The Student Room Group

Chemistry

Why is the melting temperature of boron higher than that of lithium even though boron is a metalloid and lithium is a metal?
Reply 1
Lithium is an alkali metal, so its melting point is low in comparison to most transition metals.
Original post by Vidya Das
Why is the melting temperature of boron higher than that of lithium even though boron is a metalloid and lithium is a metal?


I'm assuming that it is because boron forms icosahedral cage structures which make the molecules more stable and so more energy is required to overcome the bonds in these arrangements hence a higher melting point.
Reply 3
Original post by Sinnoh
Lithium is an alkali metal, so its melting point is low in comparison to most transition metals.

Thank you
Reply 4
Original post by bezza822
I'm assuming that it is because boron forms icosahedral cage structures which make the molecules more stable and so more energy is required to overcome the bonds in these arrangements hence a higher melting point.


Got it. Thanks.

Quick Reply