Named Reactions You Must Remember for Board Exams 2026: The Ultimate Chemistry Guide

Introduction

In the 2026 Board Exam pattern, Organic Chemistry carries a significant weightage of approximately 33%–35% of the total theory marks. For students aiming for top-tier engineering or medical colleges, the section on “Named Reactions” is the backbone of the paper.

These reactions are frequently asked as:

• Direct theory questions

  
  

• Conversion-based problems

  
  

• “Identify A, B, and C” sequences

  
  

According to recent trends examiners are moving toward application-based questions, but the foundation still lies in classic named reactions.

This guide provides a comprehensive list of Named Reactions You Must Remember for Board Exams, complete with official formulas and exam-oriented tips.

Official Analysis: Why Named Reactions Are Important

Based on an analysis of the last 10 years of board papers (2016–2025), named reactions appear in the following formats:

• Direct Questions:“Write a note on Sandmeyer Reaction.” (2 marks)

• Conversions:“Convert Aniline to Chlorobenzene.” (3 marks)

• Distinction Tests:Reactions like the Iodoform test (2 marks)

• Mechanism-Based Questions:5-mark questions involving Aldol or Esterification mechanisms

Chapter-Wise Important Named Reactions for 2026

1. Haloalkanes and Haloarenes

This chapter introduces functional group interconversion.

Finkelstein Reaction

A halogen exchange reaction used to prepare alkyl iodides.

R–X+NaIdry acetone​R–I+NaX(where X=Cl or Br)

Swarts Reaction

Used to synthesize alkyl fluorides using metallic fluorides such as AgF, Hg₂F₂, or CoF₂.

CH3​–Br+AgF⟶CH3​–F+AgBr

Wurtz–Fittig Reaction

A coupling reaction between an aryl halide and an alkyl halide.

C6​H5​–X+2Na+R–Xdry ether​C6​H5​–R+2NaX

2. Alcohols, Phenols, and Ethers

Phenols are medically significant, making these reactions favorites for Board and NEET exams.

Reimer–Tiemann Reaction

Phenol reacts with chloroform and NaOH to introduce an aldehyde group at the ortho position.

C6​H5​OH+CHCl3​+3NaOH⟶o-C6​H4​(OH)CHO+3NaCl+2H2​O

Product: Salicylaldehyde

Kolbe’s Reaction

Phenoxide ion reacts with CO₂ to form Salicylic acid, a key ingredient of Aspirin.

Williamson Ether Synthesis

Involves $S_N2$ attack of an alkoxide ion on a primary alkyl halide.

R–O−Na++R′–X⟶R–O–R′+NaX

3. Aldehydes, Ketones, and Carboxylic Acids

This is the “Powerhouse” chapter. Mastering these Named Reactions You Must Remember for Board Exams can secure nearly 10 marks.

Aldol Condensation

Aldehydes or ketones with at least one α-hydrogen react in dilute alkali to form β-hydroxy aldehydes.

Cannizzaro Reaction

A disproportionation reaction of aldehydes without α-hydrogen.

2HCHO+conc. KOH⟶CH3​OH+HCOOK

Rosenmund Reduction

R–COCl+H2​Pd/BaSO4​​R–CHO+HCl

Hell–Volhard–Zelinsky (HVZ) Reaction

Used for α-halogenation of carboxylic acids.

R–CH2​–COOH(i) X2​/Red P(ii) H2​O​R–CH(X)–COOH

4. Amines

Amines are essential for the synthesis of dyes and drugs.

Gabriel Phthalimide Synthesis

Used to prepare primary aliphatic amines only. Not applicable for aryl amines.

Hoffmann Bromamide Degradation

A method to shorten the carbon chain by one carbon atom

General Reaction:

R–CONH2​+Br2​+4NaOH⟶R–NH2​+Na2​CO3​+2NaBr+2H2​O

Carbylamine Reaction

Used as a test for primary amines (produces a foul-smelling isocyanide).

Summary Table for Quick Revision

Reaction Name	Reagent	Key Product	Board Exam Frequency
Sandmeyer	Cu₂Cl₂ / HCl	Chlorobenzene	Very High
Etard	CrO₂Cl₂	Benzaldehyde	High
Clemmensen	Zn–Hg / HCl	Alkane	Moderate
Wolff–Kishner	NH₂NH₂ / KOH	Alkane	Moderate
Friedel–Crafts	AlCl₃ (anhydrous)	Alkyl/Acyl Benzene	Extremely High

Pro-Tips for 2026 Board Aspirants

• Focus on Reagents:Example question: “What is the role of Pd/BaSO₄ in Rosenmund reduction?”

  
  

• Visual Maps:Create a reaction chart starting from Benzene and place it near your study desk.

  
  

• Medical Entrance Sync:For NEET 2026, focus on stereochemistry, such as Walden inversion in S_N2 reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which Named Reactions You Must Remember for Board Exams are most important for NEET?

For NEET, focus on reactions involving carbon skeleton changes, such as:

• Hoffmann Bromamide (carbon decrease)

  
  

• Aldol and Wurtz reactions (carbon increase)

  
  

How do I distinguish between Aldol and Cannizzaro reactions in the exam?

Check for α-hydrogen:

• Present: Aldol reaction (e.g., Acetaldehyde)

  
  

• Absent: Cannizzaro reaction (e.g., Benzaldehyde)

  
  

Are these reactions enough for the 2026 Chemistry paper?

These are the most important, but you should also revise:

• Physical properties

  
  

• IUPAC nomenclature(as per NCERT 2026 syllabus updates)

  
  

Conclusion

Mastering these Named Reactions You Must Remember for Board Exams is the fastest way to move from an average score to a merit rank in 2026

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