Question

Which of the following statements regarding ortho boric acid (H3BO3) is false ?

• A. It acts as a weak monobasic acid
• B. It is soluble in hot water
• C. It has a planar structure
• D. It acts as a tribasic acid

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

It acts as a tribasic acid

Answer 2

B(OH)3 + 2HOH $\rightleftharpoons$ [B(OH)4]– + H3O+.

In aqueous solution the boron completes its octet by accepting OH– from water molecules. It therefore function as a weak monobasic lewis acid.