Relevant Titles
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Anomalous Behavior of Boron — CBSE Class 11 MCQs (NCERT-Based)
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CBSE Class 11 Chemistry Quiz: Boron’s Anomalous Properties — 30 Practice Questions
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NCERT-Aligned MCQs on Boron — Class 11 Inorganic Chemistry Chapter 11
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Chapter 11 p-Block Elements MCQs: Anomalous Behavior of Boron — Answers & Explanations
Introduction
CBSE Class 11 Chemistry MCQs on anomalous behavior of boron are essential for mastering Chapter 11 (The p-Block Elements) and gaining exam confidence. This NCERT-aligned practice set focuses on why boron behaves differently from other Group 13 elements — including its small size, high ionization enthalpy, electron deficiency, tendency to form covalent and cluster compounds (boranes), and Lewis-acidic behavior (e.g., BF<sub>3</sub>). Each question targets core concepts students must master for CBSE board exams and for strengthening fundamentals used in competitive exam preparation. The quiz emphasizes application — interpreting bonding, explaining multicenter (3c–2e) bonds in diborane, contrasting boron’s chemistry with aluminium, and understanding boric acid’s Lewis-acid character. Every MCQ in this post comes with a clear answer and a brief explanation to help you correct misconceptions immediately. Use this practice to identify weak spots, reinforce NCERT topics, and build accuracy under timed conditions. Start practicing now to boost your Class 11 Chemistry score and deepen your conceptual understanding.
Sample MCQs (with answers and explanations)
Q1. Which factor best explains the anomalous behavior of boron compared to other Group 13 elements?
A) Availability of d-orbitals in boron
B) Large atomic radius and low polarizing power
C) Small atomic size, high ionization enthalpy and strong polarizing power
D) Predominant metallic character
Answer: C
Explanation: Boron’s small size and high ionization enthalpy give it strong polarizing power and electron deficiency, causing covalent bonding and cluster formation rather than typical metallic/ionic behavior.
Q2. Boranes such as B<sub>2</sub>H<sub>6</sub> exhibit which distinctive bonding feature?
A) Simple 2-center-2-electron (2c–2e) bonds only
B) Ionic B–H bonds
C) 3-center-2-electron (3c–2e) multicenter bonds (bridging H)
D) Metallic bonding network
Answer: C
Explanation: Diborane (B<sub>2</sub>H<sub>6</sub>) contains bridging hydrogens with 3c–2e bonds (banana bonds), a hallmark of electron-deficient boron hydrides.
Q3. Why does boric acid, H<sub>3</sub>BO<sub>3</sub>, behave as a Lewis acid rather than a Brønsted acid?
A) It readily loses H<sup>+</sup> in water
B) It accepts an electron pair from OH<sup>−</sup> to form [B(OH)<sub>4</sub>]<sup>−</sup>
C) It forms B<sup>3−</sup> in solution
D) It donates electrons to bases
Answer: B
Explanation: Boric acid accepts electron pairs from hydroxide (OH<sup>−</sup>) to form tetrahydroxyborate, so it functions as a Lewis acid rather than donating H<sup>+</sup>.
Q4. Which statement correctly compares BF<sub>3</sub> and BCl<sub>3</sub> as Lewis acids?
A) BF<sub>3</sub> is a stronger Lewis acid than BCl<sub>3</sub> due to F’s electronegativity
B) BCl<sub>3</sub> is stronger because F→B back-bonding in BF<sub>3</sub> reduces its electron deficiency
C) Both have identical Lewis acidity
D) Neither acts as a Lewis acid
Answer: B
Explanation: Fluorine’s p(π)→p(π) back-bonding into boron’s vacant orbital partially reduces electron deficiency in BF<sub>3</sub>, making BCl<sub>3</sub> the stronger Lewis acid in many contexts.
Q5. Boron shows a diagonal relationship with which element, reflecting similar chemical behavior?
A) Lithium (Li)
B) Beryllium (Be)
C) Magnesium (Mg)
D) Silicon (Si)
Answer: B
Explanation: Boron and beryllium show diagonal relationship (similarities in size and polarizing power), causing some comparable chemical properties despite different groups.
