Metals and their Compounds

Contents & notes: what this topic covers

Under Metals and their Compounds, the JAMB Chemistry syllabus expects you to study:

• 15. Metals and their Compounds
• (a) General properties of metals
• (b) Alkali metals e.g. sodium
• (i) Sodium hydroxide:- Production by electrolysis of brine, its action on aluminium, zinc and lead ions.
• Uses including precipitation of metallic hydroxides
• (ii) Sodium trioxocarbonate (IV) and sodium hydrogen trioxocarbonate (IV): Production by Solvay process, properties and uses, e.g.
• Na2CO3 in the manufacture of glass.
• (iii) Sodium chloride: its occurrence in sea water and uses, the economic importance of sea water and the recovery of sodium chloride, test for Na+
• (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:
• (i) electron configuration
• (ii) oxidation states
• (iii) complex ion formation
• (iv) formation of coloured ions
• (v) catalysis
• (g) Iron Extraction from sulphide and oxide ores, properties and uses, different forms of iron, 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.
• 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)

Study notes & guidance

Study Metals and their Compounds using a recommended Chemistry textbook that follows the JAMB syllabus. Work through the contents listed above one by one, make brief notes in your own words, and then practise as many questions on this topic as you can — in Chemistry, understanding and steady practice matter far more than memorising. Use the objectives below as a checklist: if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Objectives — candidates should be able to

After studying Metals and their Compounds, you should be able to:

1. (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 various alloys mentioned; and (xxv) compare the properties and uses of alloys to pure metals.

These objectives are from the official JAMB syllabus. Use them as a checklist — if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Source: official JAMB UTME Chemistry syllabus (IBASS, jamb.gov.ng). Reproduced for study use. Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.