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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 · 2025 · Paper II

Q5(c). 290 nm or 450 nm for a reaction through T₁?

Question

A photochemical reaction takes place through the T₁ state. S₀–S₁ and S₀–T₁ energy gaps correspond to 290 nm and 450 nm, respectively. To get an efficient photochemical reaction should we use light of 290 nm or 450 nm? Give your answer presenting the relevant Jablonski diagram.

Answer in brief

Use 290 nm light: S₀ → S₁ is spin-allowed and is followed by fast intersystem crossing to T₁.

Part of VKC Basic

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The full model answer

As written for the answer booklet: the diagram carries the working, the lines stay short. Read here only; it is not offered as a download.

The handwritten model answer pages open with the VKC plan.

CoversJablonski diagramintersystem crossingtriplet statespin-forbidden transitiontriplet sensitiser