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The most stable oxidation state of boron is
  • a)
    1
  • b)
    –3
  • c)
    3
  • d)
    5
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
The most stable oxidation state of boron isa) 1b)–3c) 3d) 5Correct ans...
The electronic configuration of boron is is 2 2s 2 2p 1. It has three valence electrons. Due to its small size, removal of valence electrons of boron requires very high energy. Therefore, boron does not form +3 ions, but it forms covalent compounds. Boron is less electronegative than even hydrogen. So, compounds of boron contain boron in a positive oxidation state, generally +3. 
The sum of oxidation numbers of all constituent atoms of a given molecule or ion is equal to zero or the charge of the ion, respectively. Hence, the oxidation number of boron can be calculated using the formulas of its compounds as exemplified in the table. 

Community Answer
The most stable oxidation state of boron isa) 1b)–3c) 3d) 5Correct ans...
The most stable oxidation state of boron is +3 (option C). Let's understand why this is the case:

1. Introduction:
Boron is a chemical element with atomic number 5 and symbol B. It is a metalloid and is commonly found in compounds such as borates. Boron can exhibit a range of oxidation states, but the most stable and commonly observed oxidation state is +3.

2. Electronic configuration:
The electronic configuration of boron is 1s² 2s² 2p¹. Boron has three valence electrons in its outermost shell, and it tends to lose these electrons to achieve a stable electronic configuration.

3. Stability of +3 oxidation state:
When boron loses its three valence electrons, it forms a +3 oxidation state. This oxidation state is stable due to the following reasons:

a) Octet rule: By losing three electrons, boron achieves a stable electron configuration similar to that of a noble gas (helium). This stable configuration follows the octet rule, which states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a stable configuration with eight valence electrons.

b) Electronegativity: Boron is less electronegative compared to many other elements. This means it has a lower tendency to gain electrons and a higher tendency to lose electrons. Hence, it is more favorable for boron to lose three electrons and attain the +3 oxidation state.

c) Stability of compounds: Boron forms numerous stable compounds in its +3 oxidation state. For example, boron trichloride (BCl₃), boron trifluoride (BF₃), and boron trioxide (B₂O₃) are all stable compounds that contain boron in its +3 oxidation state.

4. Other oxidation states:
Although the +3 oxidation state is the most stable, boron can also exhibit other oxidation states such as +1 and +2. However, these oxidation states are relatively less common and less stable compared to the +3 oxidation state.

In conclusion, the most stable oxidation state of boron is +3. This is due to the stability of the electron configuration, the lower electronegativity of boron, and the formation of stable compounds in this oxidation state.
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