Molecular structures of some important compounds of the group 13, 14 and 15 elements

Because the lighter elements of groups 13, 14 and 15 have small atomic radii and high ionization enthalpies, they do not readily lose electrons to form simple cations; instead they form covalent compounds whose reactivity is best understood through their molecular shape, described using bond lengths and bond angles. This section works through the structures of seven representative compounds: boron trichloride (9.7.1), aluminium chloride (9.7.2), orthoboric acid (9.7.3), diborane ( …