Group 13 Boron Anomaly
Easychemistry
Which property distinguishes boron from other Group 13 elements?
Select the correct option:
Solution
Incorrect! Answer:
Predominantly forms covalent compounds
- Atomic Features: Boron is exceptionally small and has very high ionization enthalpies (sum of IE1+IE2+IE3).
- Bonding Tendency: Due to these factors, it is energetically unfavorable for Boron to lose three electrons to form a B3+ ion.
- Covalent Nature: Consequently, Boron almost exclusively shares electrons to form covalent bonds.
- Comparison: Heavier elements in Group 13 (Al,Ga,In,Tl) have larger sizes and lower ionization energies, allowing them to form ionic compounds (especially Al3+) more readily.
- Metalloid Character: Boron is a non-metal/metalloid, while the rest are metals.
🔒 Solution Hidden from View
Submit your answer to unlock the detailed step-by-step solution.
About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- p-block elements
- Topic
- group 13 boron anomaly
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
Predominantly forms covalent compounds
- Atomic Features: Boron is exceptionally small and has very high ionization enthalpies (sum of IE1+IE2+IE3).
- Bonding Tendency: Due to these factors, it is energetically unfavorable for Boron to lose three electrons to form a B3+ ion.
- Covalent Nature: Consequently, Boron almost exclusively shares electrons to form covalent bonds.
- Comparison: Heavier elements in Group 13 (Al,Ga,In,Tl) have larger sizes and lower ionization energies, allowing them to form ionic compounds (especially Al3+) more readily.
- Metalloid Character: Boron is a non-metal/metalloid, while the rest are metals.
This easy difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter p-block elements, covering the topic of group 13 boron anomaly. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
Looking for more practice? Explore all chemistry questions or browse p-block elements questions on RankGuru.