Question

What is the molecular formula of borazole? (a) \(\mathrm{B}_{3} \mathrm{~N}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{3}\) (b) \(\mathrm{B}_{3} \mathrm{~N}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{6}\) (c) \(\mathrm{B}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{6}\) (d) \(\mathrm{B}_{6} \mathrm{~N}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{6}\)

Short answer

The molecular formula of borazole is \( \mathrm{B}_{3} \mathrm{~N}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{6} \).

Step-by-step solution

Understand Borazole

Borazole, also known as bora-azabenzene or borazine, is an inorganic compound that is analogous to benzene. It consists of a six-membered ring composed of alternating boron (B) and nitrogen (N) atoms, similar to the alternating carbon atoms in benzene.

Analyze Borazole's Structure

The structure of borazole can be represented as \[\begin{array}{c}\mathrm{B}\! ext{-}\! ext{N}\! ext{-}\! ext{B}\! ext{-}\! ext{N}\! ext{-}\! ext{B}\! ext{-}\! ext{N}\!\end{array}\]This pattern indicates that each molecule contains three boron atoms and three nitrogen atoms.

Calculate Hydrogen Atoms

Each B-N bond in the ring can attach a hydrogen atom, just as carbon-hydrogen bonds form in benzene. Therefore, with three B-N pairs, each boron and nitrogen contributes with a hydrogen atom, leading to a total of six hydrogen atoms.

Write the Molecular Formula

Based on the analysis of borazole's composition, the molecular formula contains 3 boron atoms, 3 nitrogen atoms, and 6 hydrogen atoms, resulting in \( \mathrm{B}_{3} \mathrm{~N}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{6} \).

Choose the Correct Answer

Compare the derived molecular formula of borazole with the options provided. The correct formula is \( \mathrm{B}_{3} \mathrm{~N}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{6} \), which corresponds to option (b).

Key concepts

molecular formula

A molecular formula is a concise way of expressing the number and type of atoms present in a molecule. It tells us the exact makeup of a compound, giving a clear insight into its composition. In the case of borazole, the molecular formula is \( \mathrm{B}_{3} \mathrm{~N}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{6} \).

This formula indicates there are three boron (B) atoms, three nitrogen (N) atoms, and six hydrogen (H) atoms in each molecule of borazole. Understanding the molecular formula is crucial as it directly informs us about the properties and potential chemical reactivity of the substance.

Additionally, molecular formulas play an essential role in distinguishing between different compounds, especially when their structures might appear similar chemically. By examining borazole’s molecular formula, we know it's made up of boron and nitrogen, forming part of the distinct boron-nitrogen family of compounds.

boron-nitrogen compounds

Boron-nitrogen compounds are a fascinating group of inorganic chemicals that include borazole. They form unique structures due to the intriguing chemistry between boron and nitrogen.

Here are some key characteristics of boron-nitrogen compounds:

• The bonds between boron and nitrogen in boron-nitrogen compounds are strong and often resemble the structure of similar carbon-based compounds.
• Borazole itself is often compared to benzene due to its ring structure with alternating nitrogen and boron atoms.
• These compounds often have high thermal stability and resistance to hydrolysis, making them useful in industrial applications.

Boron-nitrogen compounds hold significant value in materials science, particularly in developing polymers and advanced materials with desired thermal and chemical properties. Their ability to mimic carbon-based compounds also makes them a worthy alternative in studying aromatic chemistry.

inorganic chemistry

Inorganic chemistry is a wide-ranging field that explores the properties and reactions of inorganic compounds, which are compounds not based primarily on carbon.

A critical aspect of inorganic chemistry is the study of compounds like borazole. Unlike organic compounds, which are mainly carbon-based, inorganic compounds often consist of metals, minerals, and nonmetals, such as boron and nitrogen in this case.

Here are some features of inorganic chemistry:

• It includes studying the bonding, properties, and structure of compounds, paving the way for innovations in synthetic materials.
• Inorganic chemistry often focuses on the synthesis and behavior of compounds that form the basis for materials like semiconductors and catalysts.
• Understanding inorganic compounds' properties help advance areas like catalysis, nanotechnology, and ceramic technology.

Borazole represents an important intersection of inorganic chemistry with its unique boron-nitrogen framework. This, coupled with its similarity to well-known organic compounds like benzene, makes it an interesting subject for expanding knowledge in both organic and inorganic chemistry realms.