Question

Borax is converted into B by following steps Borax \(\stackrel{\mathrm{A}}{\longrightarrow} \mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{BO}_{3} \stackrel{\triangle}{\longrightarrow} \mathrm{B}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3} \stackrel{\mathrm{B}}{\longrightarrow}\) Product Reagents \((\mathrm{A})\) and \((\mathrm{B})\) are: (a) Acid, \(\overline{F e}\) (b) Acid, \(\mathrm{Mg}\) (c) Acid, Sn (d) Acid, Al

Short answer

The reagents are (d) Acid, Al.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze the Reaction Sequence

First, we need to understand the provided reaction sequence. Borax is converted first into H3BO3 (boric acid), then into B2O3 (boron oxide), and finally into another product. Two reagents, A and B, are involved in the conversion.

Reaction Analysis of Reagents

Reagent A is responsible for converting borax into H3BO3. This generally involves an acid that reacts with borax to form boric acid. Reagent B is responsible for converting B2O3 into the product. Indications are that reagent B is a reducing agent.

Identify Reagent A

Borax is typically converted to boric acid (H3BO3) using an acid. The consistent option among all provided choices is 'Acid.' Thus, Reagent A is an acid.

Identify Reagent B

To convert B2O3 into boron product, Reagent B must be one that can reduce B2O3 to elemental boron. Metals like Mg, Al, and Sn can act as reducing agents. Considering the provided choices, Al is commonly used in industrial reduction processes like the production of elemental boron from boron compounds.

Match Solution with Provided Options

Based on the identification of reagents A and B, the correct selection involves an acid (for A) and Al (for B). This choice aligns with option (d), which is 'Acid, Al.'

Key concepts

Reagents Identification

In the world of chemistry, identifying reagents is like solving a mystery. Each transformation requires specific agents that facilitate the change. Let's break down this process: - **Reagent A**: The exercise outlines a conversion from borax to boric acid (H₃BO₃). This change requires an acidic environment, where an acid reacts with borax causing it to reorganize into boric acid. Acids are superb at breaking bonds and forming new ones, often donating protons in the process. This, in essence, helps with the transformation needed in this exercise. - **Reagent B**: Reagent B is tasked with converting boron oxide (B₂O₃) to a final product. This is a different kind of reaction where a metal is typically required to act as a reducing agent, which facilitates the conversion to elemental boron by gaining electrons. Aluminum (Al) is the chosen metal here and is known for its strong reducing capabilities, often turning metal oxides into metals by providing the necessary electrons for reduction. Thus, identifying reagents correctly not only means selecting the right substances but understanding the role they play in a sequence of reactions.

Boron Compounds

Boron compounds are fascinating due to their versatile chemical properties and wide range of applications. - **Borax**: Start with borax ( Na₂B₄O₇⋅10H₂O), a white mineral. It's known for its use in cleaning products but also plays an important role in chemistry as a source of boron. - **Boric Acid**: The conversion of borax into boric acid (H₃BO₃) results in a substance with mild antiseptic and flame-retardant properties. Boric acid is pivotal in the manufacture of certain types of glass and fiberglass. - **Boron Oxide**: Next in line is boron oxide (B₂O₃), obtained through the dehydration of boric acid. This compound serves as a precursor for numerous other boron-derived substances. Each boron compound in this sequence plays its unique role and demonstrates the element's widespread industrial significance. Understanding these substances helps in appreciating their chemical behavior and applications.

Chemical Reduction Process

The chemical reduction process allows one to convert compounds into their simpler metallic forms by altering the oxidation state of the elements involved. This technique is crucial in the conversion from boron oxide to elemental boron. - **Reduction Concept**: Reduction is the process of gaining electrons. When B₂O₃ needs to become elemental boron, it means the boron must gain electrons. - **Role of Aluminum**: Aluminum serves as the reducing agent in this process. It provides electrons that are crucial for the reduction of B₂O₃. This reaction is an example of a redox reaction, where the oxidation state of boron decreases. - **Industrial Application**: This method of reduction is common in the production of metals from ores where elements are often found in oxidized forms. Such processes are foundational to industries that work with pure metals. Understanding how metals such as aluminum can extract and transfer electrons sheds light on how we can manipulate compounds at the molecular level, resulting in the creation of elemental forms from complex oxides.