Question

Boron is unable to form ${BF}_6^{3-}$ ions due to:

• A. non-availability of d-orbitals
• B. small size of boron atom
• C. non-metallic nature
• D. less reactivity towards halogens.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

non-availability of d-orbitals

Boron does not have d orbitals. Because of this, it is not possible for the element to expand on its octet. This causes the maximum covalence of boron to be restricted to 4. Beyond this value, boron will become unstable and thus, cannot form ${B{F}_6}^{3-}$ ions.

Hence, the correct answer is option $\text{A}$.