Which of the following is a false statement about boron?

• A. The structure of elemental boron is complex with at least five different allotropes.
• B. Boron is rare in the earth's crust, making up less than 0.001% by mass, yet occurs in high concentrations at various deposits around the world.
• C. Boron has a filled s sublevel and one electron in the p sublevel allowing it to easily attain a full octet.
• D. Naturally occurring boron is almost always bonded to oxygen.
• E. Boron forms many covalently bonded compounds in which boron atoms bond to each other.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Begin by understanding the electronic configuration of boron. Boron has an atomic number of 5, which means it has 5 electrons. The electron configuration is \(1s^2 2s^2 2p^1\). This indicates that boron has a filled 1s sublevel, a filled 2s sublevel, and one electron in the 2p sublevel.
2. Step 2: Analyze the statement about boron having a filled s sublevel and one electron in the p sublevel allowing it to easily attain a full octet. A full octet refers to having 8 electrons in the outer shell, which is typical for elements in the second period to achieve stability. Boron, however, only has 3 valence electrons and does not easily attain a full octet.
3. Step 3: Consider the nature of boron's bonding. Boron typically forms covalent bonds and is known for forming compounds where it bonds with oxygen, such as borates. It does not commonly form compounds where boron atoms bond to each other.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the statement about boron's rarity in the earth's crust. Boron is indeed rare, making up less than 0.001% by mass, but it can be found in high concentrations in certain deposits, such as borax.
5. Step 5: Review the statement about boron's allotropes. Boron has a complex structure with multiple allotropes, which is true. These allotropes include amorphous boron and several crystalline forms.