What is the maximum covalency of boron?

Covalency is the number of electron pairs an atom can share with other atoms. The total number of orbitals available in the valence shell is known as covalency, whether the orbitals are completely filled or empty . For example, the electronic configuration of Boron (Atomic Number 5) is 1s2 2s2 2p1. read more

Therefore, Boron is restricted to a maximum covalency of 4 since only four (one s and three p) orbitals are available for bonding. While at excited state, the one of 2s electron can be promoted to one of empty orbital of 2p having equivalent energy resulting in 1s^2, 2s^1, 2p^2 electronic configuration. read more

The total number of orbitals available in valence shell is known as covalency whether orbitals are completely filled or empty . Therefore, Boron is restricted to a maximum covalency of 4 since only four (one s and three p) orbitals are available for bonding. read more

For ex. Boron has 4 orbitals in outermost shell so the maximum covalency of boron is 4.and sulphur has six electrons in its outermost shell and have vacantd orbital so it is able to expand their octet and show the maximum convalency of 6. read more