(a) Energy changes(?H) accompanying physical and chemical changes: dissolution of substances in/ or reaction with
water e.g. Na, NaOH, K, NH₄Cl. Endothermic (+?H) and exothermic (-?H) reactions.

(b) Entropy as an order-disorder phenomenon: simple illustrations like mixing of gases and dissolution of salts.

(c) Spontaneity of reactions: ?G⁰ = 0 as a criterion for equilibrium, ?G greater or less than zero as a criterion
for non-spontaneity or spontaneity respectively.

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify the different types of pollution and pollutants.

ii. specify different sources of pollutants.

ii. classify pollutants as biodegradable and non-biodegradable.

iii. specify the effects of pollution on the environment.

v. identify measures for control of environmental pollution.

(a) Sources and effects of pollutants.

(b) Air pollution: Examples of air pollutants such as H₂S, CO, SO₂, oxides of nitrogen, Chlorofluorocarbons and dust.

(c) Water pollution: Sewage and oil pollution should be known.

(d) Soil pollution: Oil spillage, Biodegradable and non-biodegradable pollutants.

Candidates should be able to:
i. apply the theory to distinguish betweensolids, liquids and gases.

ii. deduce reasons for change of state.

iii. draw inferences based on molecular motion.

iv. deduce gas laws from given expressions/statements.

v. interpret graphical representations related to these laws.

vi. perform simple calculations based on these laws, equations and relationships.

(a) An outline of the kinetic theory of matter:
1. Melting

2. Vapourization

3. Boiling

4. Freezing

5. condensation in terms of molecular motion and Brownian movement.

(b)

1. The laws of Boyle, Charles, Graham and Dalton (law of partialpressure); combined gas law, molar volume and atomicity
of gases.

2. The ideal gas equation (PV = nRT).

3. The relationship between vapour density of gases and the relative molecular mass.

Candidates should be able to:
i. specify the general properties of metals.

ii. determine the method of extraction suitable for each metal.

iii. relate the methods of extraction to the properties for the metals.

iv. compare the chemical reactivities of the metals.

v. specify the uses of the metals.

vi. determine specific test for metallic ions.

vii. determine the process for the production of the compounds of these metals.

viii. compare the chemical reactivities of the compounds.

ix. specify the uses of these compounds.

x. specify the chemical composition of cement.

Xi. describe the method of purification of bauxite.

xii. specify the ores of tin.

xiii. relate the method of extraction to its properties.

xiv. specify the uses of tin.

xv. identify the general properties of the first transition metals.

xvi. deduce reasons for the specific properties of the transition metals.

xvii. determine the IUPAC names of simple transition metal complexes.

xviii. determine the suitable method of extraction of iron.

xix. specify the properties and uses of iron.

xx. identify the different forms of iron, their compositions, properties and uses.

Xxi. identify the appropriate method of extraction of copper from its compounds.

xxii. relate the properties of copper and its compound to their uses.

Xxiii. specify the method for the preparation of CuSO₄.

xxiv. specify the constituents and uses of the variousalloys mentioned.

Xxv. compare the properties and uses of alloys to pure metals.

(a) General properties of metals.

(b) Alkali metals e.g. sodium:
1. Sodium hydroxide:- Production by electrolysis of brine, its action on aluminium, zinc and lead ions. Uses including precipitation of metallic hydroxides.

2. Sodium trioxocarbonate (IV) and sodium hydrogen trioxocarbonate (IV): Production by Solvay process, properties and uses, e.g. Na₂CO₃ in the manufacture of glass.

3. Sodium chloride: its occurrence in sea water and uses, the economic importance of sea water and the recovery of sodium chloride.

(c) Alkaline-earth metals, e.g. calcium: Calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide and calcium trioxocarbonate (IV); properties and uses. Preparation of calcium oxide from sea shells.The chemical composition of cement and the setting of mortar; test for Ca²⁺.

(d) Aluminium: Purification of bauxite, electrolytic extraction, properties and uses of aluminium and its compounds; Test for A1³.

(e) Tin: Extraction from its ores; properties and uses.

(f) Metals of the first transition series: Characteristic properties:

1. Electron configuration.

2. Oxidation states.

3. Complexion formation.

4. Formation of coloured ions.

5. Catalysis.

(g) Iron: extraction from sulphide and oxide ores, properties and uses; different forms of iron and their properties and advantages of steel over iron. Test for Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺.

(h) Copper: extraction from sulphide and oxide ores, properties and uses of copper salts, preparation and uses of copper (II) tetraoxosulphate (VI). Test for Cu²⁺.

(i) Alloy: steel, stainless steel, brass, bronze, type- metal, duralumin, soft solder, permallory and alnico(constituents and uses only).

Candidates should be able to:
i. predict reagents for the laboratory and industrial preparation of these gases and their compounds.

ii. identify the properties of the gases and their compounds.

iii. compare the properties of these gases and their compounds.

iv. specify the uses of each gas and its compounds.

v. determine the specific test for each gas and its compounds.

vi. determine specific tests for Cl, SO₄^2-, SO₃^2-, S^2-, NH₄⁴⁺, NO^3-, CO₃^2-, HCO^3-.

vii. predict the reagents for preparation, properties and uses HCl(g) and HCl(aq);
viii. identify the allotropes of oxygen.

ix. determine the significance of ozone to our environment.

x. classify the oxides of oxygen and their properties.

xi. identify the allotropes of sulphur and their uses.

xii. specify the commercial preparation of the acid, its properties and uses.

xi. predicts reagents for the laboratory Preparation for the gas.

xii. predict the reagents for preparation, properties and uses of SO₂ and H₂S;
xiii. specify the preparations of H₂SO₄ and H₂SO₃, their properties and uses.

xiv. specify the laboratory and industrial preparation ofNH₃.

xv. identify the properties and uses of NH₃.

xvi. identify reagents for the laboratory preparation of HNO₃, its properties and uses.

xvii. specify the properties of N₂O, NO, NO₂ gases.

xviii. examine the relevance of nitrogen cycle to the environment.

xix. identify allotropes of carbon.

xx. predict reagents for the laboratory preparation of CO₂.

xxi. specify the properties of CO₂ and its uses.

xxii. determine the reagens for the laboratory preparation of CO.

xxiii. predict the effects of CO on human.

xxiv. identify the different forms of coal.

xxv. determine their uses.

xxvi. specify the products of the destructive distillation of wood and coal.

xxvii. specify the uses of coke and synthetic gas.

(a) Hydrogen: commercial production from water gas and cracking of petroleum fractions, laboratory preparation, properties, uses and test for hydrogen

(b) Halogens: Chlorine as a representative element of the halogen; laboratory preparation, industrial preparation by electrolysis; properties and uses, e.g. water sterilization, bleaching, manufacture of HCl, plastics and insecticides. Hydrogen chloride and Hydrochloric acid: preparation and properties; chlorides and test for chlorides.

(c) Oxygen and Sulphur
1. Oxygen: Laboratory preparation, properties and uses; commercial production from liquid air.

2. Oxides: Acidic,basic, amphoteric and neutral, trioxygen (ozone) as an allotrope and the importance of ozone in the atmosphere.

3. Sulphur: Uses and allotropes; preparation of allotropes is not expected. Preparation, properties and uses of sulphur (IV) oxide; the reaction of SO₂ with alkalis; trioxosulphate (IV) acid and its salts; the effect of acids on salts of trioxosulphate (IV), tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid; commercial preparation (contact process only), properties as a dilute acid, an oxidizing and a dehydrating agent and uses; test for SO₄^2-.

4. Hydrogen sulphide: Preparation and Properties as a weak acid, reducing agent and precipitating agent; test for SO₄^2-.

(d) Nitrogen:

1. Laboratory preparation.

2. Production from liquid air.

3. Ammonia: Laboratory and industrial preparations (Haber Process only), properties and uses, ammonium salts and their uses, oxidation of ammonia to nitrogen (IV) oxide and trioxonitrate (V) acid; test NH₄⁺.

4. Trioxonitrate (V) acid: Laboratory preparation from ammonia; properties and uses; trioxonitrate (V) salt-action of heat and uses; test for NO₃^–.

5. Oxides of nitrogen: Properties; the nitrogen cycle.

(e) Carbon:

1. Allotropes: uses and properties.

2. Carbon (IV) oxide- Laboratory preparation, properties and uses; action of heat on trioxocarbonate (IV) salts and test for CO₃^2-.

3. Carbon (II) oxide: laboratory preparation, properties including its effect on blood; sources of carbon (II) oxide to include charcoal, fire and exhaust fumes.

4. Coal: different types; products obtained from destructive distillation of wood and coal.

5. Coke: gasification and uses; manufacture of synthetic gas and uses.

Candidates should be able to:
i. derive the name of organic compounds from their general formulae.

ii. relate the name of a compound to its structure.

iii. relate the tetravalency of carbon to its ability to form chains of compound (catenation).

iv. classify compounds according to their functional groups.

v. derive empirical formula and molecular formula, from given data.

vi. relate structure/functional groups to specific properties.

vii. derive various isomeric form from a given formula.

viii. distinguish between the different types of isomerism.

ix. classify the various types of hydrocarbon.

x. distinguish each class of hydrocarbon by their properties.

xi. specify the uses of various hydrocarbons.

xii. identify crude oil as a complex mixture of hydrocarbon.

xiii. relate the fractions of hydrocarbon to their properties and uses.

xiv. relate transformation processes to quality improvement of the fractions.

xv. distinguish between various polymerization processes.

xvi. specify the process involved in vulcanization.

xvii. specify chemical test for terminal alkynes.

xviii. distinguish between aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons.

xix. relate the properties of benzene to its structure.

xx. compare the various classes of alkanols.

xxi. determine the processes involved in ethanol production.

xxii. examine the importance of ethanol as an alternative energy provider.

xxiii. differentiate the various classes of alkanols.

xxiv. differentiate between alkanals and alkanones.

xxv. compare the variou types of alkanoic acids.

xxvi. identify natural sources oalkanoates.

xxvii. specify the methods for the production of soap, detergent and margarine.

xxviii. distinguish betweedetergent and soap.

xxix. compare the various classes oalkanamine.

xxx. identify the natural sources of carbohydrats.

xxxi. compare the various classes of carbohydrats.

xxxii. infer the products of hydrolysis and dehydration of carbohydrates.

xxxiii. determine the uses ocarbohydrates.

xxxiv. specify the tests for simple sugars.

xxxv. identify the basic structure of proteins.

xxxvi. specify the methods and products of hydrolysis.

xxxvii. specify the various tests for proteins.

xxxviii. distinguish between natural and synthetic polymers.

xxxix. differentiate between addition and condensation polymerization processes.

xl. classify natural and commercial polymers and their uses.

xli. distinguish between thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics.

An introduction to the tetravalency of carbon, the general formula, IUPAC nomenclature and the determination of
empirical formula of each class of the organic compounds mentioned below:
(a) Aliphatic hydrocarbons.

1. Alkanes:

Homologous series in relation to physical properties, substitution reaction and a few examples and uses of halogenated products.

Isomerism: structural only (examples on isomerism should not go beyond six carbon atoms).

Petroleum:composition,fractional distillation and major products; cracking and reforming, Petrochemicals – starting materials of organic syntheses, quality of petrol and meaning of octane number.

2. Alkenes:

Isomerism: structural and geometric isomerism, additional and polymerization reactions, polythene and synthetic rubber as examples of products of polymerization and its use in vulcanization.

3. Alkynes:

Ethyne – production from action of water on carbides, simple reactions and properties of ethyne.

(b) Aromatic hydrocarbons e.g. benzene – structure, properties and uses.

(c) Alkanols:

Primary, secondary, tertiary – production of ethanol by fermentation and from petroleumby-products. Localexamples of fermentation and distillation, e.g. gin from palm wine and other local sources and glycerol as a polyhydric alkanol. Reactions of OH group – oxidation as a distinguishing test among primary, secondary and tertiary alkanols (Lucas test).

(d) Alkanals and alkanones:

Chemical test to distinguish between alkanals and alkanones.

(e) Alkanoic acids:

Chemical reactions; neutralization and esterification, ethanedioic (oxalic) acid as an example of a dicarboxylic acid and benzene carboxylic acid as an example of an aromatic acid.

(f) Alkanoates:

Formation from alkanoic acids and alkanols – fats and oils as alkanoates. Saponification: Production of soap and
margarine from alkanoates and distinction between detergents and soaps.

(g) Amines (Alkanamines) Primary,Secondar and tertiary.

(h) Carbohydrates:

Classification – mono-, di- and polysaccharides; composition, chemical tests for simple sugars and reaction with concentrated tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid. Hydrolysis ofcomplex sugars e.g. cellulose from cotton and starch from cassava, the uses of sugar and starch in the production of alcoholic beverages, pharmaceuticals and textiles.

(i) Proteins:

Primary structures, hydrolysis and tests (Ninhydrin, Biuret, MillonÂ’s and xanthoproteic) Enzymes and their functions.

(j) Polymers:

Natural and synthetic rubber; addition and condensation polymerization.

Methods of preparation, examples and use Thermoplastic and thermosetting plastics.

Candidates should be able to:
i. identify the various forms of expressing oxidation and reduction.

ii. classify chemical reactions in terms of oxidation or reduction.

iii. balance redox reaction equations.

iv. deduce the oxidation number of chemical species.

v. compute the number of electron transfer in redox reactions.

vi. identify the name of redox species in a reaction.

vii. distinguish between oxidizing and reducing agents in redox reactions.

viii. apply oxidation number in naming inorganic compounds.

ix. relate reagents to their oxidizing and reducing abilities.

(a) Oxidation in terms of the addition of oxygen or removal of hydrogen.

(b) Reduction as removal of oxygen or addition of hydrogen.

(c) Oxidation and reduction in terms of electron transfer.

(d) Use of oxidation numbers. Oxidation and reduction treated as change in oxidation number and use of oxidation numbers in balancing simple equations.

(e) IUPAC nomenclature of inorganic compounds using oxidation number.

(f) Tests for oxidizing and reducing agents.

Candidates should be able to:
(i) distinguish between pure and impure substances.

(ii) use boiling and melting points as criteriafor purity of chemical substances.

(iii) distinguish between elements,compounds and mixture.

(iv) differentiate between chemical and physical changes.

(v) identify the properties of thecomponents of a mixture.

(vi) specify the principle involved in each separation method.

(vii) apply the basic principle of separation processes in everyday life.

(a) Pure and impure substances.

(b) Boiling and melting points.

(c) Elements, compounds and mixtures.

(d) Chemical and physical changes.

(e) Separation processes: evaporation, simple and fractional distillation, sublimation, filtration, crystallization, paper and column chromatography, simple and fractional crystallization, magnetization, decantation.

Candidates should be able to:
(i) distinguish between the different types of solutions.

(ii) interpret solubility curves.

(iii) calculate the amount of solute that can dissolve in a given amount of solvent at a given temperature.

(iv) deduce that solubility is temperature-dependent.

(v) relate nature of solvents to their uses.

(vi) differentiate among true solution, suspension and colloids.

(vii) compare the properties of a true solution and a ‘false’ solution.

(viii) provide typical examples of suspensions and colloids.

(a) Unsaturated, saturated and supersaturated solutions: Solubility curves and simple deductions from them, (solubility
defined in terms of mole per dm³) and simple calculations.

(b) Solvents for fats, oil and paints and the use of such solvents for the removal of stains.

(c) False solution (Suspensions and colloids): Harmattan haze and paints as examples of suspensions and fog, milk,
aerosol spray, emulsion paints and rubber solution as examples of colloids.