Which of the following characteristics are true for orthoboric acid ()? — p Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Orthoboric acid is not an Arrhenius acid (proton donor) but a weak monobasic Lewis acid that accepts an $OH^-$ from water. It forms a hydrogen-bonded layer structure. Heating to $100^\circ C$ yields metaboric acid, and it forms volatile ethyl borate with ethanol, which burns with a characteristic green flame.