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Periodic properties of the boron family
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Periodic Properties of the Boron Family
The boron family consists of boron (B), aluminium (Al), gallium (Ga), indium (In), thallium (Tl), and nihonium (Nh). The last (Nh) is a synthetic element and its chemistry is not yet well understood.
General Properties
* Oxidation State: +3 is the most common oxidation state for these elements and this reflects their position in Group 13 of the periodic table.
* Electronegativity: Electronegativity decreases down the group with boron being the most electronegative and thallium the least.
* Atomic Radius: Atomic radius increases down the group as more shells of electrons are added.
Chemical Properties
* Reactivity: The reactivity of the boron family elements decreases down the group. Boron is the most reactive, while thallium is the least reactive.
* Reaction with Water: Boron and aluminium react with water to form basic solutions. Gallium, indium, and thallium do not react with water.
* Reaction with Oxygen: All of the boron family elements react with oxygen to form oxides. Boron oxide is acidic, while the other oxides are amphoteric.
Applications
The boron family elements are used in a variety of applications.
* Boron: Boron is used in the production of glass, ceramics, and fertilizers.
* Aluminium: Aluminium is used in the production of aircraft, automobiles, and buildings.
* Gallium: Gallium is used in the production of semiconductors and solar cells.
* Indium: Indium is used in the production of flat-panel displays and touch screens.
* Thallium: Thallium is used in the production of electronic devices and medical imaging agents.
The boron family consists of boron (B), aluminium (Al), gallium (Ga), indium (In), thallium (Tl), and nihonium (Nh). The last (Nh) is a synthetic element and its chemistry is not yet well understood.
General Properties
* Oxidation State: +3 is the most common oxidation state for these elements and this reflects their position in Group 13 of the periodic table.
* Electronegativity: Electronegativity decreases down the group with boron being the most electronegative and thallium the least.
* Atomic Radius: Atomic radius increases down the group as more shells of electrons are added.
Chemical Properties
* Reactivity: The reactivity of the boron family elements decreases down the group. Boron is the most reactive, while thallium is the least reactive.
* Reaction with Water: Boron and aluminium react with water to form basic solutions. Gallium, indium, and thallium do not react with water.
* Reaction with Oxygen: All of the boron family elements react with oxygen to form oxides. Boron oxide is acidic, while the other oxides are amphoteric.
Applications
The boron family elements are used in a variety of applications.
* Boron: Boron is used in the production of glass, ceramics, and fertilizers.
* Aluminium: Aluminium is used in the production of aircraft, automobiles, and buildings.
* Gallium: Gallium is used in the production of semiconductors and solar cells.
* Indium: Indium is used in the production of flat-panel displays and touch screens.
* Thallium: Thallium is used in the production of electronic devices and medical imaging agents.
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