1. Physical and chemical properties of boron

Boron is a non-metallic semiconductor element with very high melting and boiling temperatures (2,300°C and 2,550°C respectively). Its chemistry is dominated by covalent compounds, and its electronic configuration is [He]2s ² 2p ¹ . Its properties are intermediate between those of metals and metalloids.

Boron does not exist in its elemental state in nature and has two isotopes ¹⁰ B and ¹¹ B. The ¹⁰ B isotope has a strong ability to capture thermal neutrons.

Boron compounds result from its very high reactivity.

With halogens, it gives trihalides (BF ₃ ...