IMAT Chemistry
Chemistry questions connect particle models to calculations. Build a reliable path from atoms and bonding to balanced reactions, mole ratios, solutions, equilibrium, and organic structure. Write units at every calculation step so you can catch errors before choosing an option.
By MEDichondria · Updated · About our content
Topic map
These topics follow MEDichondria's mapped curriculum. Check the annual MUR syllabus for the binding content scope of your admission cycle.
See Chemistry in the complete syllabus. Physics and Mathematics are separate study tracks here; the 2026 decree grouped their exam questions together.
Study sequence
Step 1
Review atomic structure, electron arrangement, periodic trends, and ionic and covalent bonding. Use structure to explain properties instead of learning trends as isolated statements.
Step 2
Balance equations before using mole ratios. Practise mass-to-mole conversions, gas relationships, and concentration calculations. Separate the amount of solute from the volume of solution.
Step 3
Study equilibrium, kinetics, acids and bases, and redox with their distinct questions: extent, speed, proton transfer, and electron transfer. Recognise functional groups before tackling organic reaction patterns.
Subject focus
Build organic chemistry from bonds and structures before memorising reaction names. This sequence prioritises prerequisites and useful comparisons; it does not claim that any topic is guaranteed to appear or has a measured exam frequency.
Move between molecular, condensed and structural formulas. A molecular formula counts atoms but does not show which atoms are bonded. Check carbon's usual four bonds in neutral introductory structures, distinguish single and multiple bonds, and draw unfamiliar condensed formulas before assigning a functional group.
Compare alkanes, alkenes and alkynes, then identify alcohols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amines and amides. An OH bonded to a saturated carbon can identify an alcohol; an OH within COOH belongs to a carboxylic acid group. Use the full local structure rather than one familiar atom or fragment.
First count the atoms in each structure. Constitutional, or structural, isomers have the same molecular formula but different connectivity. Ethanol and dimethyl ether both have formula C₂H₆O, but their oxygen atoms connect differently. Rotating a drawing without changing connectivity does not create a new constitutional isomer.
Practise naming and recognising functional groups, then compare isomers, polarity and intermolecular forces. Next connect the structures to the reaction patterns and biological molecules required by the official syllabus. Revisit acid–base and redox foundations when a reaction depends on them instead of treating organic and general chemistry as unrelated subjects.
Supporting references, reviewed 15 October 2026: OpenStax: functional groups · OpenStax: alcohols and ethers. These explain concepts; the official annual syllabus defines exam scope.
Common mistakes
Original practice
These introductory IMAT-style teaching examples are written for this guide. They are not official past-paper questions or a prediction of the next exam. Choose an answer and state your reasoning before opening the solution.
Example 1 · Stoichiometry
Answer C: 2.2 g
The starting amount is 5.0 g ÷ 100 g/mol = 0.050 mol. The balanced reaction produces one mole of CO₂ per mole of CaCO₃.
The product mass is 0.050 mol × 44 g/mol = 2.2 g. The ratio 1:1 is a mole ratio, not a mass ratio.
Example 2 · Solutions
Answer B: 0.10 mol/L
The amount of solute is unchanged. Use c₁V₁ = c₂V₂ with volumes in matching units: c₂ = 0.50 × 40/200.
The result is 0.10 mol/L. The final volume is 200 mL, rather than 200 mL added to the starting solution.
Example 3 · Functional groups
Answer D: Carboxylic acid
The carbonyl carbon, C=O, is bonded to an OH group. That combination is the carboxyl group of a carboxylic acid.
An alcohol has an OH group attached to a saturated carbon in this introductory classification. The OH within COOH does not make the acid an alcohol, and a ketone's carbonyl carbon is bonded to two carbon groups.
Example 4 · Structural isomerism
Answer C: They are constitutional isomers
Both formulas contain two carbons, six hydrogens and one oxygen: C₂H₆O. Their molecular formula is the same, but their connectivity differs.
In ethanol the oxygen is bonded to a carbon and a hydrogen; in dimethyl ether it links two carbon groups. That makes them constitutional, or structural, isomers rather than the same compound redrawn.
Learn how to review mistakes and progress to timed IMAT sets.
For further background study: OpenStax Chemistry 2e. This textbook is a supporting resource, not the official IMAT syllabus.
Subject questions
Start with bonding, structural formulas, functional groups and constitutional isomerism. They give you the vocabulary to explain later reactions and biological molecules. Use the official syllabus for the applicable year rather than a preparation site's unsupported list of supposedly frequent questions.
Look for COOH: a carbonyl carbon bonded to an OH group. Classify that local combination as a carboxylic acid group rather than assuming that every OH-containing molecule is an alcohol. A molecule can also contain other functional groups elsewhere.
Structural isomers share a molecular formula but have different atom connectivity. A rotated drawing can represent the same molecule if the bonds connect the same atoms. Counting atoms is necessary, but comparing connectivity is what distinguishes constitutional isomers.
Subject guides
Use these public guides to plan your study order, identify common mistakes, and practise with original questions and explained answers before opening the full workspace.
MEDichondria workspace
Use the full workspace for focused lessons, configurable timed question sets, and saved review progress.
