Which of the following statements are correct regarding the structure and chemistry of Borax ()? — p Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Borax contains the $[B_4O_5(OH)_4]^{2-}$ ion, where two B atoms are $sp^2$ hybridized and two are $sp^3$ hybridized. This ion features 5 B-O-B bridging oxygen atoms (10 B-O bonds) and 4 terminal -OH groups (4 B-O bonds), totaling 14 B-O bonds. Its aqueous solution is alkaline (buffer of $NaOH$ and $H_3BO_3$), and heating it yields glassy $B_2O_3$ and $NaBO_2$, not $H_3BO_3$.