Is boron trichloride a Giant covalent or Simple molecular substance?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boron_trichloride
To determine whether boron trichloride (BCl3) is a giant covalent or simple molecular substance, we need to examine its chemical bonding and structure.
Boron trichloride consists of one boron atom bonded to three chlorine atoms. Boron is in the group 13 (or Group IIIA) of the periodic table, and chlorine is in group 17 (Group VIIA).
In a giant covalent substance, the atoms are bonded together in a continuous lattice structure, forming a three-dimensional network held together by strong covalent bonds. Examples of giant covalent substances include diamond and graphite, where each carbon atom is covalently bonded to multiple neighboring atoms.
On the other hand, in a simple molecular substance, the atoms are held together by relatively weak intermolecular forces, such as London dispersion forces or dipole-dipole interactions. Examples of simple molecular substances include water (H2O) and methane (CH4).
In the case of boron trichloride (BCl3), it is a simple molecular substance. Each boron atom forms three separate covalent bonds with three chlorine atoms, resulting in a trigonal planar shape. The individual B-Cl bonds are strong covalent bonds, but the overall BCl3 molecule is held together by weaker intermolecular forces between the separate BCl3 molecules.
In conclusion, boron trichloride (BCl3) is a simple molecular substance.