What is Boron? | Types, Definition, Structure, Function & Facts
What is Boron?
Boron is the first element in the thirteenth column of the periodic table. It is classified as a metalloid, which means that its properties lie between those of metals and nonmetals. The boron atom has five electrons and five protons.
Characteristics and Properties
Amorphous boron (meaning the atoms are bonded together in a random order) appears as a brown powder.
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Boron atoms can bond into several different types of lattice known as isotopes. Crystal boron is black and extremely hard. Boron nitride, a chemical compound, is the second hardest substance after diamond (which is an isotope of carbon).
Boron tends to form covalent bonds rather than ionic bonds. It is a poor conductor of electricity at room temperature.
Highlights of Boron:
| Symbol | B |
| Atomic Number | 5 |
| Atomic Weight | 10.81 |
| Classification | Metalloid |
| Phase at Room Temperature | Solid |
| Density | 2.37 grams per cm cubed |
| Melting Point | 2076°C, 3769°F |
| Boiling Point | 3927°C, 7101°F |
| Discovered by | Joseph L. Gay-Lussac, Louis J. Thenard, and Sir Humphry Davy in 1808 |
Where is Boron found on earth?
Boron is a fairly rare element on Earth. Pure boron is not found naturally on Earth, but the element is found in many compounds. The most common compounds are borax and kernite found in sedimentary rock formations.
How is Boron used today?
Most of the extracted boron is ultimately purified into boric acid or borax. Boric acid is used in a number of applications including insecticides, flame retardants, disinfectants, and to make other compounds. Borax is a powdered ingredient used in detergents, cosmetics, and enamels.
Boron is used in the manufacture of glass and ceramics. It produces premium cooking materials used in brands such as Duran and Pyrex. He also helps make glassware for the science lab.
Other uses of boron include semiconductors (computer chips), magnets, superhard materials, and nuclear reactor shielding.
How was Boron discovered?
Boron was first discovered as a new element in 1808. It was discovered simultaneously by the British chemist Sir Humphry Davy and the French chemist Joseph L. Gay-Lussac and Louis J. Thénard. The first nearly pure boron was produced in 1909 by the American chemist Ezekiel Weintraub.
Where did Boron get its name?
The name boron comes from the mineral borax which takes its name from the Arabic word “burah”.
Isotopes
Boron has two stable and natural isotopes. They are Boron-10 and Boron-11. There are thirteen known isotopes of this element.
Interesting Facts about Boron
The world’s largest soldering iron is located in Boron, California, in the Mohave Desert.
It burns with a green flame and is used to create green fireworks.
Boron is an important mineral for plant life.
It is not generally considered to be toxic, but can be toxic in high doses.
Some boron compounds like borax have been used by ancient civilizations for thousands of years.
The largest boron ore producers are Türkiye, the United States and Russia.
Scientists believe boron has potential as a treatment for arthritis.