Which one of the following is the correct statement ?

Options

A. Boric acid is a protonic acid
B. Both `Tl^(3+) and Al^(3+)` ions act as oxidizing agent in aqueous solution.
C. Hydrogen bonding in `H_3BO_3` gives it a layered structure .
D. `B(Oet)_3` imparts blue colour to the burner flame.

Answer

To determine the correct statement among the given options, we will analyze each statement one by one.

### Step 1: Analyze the first statement
**Statement:** Boric acid is a protonic acid.

**Analysis:**
Boric acid (H3BO3) is not a typical protonic acid. Instead, it acts as a Lewis acid by accepting hydroxide ions (OH-) from water, thus forming tetrahydroxyborate (BOH4-) and hydronium ions (H3O+). Therefore, this statement is incorrect.

**Hint:** Remember that protonic acids donate protons (H+), while boric acid accepts hydroxide ions.

### Step 2: Analyze the second statement
**Statement:** Both Tl^3+ and Al^3+ ions act as oxidizing agents in solution.

**Analysis:**
While Tl^3+ can act as an oxidizing agent due to its ability to gain electrons, Al^3+ does not typically act as an oxidizing agent. Instead, Al^3+ is more stable and does not readily gain electrons. Therefore, this statement is also incorrect.

**Hint:** Consider the stability and electron affinity of the ions when determining their roles as oxidizing agents.

### Step 3: Analyze the third statement
**Statement:** Hydrogen bonding in H3BO3 gives it a layered structure.

**Analysis:**
This statement is correct. Hydrogen bonding in boric acid leads to the formation of a layered structure, as the molecules can interact through hydrogen bonds, creating layers.

**Hint:** Visualize the molecular structure and bonding to understand how hydrogen bonding influences the arrangement of molecules.

### Step 4: Analyze the fourth statement
**Statement:** B(OC2H5)3 imparts blue color to the burner flame.

**Analysis:**
This statement is incorrect. B(OC2H5)3 (triethyl borate) actually imparts a green color to the flame, not blue.

**Hint:** Remember that different compounds produce characteristic flame colors, and it's essential to know the specific colors associated with each compound.

### Conclusion
After analyzing all the statements, the correct statement is: **Hydrogen bonding in H3BO3 gives it a layered structure.**