JEE Main · Chemistry · Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids
Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives: JEE Main previous year questions
45 questions in the 108 JEE Main shifts Lumi analysed, in 8 of 8 years. Pattern: Asked most years. 10 came in 2024–26. Here is how it is asked and which ideas come back.
- Questions
- 45
- in 39 of 108 shifts
- Years asked
- 8/8
- last asked 2026
- Weighted estimate
- 0.3
- model; history: 0.5 a shift on average, typically 0.2–0.5
Key findings
- 01
Asked in 8 of 8 years with analysed shifts and in 39 of 108 shifts: 45 questions, #68 of 196 topics. It came in every year with analysed shifts.
- 02
35% of its questions since 2020 tested an idea no earlier year had asked; 16 repeated an idea from the year before.
- 03
The most repeated idea is Rosenmund Reduction, asked 6 times in 6 shifts (2020, 2021, 2022, 2024), most often as “match list on reagents for benzaldehyde preparation”.
- 04
JEE Main has asked 15 of the 40 ideas in this topic; 18 have never been asked, directly or inside another question.
- 05
Mostly asked as single correct (40%); 4% need a numerical answer, 29% are easy and 7% hard. It went down from 0.6 to 0.3 questions a shift since 2024.
- 06
The skill tested most is multi-step (38%), then application (29%).
Questions a shift, year by year
Out of the 25 Chemistry questions in a shift. Years differ in how many shifts Lumi analysed, so each year is scaled to one shift.
Raw count: 2017: 2 in 1 shift · 2020: 5 in 12 shifts · 2021: 13 in 24 shifts · 2022: 11 in 24 shifts · 2023: 4 in 12 shifts · 2024: 5 in 18 shifts · 2025: 3 in 8 shifts · 2026: 2 in 9 shifts.
- Up to 2023
- 0.6
- a shift, of 25
- Since 2024
- 0.3
- -0.4
- Usual gap
- 1.3 yrs
- between years asking it
- Shifts with it
- 39/108
- 36% of analysed shifts
How it is asked
Difficulty, format and skill
Across all 45 questions on Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives since 2017.
Difficulty
QUESTIONS- Easy13 · 29%
- Medium29 · 64%
- Hard3 · 7%
Format
SHARE- Single correct · 18 Q40%
- Diagram based · 13 Q29%
- Match the list · 6 Q13%
- Other · 4 Q9%
- Numerical value · 2 Q4%
- Two statements · 2 Q4%
Skill tested
SHARE- Multi-step · 17 Q38%
- Application · 13 Q29%
- Recall · 9 Q20%
- Conceptual · 6 Q13%
Repeats
New idea, or one asked before?
Each column is a year. Blue questions tested an idea no earlier year had asked; navy ones went back to an idea from an earlier year. 2017 is the first year, so everything in it counts as new. Heights are question counts, and Lumi analysed 1 to 24 shifts a year, so compare the split inside a column rather than heights across years.
- Idea asked for the first time
- Idea asked in an earlier year
Coverage of the topic
JEE Main has asked 15 of the 40 ideas in this topic. 18 have never been asked yet.
- Asked directly15 · 38%
- Touched inside another question7 · 18%
- Never asked18 · 45%
Ideas come from Lumi’s JEE syllabus map. A never-asked idea is not a safe skip: across all of JEE Main, 22% of questions since 2024 tested an idea no earlier year had asked.
Drill down
Chapter, idea, question
Every idea JEE Main tested in this topic, with its eight years. Open one to read the questions.
14 ideas inside
Squares are the 8 years with analysed shifts, 2017 to 2026. A number is the questions that year when there is more than one; the shade is scaled to one shift, so a year with more analysed shifts (1 to 24 a year) does not look darker. Share is of the level above.
Ideas
Every idea inside this topic
15 different ideas were tested; 11 came more than once.
match list on reagents for benzaldehyde preparation
Match the list · 6 shiftsreagent identification
Match the list · 5 shiftspredict product of reaction
Diagram based · 4 shiftsidentify reactions giving carboxylic acid
Single correct · 4 shiftspredict product of reaction
Diagram based · 4 shiftspredict product of reaction
Single correct · 4 shiftspredict product of reaction
Diagram based · 4 shiftsidentify compounds in reaction sequence
Single correct · 3 shiftsreagent identification
Diagram based · 3 shifts · 1 numericalpredict product of reaction sequence
Diagram based · 2 shiftspredict product of reaction sequence
Diagram based · 2 shiftsorder/ranking of acidity
Other · 1 shiftchiral centres in intramolecular condensation product
Numerical value · 1 shift · 1 numericalcyclic anhydride from heating dicarboxylic acid
Single correct · 1 shiftidentify unstable derivative in aqueous base
Other · 1 shift
| Idea | Years asked | Times | Shifts | Format | Numerical |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rosenmund Reductionmatch list on reagents for benzaldehyde preparation | 6 | 6 | Match the listRecall | – | |
| Reduction of Acidsreagent identification | 5 | 5 | Match the listApplication | – | |
| Nucleophilic Acyl Substitutionpredict product of reaction | 4 | 4 | Diagram basedMulti-step | – | |
| Carboxylic Acid Synthesis via Grignard and CO2identify reactions giving carboxylic acid | 4 | 4 | Single correctMulti-step | – | |
| Hell-Volhard-Zelinsky Reactionpredict product of reaction | 4 | 4 | Diagram basedRecall | – | |
| Reaction of Esters with Grignard Reagentspredict product of reaction | 4 | 4 | Single correctMulti-step | – | |
| DIBAL-H Selective Reductionpredict product of reaction | 4 | 4 | Diagram basedApplication | – | |
| Fischer Esterificationidentify compounds in reaction sequence | 3 | 3 | Single correctMulti-step | – | |
| Side-Chain Oxidation of Alkylbenzenesreagent identification | 3 | 3 | Diagram basedApplication | 1 | |
| Hydrolysis of Nitrilespredict product of reaction sequence | 2 | 2 | Diagram basedApplication | – | |
| Decarboxylation Reactionspredict product of reaction sequence | 2 | 2 | Diagram basedMulti-step | – | |
| Carboxylic Acid Acidityorder/ranking of acidity | 1 | 1 | OtherConceptual | – | |
| Dieckmann Condensationchiral centres in intramolecular condensation product | 1 | 1 | Numerical valueMulti-step | 1 | |
| Heating Effects on Dicarboxylic Acidscyclic anhydride from heating dicarboxylic acid | 1 | 1 | Single correctConceptual | – | |
| Saponification Mechanism and Kineticsidentify unstable derivative in aqueous base | 1 | 1 | OtherConceptual | – |
Times and shifts count every analysed shift. Across JEE Main, 78% of questions since 2024 went back to an idea an earlier year had asked; the rest were new. All repeated ideas
Every question
Carboxylic Acids and Derivatives questions, year by year
The newest 40 show their opening words as they appeared in the official paper; older ones name the idea they tested. Open one for its options and the official answer.
JEE Main 20262 questions in 2 shifts
- 5 Apr, Shift 2Q65Complete the following reaction sequence and give the name of major product 'P'. …
Idea: Hydrolysis of Nitriles
MediumSingle correct · figure - 8 Apr, Shift 2Q67Consider the following reaction. [figure: N-substituted 2-piperidone (six-membered lactam, C=O adjacent to ring N) with N bonded to…
Idea: Nucleophilic Acyl Substitution
Asked the year beforeHardDiagram based · figure
JEE Main 20253 questions in 3 shifts
- 2 Apr, Shift 1Q67Consider the following molecules : (p) (q) (r)…
Idea: Nucleophilic Acyl Substitution
EasySingle correct · figure - 2 Apr, Shift 2Q68Consider the following reactions. From these reactions which reaction will give carboxylic acid as a major product ? (A)…
Idea: Carboxylic Acid Synthesis via Grignard and CO2
MediumOther · figure - 8 Apr, Shift 2Q69'A'…
Idea: Fischer Esterification
MediumSingle correct · figure
JEE Main 20245 questions in 4 shifts
- 8 Apr, Shift 1Q79Identify the product (P) in the following reaction: [figure: cyclopentanecarboxylic acid]…
Idea: Hell-Volhard-Zelinsky Reaction
Asked the year beforeEasyDiagram based · figure - 8 Apr, Shift 1Q89Major product B of the following reaction has _________ -bond. [figure: ethylbenzene ()]…
Idea: Side-Chain Oxidation of Alkylbenzenes
MediumNumerical value · figure - 9 Apr, Shift 2Q79Major product of the following reaction is [figure: 4-cyanophenyl methyl ester, i.e. benzene ring with CN at one para position and…
Idea: Reaction of Esters with Grignard Reagents
MediumSingle correct · figure - 1 Feb, Shift 1Q76Match List - I with List - II. List - I (Reactions) (A) (B)…
Idea: Reduction of Acids
Asked the year beforeMediumMatch the list - 30 Jan, Shift 1Q76[Reaction: benzoyl chloride (benzene ring bearing C(=O)Cl) benzaldehyde (benzene ring bearing…
Idea: Rosenmund Reduction
EasySingle correct · figure
JEE Main 20234 questions in 4 shifts
- 6 Apr, Shift 1Q77Match List I with List II LIST I (Name of reaction) | LIST II (Reagent used) A. Hell-Volhard-Zelinsky reaction | I. …
Idea: Hell-Volhard-Zelinsky Reaction
Asked the year beforeMediumMatch the list - 8 Apr, Shift 1Q74The major product formed in the following reaction is: [reaction: ortho-disubstituted benzene bearing and…
Idea: Reduction of Acids
Asked the year beforeMediumDiagram based · figure - 8 Apr, Shift 2Q74The descending order of acidity for the following carboxylic acid is- A. B. C.…
Idea: Carboxylic Acid Acidity
New ideaEasyOther - 12 Apr, Shift 1Q78The major product 'P' formed in the following sequence of reactions is [figure: --(i) ,…
Idea: Nucleophilic Acyl Substitution
Asked the year beforeMediumSingle correct · figure
JEE Main 202211 questions in 10 shifts
- 25 Jul, Shift 1Q75Which one of the following reactions does not represent correct combination of substrate and product under the given conditions ?
Idea: DIBAL-H Selective Reduction
Asked the year beforeMediumDiagram based · figure - 25 Jul, Shift 1Q90In the given reaction [cyclopentane ring bearing, on the same carbon, a group and a group, and on the…
Idea: Dieckmann Condensation
New ideaHardNumerical value · figure - 27 Jul, Shift 2Q74Match **List - I** with **List - II**. List - I (A) …
Idea: Rosenmund Reduction
Asked the year beforeMediumMatch the list · figure - 29 Jul, Shift 1Q78Consider the following reaction sequence : [figure: 4-aminobenzonitrile (benzene ring with at top, CN at bottom)…
Idea: DIBAL-H Selective Reduction
Asked the year beforeMediumDiagram based · figure - 30 Jul, Shift 2Q45[figure: six-membered ring with three alternating double bonds bearing Br (printed Br); long arrow; six-membered ring with three…
Idea: Carboxylic Acid Synthesis via Grignard and CO2
Asked the year beforeEasyDiagram based · figure - 24 Jun, Shift 2Q76Hex-4-ene-2-ol on treatment with PCC gives 'A'. 'A' on reaction with sodium hypoiodite gives 'B', which on further heating with soda lime…
Idea: Decarboxylation Reactions
MediumSingle correct - 25 Jun, Shift 2Q77Which of the following conditions or reaction sequence will NOT give acetophenone as the major product ?
Idea: Nucleophilic Acyl Substitution
New ideaMediumDiagram based · figure - 26 Jun, Shift 2Q75The reagent, from the following, which converts benzoic acid to benzaldehyde in one step is [drawn benzene ring with COOH, arrow, drawn…
Idea: Reduction of Acids
Asked the year beforeMediumSingle correct · figure - 27 Jun, Shift 1Q76Which of the following reactions will yield benzaldehyde as a product ? (A) [figure: benzene ring bearing COOH]…
Idea: Rosenmund Reduction
Asked the year beforeMediumOther · figure - 29 Jun, Shift 1Q75Given below are two statements : Statement I : The esterification of carboxylic acid with an alcohol is a nucleophilic acyl substitution.…
Idea: Fischer Esterification
MediumTwo statements - 30 Jun, Shift 1Q74Consider the given chemical reaction [structure: a six-membered saturated carbon ring bearing a C(=O)OH group (carbonyl O drawn above the…
Idea: Hell-Volhard-Zelinsky Reaction
Asked the year beforeEasyDiagram based · figure
JEE Main 202113 questions in 10 shifts
- 4 Aug, Shift 1Q44Identify the reagent in the following reaction. (X = Cl, – Br)
Idea: Hell-Volhard-Zelinsky Reaction
New ideaEasySingle correct · figure - 26 Aug, Shift 1Q48The correct sequential addition of reagents in the preparation of 3-nitrobenzoic acid from benzene is :
Idea: Carboxylic Acid Synthesis via Grignard and CO2
New ideaMediumSingle correct - 26 Aug, Shift 2Q45Match List - I with List - II. List - I (Chemical Reaction) (a) (b)…
Idea: Reduction of Acids
Asked the year beforeMediumMatch the list · figure - 27 Aug, Shift 2Q42Which one of the following reactions will not yield propionic acid ?
Idea: Carboxylic Acid Synthesis via Grignard and CO2
New ideaMediumSingle correct - 27 Aug, Shift 2Q45Given below are two statements : Statement I : Ethyl pent-4-yn-oate on reaction with gives a -alcohol.…
Idea: Reaction of Esters with Grignard Reagents
MediumTwo statements - 24 Feb, Shift 2Q50Match List - I and List - II. List - I | List - II (a) | (i) /NaOH (b)…
Idea: Rosenmund Reduction
Asked the year beforeMediumMatch the list · figure - 25 Feb, Shift 1Q45The major product of the following chemical reaction is : …
Idea: Rosenmund Reduction
Asked the year beforeEasySingle correct - 25 Feb, Shift 1Q46Which one of the following reactions will not form acetaldehyde ?
Idea: DIBAL-H Selective Reduction
MediumSingle correct - 22 Jul, Shift 2Q46Which one of the following compounds will provide a tertiary alcohol on reaction with excess of followed by hydrolysis ?
Idea: Reaction of Esters with Grignard Reagents
MediumDiagram based · figure - 25 Jul, Shift 2Q44[figure: structure labelled "Maleic anhydride"] Maleic anhydride can be prepared by :
Idea: Heating Effects on Dicarboxylic Acids
New ideaEasySingle correct · figure - 16 Mar, Shift 2Q45[figure: 3-methylanisole (benzene ring with CH3 and OCH3 meta to each other) --"A"--> 3-methoxybenzoic acid (benzene ring with COOH and…
Idea: Side-Chain Oxidation of Alkylbenzenes
New ideaEasyDiagram based · figure - 18 Mar, Shift 1Q45[figure: cyclohexyl-C#N --(H2O/H+)--> "A" (Major Product) --(H2O/H+, heat)--> cyclohexyl-COOH] Consider the above chemical reaction and…
Idea: Hydrolysis of Nitriles
New ideaEasyDiagram based · figure - 18 Mar, Shift 1Q46[figure: p-methylanisole (benzene ring with CH3 at top and OCH3 at bottom, para) --(Alkaline KMnO4, then H+)--> "X"] Considering the above…
Idea: Side-Chain Oxidation of Alkylbenzenes
New ideaEasyDiagram based · figure
JEE Main 20205 questions in 5 shifts
- 8 Jan, Shift 1Q39The most suitable reagent for the given conversion is :
Idea: Reduction of Acids
New ideaMediumSingle correct · figure - 3 Sep, Shift 1Q43An organic compound [A], molecular formula was hydrolyzed with dilute sulphuric acid to give a carboxylic acid…
Idea: Fischer Esterification
New ideaMediumSingle correct · figure - 4 Sep, Shift 1 · Q43Decarboxylation ReactionsNew ideaMedium
- 5 Sep, Shift 1 · Q31Saponification Mechanism and KineticsNew ideaMedium
- 6 Sep, Shift 2 · Q29Rosenmund ReductionNew ideaEasy
JEE Main 20172 questions in 1 shift
Questions from the official JEE Main Paper 1 shifts published by NTA (CBSE for 2017). Questions NTA dropped are left out. Topic and idea tags, counts and notes are Lumi’s.