Question

In the reaction \(\mathrm{B}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{6}+2 \mathrm{KOH}+2 \mathrm{X} \rightarrow 2 \mathrm{Y}+6 \mathrm{H}_{2}\) \(\mathrm{X}\) and \(\mathrm{Y}\) are respectively (a) \(\mathrm{HCl}, \mathrm{KBO}_{3}\) (b) \(\mathrm{H}_{2}, \mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{BO}_{3}\) (c) \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}, \mathrm{KBO}_{2}\) (d) \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}, \mathrm{KBO}_{3}\)

Short answer

(c) \(\mathrm{H}_2\mathrm{O}, \mathrm{KBO}_2\)

Step-by-step solution

Identify Reaction Type

The given chemical reaction is involving the compound \( \mathrm{B}_2\mathrm{H}_6 \) with \( \mathrm{KOH} \), and produces hydrogen gas \( \mathrm{H}_2 \). The resulting products are \( \mathrm{Y} \), which suggests a compound containing boron and potassium, and \( \mathrm{H}_2 \). The reaction likely involves boron's oxidation and rearrangement with potassium and additional elements.

Analyze Reaction Requirements

To balance the reaction, we need to ensure that boron and potassium are accounted for. The product \( \mathrm{Y} \) should contain both boron and potassium to balance the input elements: boron coming from \( \mathrm{B}_2\mathrm{H}_6 \), and potassium from \( \mathrm{KOH} \). Hydrogen is already accounted for in \( \mathrm{H}_2 \). Thus, \( \mathrm{X} \) should provide the necessary oxygens for hydroxides to form the borate \( \mathrm{Y} \).

Key concepts

Inorganic Chemistry

Inorganic chemistry deals with the properties and behavior of inorganic compounds. Unlike organic chemistry, which focuses primarily on carbon-based molecules, inorganic chemistry encompasses a vast array of elements and the compounds they form. This branch of chemistry is crucial for understanding various chemical reactions, like the one presented in this exercise, which involves boron's interaction with potassium hydroxide and other elements.
In inorganic reactions, the elements maintain their identity, unlike organic compounds where they are often reorganized into complex structures. These reactions are common in industrial processes and are critical for creating materials like ceramics, metals, and catalysts.

• Inorganic chemistry includes the study of metals, minerals, and coordination complexes.
• It often involves oxidation-reduction or "redox" reactions, where electrons are transferred between reactants.
• Understanding the balance of electrons and conservation of mass is key in analyzing reactions.

In this exercise, the reaction is bordered by these principles, requiring careful balancing of all elements involved to ensure a valid chemical equation.

Boron Compounds

Boron compounds are unique in inorganic chemistry due to boron's electron-deficient nature. Boron trihydride, known as diborane (\( \mathrm{B}_2\mathrm{H}_6 \)), is notable for its distinct structure and bonding geometry. It features two bridging hydrogen atoms forming bonds with two boron atoms, which is unusual compared to most solid hydrides.
Boron compounds are essential for various applications:

• Diborane is a key starting material in synthesizing high-energy fuels and other boron-based chemicals.
• These compounds exhibit fascinating properties such as high melting points and unique covalent bonding structures.
• In reactions, diborane can act as a reducing agent due to its ability to release hydrogen.

In the given reaction, diborane reacts with potassium hydroxide, highlighting how these compounds serve as intermediates in oxidation processes. The resulting boron product, most likely a potassium borate, showcases boron's versatility in compound formation.

Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

Oxidation-reduction reactions, or redox reactions, are central to understanding chemical transformations. These processes involve the transfer of electrons, where one species in the reaction is oxidized (loses electrons), and another is reduced (gains electrons).
Key concepts in redox reactions include:

• Determining the oxidation states of elements involved in the reaction, which helps in balancing equations.
• Gravity is given to creating a balanced environment where the number of electrons lost equals the number gained.
• Tracking the movement of electrons is vital in determining the substance's transformation and predicting reaction products.

For the reaction in question, the boron in diborane undergoes oxidation, while another component undergoes reduction concurrently, maintaining a balance in the overall process. Through this reaction, we see how redox processes facilitate the interconversion of compounds, producing new products like potassium borate, which is formed from the reaction of diborane with potassium hydroxide.