Is the bond between b and h in bh4- polar covalent?
The bond between B and H in BH4- is considered polar covalent. In this molecule, boron (B) is more electronegative than hydrogen (H), causing a partial negative charge on the hydrogen atoms and a partial positive charge on the boron atom. This polarity results in B attracting more electron density towards itself, leading to a polar covalent bond.
To determine whether the bond between the elements b and h in the BH4- ion is polar covalent, we first need to assess the electronegativity difference between the atoms.
Boron (B) has an electronegativity of approximately 2.04, while hydrogen (H) has an electronegativity of approximately 2.20.
The electronegativity difference between B and H is small, indicating that the bond they form is generally considered to be nonpolar covalent. This means that the electrons in the bond are shared equally between the two atoms.
However, it is important to note that electronegativity values can differ slightly depending on sources, and the bond polarity in some molecules can be influenced by other factors as well.
To determine if the bond between b and h in BH4- is polar covalent, we need to consider the electronegativity values of the elements involved. Electronegativity is the tendency of an atom to attract a shared pair of electrons towards itself in a chemical bond.
First, let's find the electronegativity values of boron (B) and hydrogen (H). Boron has an electronegativity value of 2.04, while hydrogen has an electronegativity value of 2.20.
To determine the polarity of the bond, we calculate the difference in electronegativity between the two elements. In this case, the difference is:
2.20 (electronegativity of H) - 2.04 (electronegativity of B) = 0.16
When the electronegativity difference is between 0.5 and 1.7, the bond is considered polar covalent. In this case, the electronegativity difference between boron and hydrogen is less than 0.5, so the bond between b and h in BH4- is considered nonpolar covalent.
Therefore, the bond between B and H in BH4- is nonpolar covalent.