Which type of chemical bond is most likely to form between boron and hydrogen atoms, considering their electronegativity difference?

• A. Ionic bond
• B. Nonpolar covalent bond
• C. Metallic bond
• D. Polar covalent bond

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the electronegativity values of boron and hydrogen. Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract shared electrons in a bond.
2. Calculate the difference in electronegativity between boron and hydrogen by subtracting the smaller value from the larger one.
3. Use the general guidelines for bond type based on electronegativity difference: a difference less than about 0.5 usually indicates a nonpolar covalent bond, between 0.5 and 1.7 indicates a polar covalent bond, and greater than 1.7 indicates an ionic bond.
4. Since boron and hydrogen have an electronegativity difference that falls between 0.5 and 1.7, conclude that the bond formed is a polar covalent bond.
5. Understand that metallic bonds typically occur between metal atoms, so they are not relevant for the bond between boron (a metalloid) and hydrogen (a nonmetal).