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Worked Examples · Example 11.4

Q.Why is boric acid considered as a weak acid?

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Step 1 - Boron's electronic structure in B(OH)3

Boron in B(OH)3\text{B(OH)}_3 is sp2sp^2 hybridised, trigonal planar, with only 6 electrons around it (an incomplete octet) and an empty 2p2p orbital - so it behaves as a Lewis acid, not as a classical Bronsted acid with an ionisable proton.

Step 2 - Reaction with water

B(OH)3+2H2O⇌[B(OH)4]−+H3O+\text{B(OH)}_3 + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightleftharpoons [\text{B(OH)}_4]^- + \text{H}_3\text{O}^+

Boron's empty orbital accepts a hydroxide/lone pair from a water molecule; this indirectly releases H3O+\text{H}_3\text{O}^+ into solution.

Step 3 - Why it is weak …

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