Group IIIA

• Why is Boron sometimes termed as a metalloid?

  Because it has a combination of both metallic and non-metallic properties
• What is the most common metal in Group IIIA?


  Aluminum
• What is the oxidation state exhibited by Group IIIA elements?

  +3
• How do Group IIIA elements typically bond in their compounds?

  They tend to form ionic bonds
• With which substances do Group IIIA metals react readily?

  Sulfur and halogens
• What happens to the oxides of Group IIIA metals when exposed to heat?

  They are easily reduced back to the metal form
• What does it mean for Aluminum hydroxide to be amphoteric?


  It can react with both acids and bases
• Which hydroxides in Group IIIA do not show amphoteric properties?

  Boron and Thallium hydroxides
• What is the thermal stability of Group IIIA metals at ordinary temperatures?

  They are stable at ordinary temperatures
• What occurs to Group IIIA metals when they are heated in air?

  They become oxidized
• What are the identity tests for Boron and Aluminum?

  **Boron (BO₃³⁻):**

  • Reaction with Methanol and Sulfuric Acid produces trimethyl borate, burning with green-bordered flames.
  • Turmeric Paper Test: Borates turn turmeric paper brownish-red; with alkali, it turns greenish-black.

  
  

  **Aluminum (Al³⁺):**

  • Reaction with Ammonia forms a white gelatinous precipitate of Aluminum hydroxide.
  • Thenard’s Blue Test: Cobalt nitrate + Ammonia produces cobalt aluminate, a blue ash when ignited.
• What is the product of the reaction between Methanol and Sulfuric Acid when testing for Boron?


  Trimethyl borate ((CH₃)₃BO₃)
• What color does turmeric paper turn when treated with borates?


  Brownish-red
• What happens to turmeric paper when treated with an alkali after being exposed to borates?


  It turns greenish-black
• What precipitate forms when Aluminum reacts with Ammonia?


  A white gelatinous precipitate of Aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)₃)
• What is the result of the Thenard’s Blue Test for Aluminum?


  It produces cobalt aluminate (Co(AlO₂)₂), a blue ash when ignited
• What is the chemical formula for Aluminum hydroxide?


  Al(OH)₃
• What is the chemical formula for cobalt aluminate?


  Co(AlO₂)₂
• What is the chemical formula for trimethyl borate?


  ((CH₃)₃BO₃)
• Elements of Group IIIA:

  Boron

  Aluminum

  Gallium

  Indium

  Thallium