Question

Boric acid is polymeric due to:

• A. its acidic nature
• B. the presence of hydrogen bonds
• C. its monobasic nature
• D. its geometry

Hint:

The polymerization of boric acid is driven by the formation of hydrogen bonds between molecules, not by its acidity or basicity.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Boric acid (\( {B(OH)}_3 \)) contains hydroxyl groups, which are capable of forming hydrogen bonds.
Step 2: In the solid state, boric acid molecules tend to polymerize due to the formation of these hydrogen bonds between the hydroxyl groups of adjacent molecules. This network structure gives boric acid its polymeric nature.
Step 3: The polymerization is not due to its acidic nature or monobasic nature, but due to the intermolecular hydrogen bonding.