Chemical Properties of Group 13 Elements

Group 13 of the periodic table is referred to as the Boron group. The elements in this group include Boron, Aluminium, Gallium, Indium, and Thallium. Each element in group 13 has three valence electrons. Boron is the only metalloid in this group; every other compound is a metal. Let’s look at the questions and notes on the chemical properties of group 13 elements.

Chemical Properties of Group 13 Elements

• • Group 13 reactivity towards oxygen 

  All  group 13 elements at high temperatures react and form trioxides, M₂O₃.  

                               4M (s) + 0₂ (g) →  2M₂0₃(s)

  The reaction of Ti with oxygen produces Ti₂O. Along with that another compound, Ti₂O₃, is also produced. On moving down the group, elements of group 13 start reacting more vigorously with oxygen. 

  The boron in crystalline form does not react towards oxygen. Finely split amorphous boron combines with oxygen to generate B₂O₃when heated. Aluminium should react with air thermodynamically, but it does not. In this case, it is because Al₂0₃forms a protective layer on the surface of the metal, rendering it inert.   

  • Reactivity towards Acids and Alkalis

  At higher temperatures boron, reacts with strong oxidising acids like a highly concentrated mixture of H₂SO₄and HN0₃to produce boric acid, but it does not react with non-oxidising acids like HCl.                           

  B (s) + 3HN0₃(aq)→H₃BO₃+ 3N0₂(g)

  Boron does not react with alkali (NaOH and KOH) up to 773 K. If we further increase the temperature, it forms borates.

  2B (s) + 6K0H (s) → 2K₃B0₃(s) + 3H₂(g)

  The other elements of group 13 react with both non-oxidizing and oxidising acids, releasing hydrogen gas.

  • The reactivity of group 13 to halogens  

  They react with halogens to form trihalides MX₃ at high temperatures. While on the other hand, Ti only produces TiF₃and TiCl₃. 

  2M (s) + 3X₂(g) – 2MX₃

  • Reactivity towards water 

  Water or steam does not react with boron and vice versa, but it does react with steam at very high temperatures.

  2B + 3H₂0 → B₂0₃+ 3H₂

  Aluminium decomposes cold water to produce hydrogen gas in the absence of an oxide layer. Gallium and indium will only react with water in the presence of oxygen gas. In moist air, thallium produces TiOH.

  4Ti + 2H₂0 + 0₂→ 4TiOH                                                 

  • Reactivity towards Metal 

  When boron reacts with metals, it forms borides. Group 13’s remaining elements are apprehensive of mixing with metals. The nonmetallic character of the boron is depicted in this method. 

  3Mg + 2B → Mg₃B₂                                                 

  • Toxicity 

  At sufficient levels, any elements in the boron group can be considered dangerous. Some are just hazardous to animals, while others are only damaging to plants, yet others are harmful to both animals and plants. As per the scientific studies, it has been found that the detrimental effects of Boron include reduced shoot and root growth, decreased cell division, and photosynthetic suppression. 

  Moreover, it also leads to poor chlorophyll production, reduced proton extrusion from roots, decreased stomatal conductance, and the deposition of suberin and lignin.

  Aluminium is not harmful in small doses, but slightly dangerous in large concentrations. Although gallium is not dangerous, it can have some side effects. Although indium is not hazardous and may be handled similarly as gallium, some of its derivatives can be harmful in small doses.

Conclusion

The boron family refers to the group of elements that contain the element boron, or B. It belongs to the periodic table’s 13th group, and its electronic configuration is ns2 np1. The physical and chemical properties of group 13 elements seem to follow a particular trend. The reactivity of these elements decreases down the group.