22.11+Boron

Boron is the only Group 3A element that can be considered non-metallic. The electron configuration of Boron is [He]2s^22p. Boron only has six valence electrons and this is important since it makes Boron an exception to the octet rule. The main group of molecules that Boron is used to create are the boranes. These are just boron and hydrogen. The simplest borane is BH3. These pair up to form dibromane which is spontaneously flammable in air. The boranes are highly reactive which made them used as rocket fuel. Secondly, Boron and hydrogen form borane anions which are commonly used as reducing agents. When Boron is burned it gives off a green color which makes it used in fireworks.

[|Boric Acid being lit]

Brown, Theodore, H. Eugene LeMay, Bruce Bursten, and Catherine Murphy. "23.5 Metallic Bonding." // Chemistry: The Central Science //. 11th ed. Upper Saddle: Pearson College Div, 2011. Print.

"Boron." // Periodic Table of Elements and Chemistry //. Web. 24 Mar. 2011. .