Question

The compounds of boron and hydrogen are collectively called (a) Boranes (b) Boracits (c) Borazoles (d) Diboranes

Short answer

(a) Boranes

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Keywords

First, identify the important keywords in the question: 'compounds of boron and hydrogen.' This is crucial for understanding what category these compounds fall into.

Understand the Options

The options are (a) Boranes, (b) Boracits, (c) Borazoles, and (d) Diboranes. Review each term to see what they refer to: Boranes are compounds of boron and hydrogen, Boracits is not a standard term, Borazoles are compounds resembling benzene structures, and Diborane is a specific type of borane.

Match Keywords to Knowledge

Recognize that 'boranes' is the general term used for compounds of boron and hydrogen as noted in step 1. Match this term with the options given.

Select the Correct Answer

Select the matching option, which is (a) Boranes, as it directly refers to compounds of boron and hydrogen.

Key concepts

Boron Compounds

Boron compounds are a fundamental component in both organic and inorganic chemistry. These compounds primarily consist of boron (B), a versatile element known for its ability to form stable covalent bonds. Many boron compounds are derived from borane (BH\(_3\)), a simple molecule consisting of boron and hydrogen.

• They play significant roles in a variety of applications, ranging from industrial to biological purposes.
• Boron is unique in that it can form compounds known as clusters with complex three-dimensional arrangements.
• These clusters demonstrate the ability of boron to form stable bonds not only with hydrogen and oxygen but also with other metals and non-metals.

Understanding boron compounds is essential for those interested in the chemical properties of materials, considering their relevance in fields such as electronics and pharmaceuticals.

Hydrogen Compounds

Hydrogen compounds, broadly known as hydrides, encompass a wide variety of substances in which hydrogen is bonded to other elements. Hydrides can be categorized based on how the hydrogen atoms are bonded:

• Ionic Hydrides – where hydrogen bonds with highly electropositive metals like alkali and alkaline earth metals.
• Covalent Hydrides – where hydrogen forms a covalent bond with non-metallic elements, such as in methane (CH\(_4\)).
• Metallic Hydrides – where hydrogen atoms occupy the interstitial spaces in metal lattices, like palladium hydride.

In the context of boranes, hydrogen forms covalent bonds with boron, leading to molecular structures that often exhibit electron-deficient bonding. This electron-deficiency is characteristic of many boron-hydrogen compounds, making them noteworthy in the study of chemical bonding.

Chemical Nomenclature

Chemical nomenclature is the standardized system for naming chemical substances. This system is critically important for ensuring clear communication and understanding of substances within the scientific community. There are specific rules and conventions:

• IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) sets the standard guidelines for naming compounds.
• In the case of boranes, the term itself indicates a compound made from boron and hydrogen.
• When more complex compounds are considered, additional prefixes, suffixes, or numerical descriptors might be used to convey information about the molecule’s structure or composition.

By adhering to these conventions, scientists can effectively collaborate and share their discoveries globally, ensuring that critical details about chemical substances are universally understood.

Inorganic Chemistry

Inorganic chemistry is a vast field that studies compounds not primarily based on carbon-hydrogen bonds, unlike organic chemistry. This area encompasses various substances, including metals, salts, and minerals, as well as a plethora of industrial polymers and materials.

• Boron compounds, like boranes, fall under the umbrella of inorganic chemistry. They are of particular interest due to their unique bonding properties and structural characteristics.
• Inorganic chemists analyze how these compounds interact, react, and stabilize under varying conditions.
• The study of inorganic chemistry not only broadens understanding of the non-living realm but also has applications in forming new materials and technologies.

Research in inorganic chemistry advances innovations in areas such as catalysis, materials science, and nanotechnology, offering profound benefits to society and industry.