Answer: too few electrons for its normal bonds.
- A far more electrons than it needs
- B too few electrons for its normal bonds
- C entirely pure ionic bonding
- D effectively no bonding at all
Correct answer: B. too few electrons for its normal bonds
Explanation: Diborane lacks enough electrons for eight ordinary bonds, so it uses two three-centre two-electron B–H–B bridges.
Diamond's rigid 3D tetrahedral network makes it the hardest natural material, while graphite's flat hexagonal sheets are held together only by weak forces, letting them slide past each other (used as a lubricant and in pencils).
Concept context
Covers the Boron family (Group 13: B, Al) and the Carbon family (Group 14: C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb). Key topics include Lewis acid behaviour of BF₃, borax bead test, silicates, silicones, allotropes of carbon, and trends in properties down the group.