• 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 ,