Q46E - Chemistry (OpenStax)

Question

True or false: Boron contains \({\rm{2}}{{\rm{s}}^{\rm{2}}}{\rm{2}}{{\rm{p}}^{\rm{1}}}\)valence electrons, so only one \({\rm{p}}\)- orbital is needed to form molecular orbitals.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The given statement is false.

Step 1: Molecular orbitals

The molecular orbital of an atom can be formed by the overlapping of atomic orbitals. During this process, the valence orbitals will participate.

Step 2: \({{\bf{B}}_{\bf{2}}}\) molecule

The molecular orbitals of \({B_2}\) are formed by the overlapping of valence atomic orbitals of each boron atom.

The valence orbitals in the boron are both 2s and 2p.

Hence, both 2s and 2p will participate in molecular orbital formation.

The given statement is false.

Molecular orbital diagram for \({B_2}\)