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Chapter 14: Problem 35

Boron's chemistry is not typical of its group. (a) Cite three ways in which boron and its compounds differ significantly from the other \(3 \mathrm{~A}(13)\) members and their compounds. (b) What is the reason for these differences?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Boron differs by forming covalent bonds, having a high melting point, and creating complex structures. These differences arise due to boron's small size and high ionization energy.

Step by step solution

01

- Understanding the Unique Position of Boron

Identify the unique characteristics and chemical behavior of boron compared to other group 13 elements. Boron is a metalloid, whereas the other group 13 elements (aluminum, gallium, indium, and thallium) are metals.
02

- Identifying Key Differences

List at least three significant differences:1. Boron forms predominantly covalent bonds, while other group 13 elements form ionic bonds.2. Boron has a high melting point and does not conduct electricity, unlike its metallic group members.3. Boron forms complex structures like boranes, whereas other group 13 elements form simpler compounds.
03

- Explaining the Reasons Behind the Differences

Discuss the reasons for these differences. The small size of the boron atom and its high ionization energy make it less likely to lose electrons and form ionic bonds. Additionally, boron's position in the periodic table and its semi-metallic nature contribute to its unusual chemistry.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Group 13 Elements
Group 13 elements in the periodic table include boron (B), aluminum (Al), gallium (Ga), indium (In), and thallium (Tl). Although part of the same group, boron stands out due to its unique properties and behavior.
Boron is classified as a metalloid, unlike its metallic group members. This difference significantly influences its chemical and physical properties.
Here are some important characteristics of the group:
  • Boron is less metallic compared to others in the group.
  • Boron commonly forms covalent bonds, whereas others prefer ionic bonds.
  • Boron has a high melting point and does not conduct electricity, unlike its metallic counterparts.
Covalent Bonds
Covalent bonds are a type of chemical bond where atoms share pairs of electrons.
Boron primarily forms covalent bonds due to its small size and high ionization energy.
Here is a deeper look into covalent bonds:
  • Boron forms molecules like boranes, where electrons are shared between atoms.
  • These bonds are strong and directional, meaning they determine the structure of the molecules.
  • Covalent bonding leads to complex structures, which is why boron compounds are often intricate.
This covalent nature affects not only the physical properties but also the reactivity and types of compounds boron can form.
Ionic Bonds
Ionic bonds occur when one atom donates an electron to another, creating positive and negative ions that attract each other.
Unlike boron, other group 13 elements prefer to form ionic bonds due to their larger atomic sizes and lower ionization energies.
Let's explore some characteristics of ionic bonds:
  • Ionic compounds usually have high melting and boiling points.
  • They typically conduct electricity when molten or dissolved in water.
  • These bonds result in the formation of simpler, less complex structures compared to covalent bonds.
This distinction explains why aluminum, gallium, indium, and thallium form predominantly simpler, ionic compounds.
Boranes
Boranes are a group of compounds consisting of boron and hydrogen.
They showcase boron's ability to form complex structures through covalent bonding.
Important aspects of boranes include:
  • They exhibit unique structures, such as clusters and cage-like shapes.
  • They have varied applications in chemistry, including as reagents and in hydrogen storage.
  • The formation of boranes highlights boron's versatility and its difference from other group 13 elements.
Understanding boranes provides insight into the complex and fascinating nature of boron chemistry.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Boron nitride (BN) has a structure similar to graphite but is a white insulator rather than a black conductor. It is synthesized by heating diboron trioxide with ammonia at about \(1000^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) (a) Write a balanced cquation for the formation of BN; water also forms. (b) Calculate \(\Delta H_{\text {ran }}^{\circ}\) for the production of BN \(\left(\Delta H_{i}^{\circ}\right.\) of \(\mathrm{BN}\) is \(-254 \mathrm{~kJ} / \mathrm{mol})\) (c) Boron is obtained from the mineral borax, \(\mathrm{Na}_{2} \mathrm{~B}_{4} \mathrm{O}_{7} \cdot 10 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\). How much borax is needed to produce \(1.0 \mathrm{~kg}\) of BN, assuming \(72 \%\) yield?

Complete and balance the following: (a) \(\mathrm{NaHSO}_{4}(a q)+\mathrm{NaOH}(a q) \longrightarrow\) (b) \(\mathrm{S}_{8}(s)+\operatorname{excess} \mathrm{F}_{2}(g) \longrightarrow\) (c) \(\mathrm{FeS}(s)+\mathrm{HCl}(a q) \longrightarrow\) (d) \(\mathrm{Te}(s)+\mathrm{I}_{2}(s) \longrightarrow\)

Give the name and symbol or formula of a Group \(3 \mathrm{~A}(13)\) element or compound that fits each description or use: (a) Component of heat-resistant (Pyrex-type) glass (b) Largest temperature range for liquid state of an element (c) Elemental substance with three-center, two-electron bonds (d) Metal protected from oxidation by adherent oxide coat (e) Toxic metal that lies between two other toxic metals.

What is an allotrope? Name two Group \(4 \mathrm{~A}(14)\) elements that exhibit allotropism, and identify two of their allotropes.

How many electrons does a halogen atom need to complete its octet? Give examples of the ways a Cl atom can do so.
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