BCl3
Boron chloride
B3+ balances chloride ions.
What Is the Charge of Boron?
Boron commonly forms B3+ in introductory ionic compounds.
Quick answer: Boron usually has a common ionic charge of +3, written as B3+.
| Element | Boron |
|---|---|
| Symbol | B |
| Atomic number | 5 |
| Common ionic charge | +3 |
| Common ions | B3+ |
Why Boron has this charge
Boron has common reference charges of +3. Use the compound name and context to distinguish ionic charge from oxidation state.
Boron charge examples
B2O3
Boron oxide
Boron can form oxides where total positive and negative charge balances.
FAQ
Is Boron charge the same as oxidation state?
Ionic charge is the charge on an actual ion. Oxidation state is a bookkeeping number used inside compounds. They can match, but they are not always the same thing.
How do I use this in formulas?
Combine positive and negative ions so the total charge is zero. You can also use the ionic compound calculator.
Where can I see the full chart?
Use the periodic table with charges or the ionic charges chart.