Boron

Boron, the fifth element in the periodic table, is a metalloid. It has an atomic mass of 10.811 amu, a density of 2.34 g/cm cubed, and a valence of +3. Its electron levels are 2-3. Boron was discovered in 1808 by Sir H. Davy of England, and J. L. Gay-Lussac and J. L. Thenard of France. B melts at 2091.85 degrees C, and boils at 4001.85 degrees C. It is extremely hard and is essential to plant growth. It is added to steel for strength. Impure boron is a brownish-black powder. Boron compounds include boric acid and borax. Boron 10 is used as a control for nuclear reactors, and in its elemental form, B is not poisonous. However, some B compounds are quite deadly.

B's electron configuration is 1s²2s²p¹.

B's electronegativity is 2.04.

May 18, 1997, updated August 7, 1998

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