Question

Determine the bonding type for boron trihydride given the electronegativity on the Pauling scale for boron is 2.0 and for hydrogen is 2.1.

Answer 1

Answer: The bond between boron and hydrogen in boron trihydride is covalent bond.

Explanation:

The type of bonding between the atoms forming a compound is determined by using the electronegativity difference between the atoms. According to the pauling's electronegativity rule:

• If $\Delta \chi=0$, then the bond is non-polar.
• If $\Delta \chi\leq 1.7$, then the bond will be covalent.
• If $\Delta \chi>1.7$, then the bond will be ionic.

We are given:

Electronegativity for boron = 2.0

Electronegativity for hydrogen = 2.1

$\Delta \chi=\chi_{H}-\chi_{B}\\\\\Delta \chi=2.1-2.0=0.1$

As, $\Delta \chi$ is less than 1.7 and not equal to 0. Hence, the bond between boron and hydrogen is covalent bond.