Anomalous Properties of Boron

The p-Block elements of the periodic table have six subgroups. Boron, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, fluorine and helium are the names of the subgroups. In all of these elements, the shells of three p-orbitals are entered by the last electron. Except for Helium, the general configuration is ns2np1-6. The first element of the group is Boron. Because boron is the first element, it shows anomalous behaviour. Boron is light in weight. It forms only covalent bonds, and these covalent bonds result in the formation of a white powdery mineral called borax and a very hard crystal which is called boron carbide. The anomalous properties of boron are discussed below.

A short brief on Boron

Boron, the first element of the p-block elements of the periodic table, has exceptional properties, thus the term anomalous properties of boron. The electron configuration of boron is 2s22p1. The approximate standard atomic weight is 10.806 or 10.821. The chemical element boron is represented with a symbol B which has an atomic number 5. Boron is a very light element in comparison to the other members of the group, and it is brown-black in colour. It has a powdery consistency, and it forms covalent bonds. The melting point and the boiling point of boron are extremely high, and unlike the other elements, boron does not form ionic bonds. The structure of boron in the crystal form is rhombohedral, and it was discovered by Joseph Louis Gay-LUssac and Louis Jacques Thenard in the year 1808. The minerals of Boron are found in great quantities in Turkey. However, in industries, its production is done with great difficulties. 

The Anomalous Properties of Boron 

Boron is the first member of the group, and because it is the first member, it has properties that differ from all the other elements. The list of the anomalous behaviour of boron is given below- 

• Boron has a very high boiling point and a very high melting point

• Unlike the other elements of the group, which are metals, boron is a non-metal

• The other elements of the group show a covalency that goes beyond 4, but in the case of boron, the covalency is about 4 

• Boron can not expand its octet because the d-orbitals are absent in the first element, boron

• All the elements of the group form ionic bonds

• Boron is exceptional because it forms covalent bonds only

• In comparison to the other elements, the trihalides of boron are in monomeric form while other elements form a dimer

• When boron trihalides are hydrolysed, tetrahydroxyborate is obtained

• Boron has a very small size 

• In its consistency, boron is very hard

• Other elements exist in +1 and +5, whereas boron only exists in +3

• The binary compounds formed from boron are addressed as borides 

• Boron does not have the ability to conduct electricity

• Another unique quality of boron is that it shows allotropy

• The two forms of boron are crystalline and amorphous

• Boron forms oxides and hydroxides, which have acidic nature

The Properties of Boron 

Uses of Boron and its Harmful Effects

Boron can be used for a number of things listed below :

• In its amorphous state, Boron can be used to ignite the fuel of the rockets in pyrotechnic flares

• A green coloured flame is generated

• Boron has various compounds like Boron Trioxide, Borax, Orthoboric Acid, Boron Nitride, Boron Halide, Diborane

• Borax and boric acid are present in cleaners, detergents, and antiseptics

• Used in making steel, boron is an effective compound that helps in making the steel harder and sturdier 

• Boron is also used to treat brain tumours, and it can also be used to produce shields

• It acts as the nuclear reactor here

• Because of its lightweight, boron is used to make bulletproof vests

• Airships have a light body

• Boron is used here as well

• It acts as a deoxidiser in nonferrous metals

• It can be used as a rocket fuel because it has high energy

• Boron can be mixed with various elements like silicon, and germanium

• By doing so, the electrical conductivity can be enhanced

• Boron acts as a nutrient to improve the digestion of the plants, and it can also help them grow

• The compounds of boron can be used in household items like toothpaste, and mouthwashes

• Boron can also be used in soaps

• It also has heat resistance (borosilicate), so it is used in making cookware

• In electroplating the lustrous metals like Nickel, Boron can be used

Since boron is present in food items naturally and is also present as a micronutrient in plants, it has effects on human bodies too because humans consume it. If boron is consumed accidentally, it can cause trouble. Accident consumption of boron present in household items like cleaners, disinfectants and more results in the following symptoms – 

• Hypothermia

• Headache

• Restlessness

• Weariness

• Renal injury

• Dermatitis

• Anorexia

• Indigestion

• Dermatitis

Structure of Boron

5 is the atomic number of Boron, and six neutrons are present in its nucleus. There are five protons that are positively charged in the nucleus itself. All in all, five electrons revolve in the orbits around the nucleus. The physical properties and the chemical properties are affected by the stability of these electrons. 

Conclusion 

Boron, the first element of the p-block elements group, is a white coloured compound and is powdery in its consistency. The anomalous properties of boron are its high melting and boiling points which go as high as 2076 degrees and 3927 degrees respectively. Unlike all the other elements of the group, boron is non-mental and shows a covalency up to 4. Boron is a very hard element and is present in crystalline and amorphous allotropes. It also forms oxides and hydroxides, which have acidic nature. Boron can be used for various purposes in its different forms for things –  used in igniting fuels, in cleaners, in toothpaste and mouthwashes, in making bulletproof vests, in making steel sturdy, used by plants and more. However, if accidentally consumed in excessive quantities, it can affect health negatively.