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UPSC Civil Services (Mains)

Chemistry optional

  • 2 papers
  • 250 marks each
  • 3 h per paper
  • 5 of 8 questions, Q1 and Q5 compulsory

Paper II covers organic chemistry and spectroscopy.

UPSC Civil Services (Mains), Chemistry optional · 2021 · Paper II

Q8(b)(ii). Two UV bands of acetone

Question

The UV spectrum of acetone exhibits two signals of different intensities, one at λmax 280 nm and the other at λmax 190 nm. Assign the corresponding electronic transitions to the observed signals.

Answer in brief

280 nm (weak, ε ≈ 15) is the n → π* transition of C=O; 190 nm (strong, ε ≈ 1000) is the π → π* transition.

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CoversUV spectroscopyn→π* transitionπ→π* transitionacetoneλmaxmolar absorptivity