Yes, pure chemistry can be a challenging subject.
Based on the provided reference, pure chemistry has a reputation for being difficult, especially when compared to other science subjects at the 'O' levels. The reference states: "Pure chemistry has traditionally been one of the tougher science subjects to excel at for 'O' levels, in comparison to its counterparts in physics and biology." (09-Sept-2020). This suggests that students often find chemistry concepts and problem-solving more demanding than those encountered in physics or biology at that educational level.