Question

Consider the statements below: Statement I: BCl\(_3\) is covalent in nature. Statement II: BCl\(_3\) undergoes hydrolysis to form [B(OH)\(_4\)]\(^{+}\) and BH\(_2^{+}\). In the light of the above statements, choose the correct option.

• A. Statement I and Statement II both are correct
• B. Statement I and Statement II both are incorrect
• C. Statement I correct, Statement II incorrect
• D. Statement I incorrect, Statement II correct

Hint:

In hydrolysis reactions, BCl\(_3\) typically forms [B(OH)\(_3\)] and HCl, not the products mentioned in Statement II.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Let's analyze the given statements one by one to determine their validity:

1. Statement I: BCl\(_3\) is covalent in nature.
   • BCl\(_3\) is boron trichloride, where boron, a non-metal, forms bonds with chlorine, another non-metal. In such compounds, where non-metal atoms share electrons, the bonding is covalent.
   • Boron has three valence electrons and can form three covalent bonds with chlorine atoms to reach a stable electronic configuration.
   • Therefore, Statement I is correct as BCl\(_3\) is indeed covalent in nature.
2. Statement II: BCl\(_3\) undergoes hydrolysis to form [B(OH)\(_4\)]\(^{+}\) and BH\(_2^{+}\).
   • BCl\(_3\) undergoes hydrolysis, but the products are not [B(OH)\(_4\)]\(^{+}\) and BH\(_2^{+}\).
   • During hydrolysis, BCl\(_3\) reacts with water to form boric acid (H\(_3\)BO\(_3\)) and hydrochloric acid (HCl), not the given ions.
   • The correct reaction can be represented as: \text{BCl}_3 + 3\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{H}_3\text{BO}_3 + 3\text{HCl}
   • Thus, Statement II is incorrect as the products described do not form from BCl\(_3\) hydrolysis.

Based on the analysis above, the correct answer is: Statement I correct, Statement II incorrect.