JEE Advanced levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 3 of 3pb180
The total number of B−O sigma bonds in one [BX4OX5(OH)X4]X2− ion (two tetrahedral B atoms and two trigonal B atoms, five bridging oxide O atoms, four terminal OH groups) is
A14
B12
C16
D10
Answer: A
Each tetrahedral B has 4 B-O bonds and each trigonal B has 3, so the sum over boron is 2(4) + 2(3) = 14. Check from oxygen: five bridging O each give 2 bonds (10) and four OH each give 1 (4), total 14.