Question

Does boron halides undergo hydrolysis?

Answer 1

Hi,

Except BF₃ all other boron halides undergo hydrolysis to give orthoboric acid. The reaction of hydrolysis of BCl₃ is given below :

BCl₃(g) + 3H_​2O(l) -----> B(OH)₃ (aq) + 3HCl (aq)

BF₃ does not undergo hydrolysis due to strong B-F bond in BF₃ molecule.

Regards