Question

What is the hybridisation of boron in borax is

Answer 1

In the borate radical, boron has two different sets of bond angles and has two different hybridizations. Where the bonding is trigonal planar, the hybridization is sp2, and where the bonding is tetrahedral, the hybridization is sp3. Therefore, Two atoms are sp2 and two atoms are sp3.

Answer 2

In borax there are 2 borons having sp³ hybridization and 2 having sp² hybridization.

Explanation:

• The formula of borax is $B_{4}H_{20}Na_{2}O_{17}$.
• It has a cyclic structure and 2 borons are attached to 2 oxygen and one hydroxyl group each. There are 3 sigma bonds, so they will have the hybridization of sp².
• The other two borons are attached to 3 oxygens and 1 hydroxyl group each. There are 4 sigma bonds so the hybridization will be sp³.
• It has 2 borons having sp³ hybridization and 2 having sp² hybridization.