• The chlorides of both B and Si get hydrolyzed by water to boric acid and silicic acid respectively.
BCl3 + 3H2O →H3BO3 + 3HCl SiCl4 + 3H2O → H2SiO3 + 4HCl
The hydrides of Boron and Silicon are quite stable. Numerous volatile hydrides are also known which catch fire on exposure to air and are easily hydrolyzed.
Both elements are semiconductors. Behavior in Aqueous Solutions
1 Al, Ga, In and Tl exhibit a well-defined aqueous chemistry in their tripositive states. Species like [ M( OH) 4 ]-, [ M( H2O) 2( OH) 4 ]-, [ M( OH2) 6 ] 3 + for M = Al, Ga, In, exist in aqueous solution.
2. Al, Ga. In and T1 ions exist as octahedral aqua ions, [ M( OH2) 6 ] 3 + in aqueous solution and many salts like halides, sulphates, nitrates and perchlorates exist as hydrates.
3. Aluminiumsulphate forms double salts- called alum, having the general formula M2SO4. Al2( SO4) 3.12H2O, where M = Na + or K +.
USES OF BORON & ALUMINIUM
Aluminium is used extensively in industry and everyday life. It forms many useful alloys with Cu. Mn, Mg, Si and Zn. Hence, aluminium and its alloys find use in packaging, utensil making, construction, aerospace and other transportation industries. It is used as a conductor for transmission of electricity. Aluminium is alsoused in the alumino-thermite process for production of chromium and manganese from their ores.
Group 14 Elements:-The Carbon Family
Group 14 includes carbon( C), silicon( Si), germanium( Ge), tin( Sn) and lead( Pb).
General electronic configuration of carbon family is ns 2 np 2. Covalent radius:-Covalent radius expected to increase from Cto Si,