Covalent Bonding: Boron's 5 Valence Electrons

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the covalent bonding characteristics of Boron, specifically addressing its valence electrons and potential bonding configurations. Participants explore different bonding scenarios involving Boron and other atoms, seeking clarity on how Boron's electrons can participate in covalent bonds.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that Boron has 5 valence electrons but questions how these can form covalent bonds, proposing various bonding configurations.
  • Another participant corrects the first by stating that Boron has 3 valence electrons available for bonding, as it is in Group IIIA (or 13), and mentions the presence of 2 core electrons that do not participate in bonding.
  • A later reply indicates that the original poster is not seeking to draw Lewis structures but rather to understand the bonding concepts thoroughly.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on what Boron is bonding with, suggesting that context may have been missed in earlier posts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement regarding the number of valence electrons Boron has available for bonding, with one participant asserting 5 and another stating 3. The discussion remains unresolved as participants explore different perspectives on Boron's bonding capabilities.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the correct number of valence electrons for Boron in the context of covalent bonding, and there are unresolved assumptions regarding the nature of the bonds being discussed.

kassandra
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More questions lol.

Ive looked this up and still can't get a clear answer.

Lets say you have Boron...this atom has 5 valence electrons.

I know that it can just have 3 covalent bonds with one other atom of Boron like this:
:B
lll
B

But could it not just have a single convalent bond with three separate atoms of Boron or any other atom for that matter like this:
B
l
:B-B
l
B


or this:
Li
l
:B-H
l
Rb

or even this:
Be
ll
:B-H

I have an even more complicated questions but I need the answer to this one first lol.

Thanks
 
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no B has 3 valence electrons, it is in Group IIIA (or 13). (It does have is 5 electrons but that includes 2 core electrons that are not involved in bonding)

Is your next problem trying to draw a Lewis structure of a boron compound?
 
No, just trying to figure out everything 100%
I only had one set of questions and they are done. Now were just going over the chapters and i don't want to get behind
 
well what is Boron bonding with?
If its previously stated then i apologize i was not paying attention
 

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