Question

List 2 important properties in which boron differs from the rest of the members of group. Mention the main reasons for the difference.

Answer 1

Boron differs from rest of the group members due to small size, high electronegativity and absence of d orbitals.
1) Boron is a nonmetal whereas other members of group 13 are metals.This difference is due to small size and high electronegativity of boron.
2) The maximum covalency of boron is four whereas other members show covalency of more than four.This is because boron lacks d orbitals unlike other members of the group and thus cannot expand its octet.