Textbook Question
(a) State whether or not the bonding in each substance is likely to be covalent: (i) glucose, (ii) nitrogen, (iii) aluminum hydroxide, (iv) ammonia, (v) neon.
11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Chemical Bonds
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How many bonds can a boron atom make without hybridization, given its electron configuration [B: 2s2 2p1]?
A
2
B
4
C
1
D
3
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the electron configuration of boron: Boron has an atomic number of 5, which means it has 5 electrons. Its electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p¹.
Determine the number of valence electrons: The valence electrons are those in the outermost shell. For boron, these are the electrons in the 2s and 2p orbitals, totaling 3 valence electrons (2s² 2p¹).
Consider the available orbitals for bonding: Without hybridization, boron can use its 2s and 2p orbitals for bonding. The 2s orbital is fully occupied, but the 2p orbital has one electron and two empty slots, allowing for potential bonding.
Evaluate the bonding capacity: Boron can form bonds using its unpaired electron in the 2p orbital and the two empty slots in the 2p orbital, allowing it to form a total of 3 bonds.
Conclude the number of bonds: Therefore, without hybridization, a boron atom can make 3 bonds using its available valence electrons and orbitals.
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