True / False
(a) `BCl_(3)` in aqueous solution exists as `B^(3+)` and `Cl^(-)`

Explanation

To determine whether the statement "BCl₃ in aqueous solution exists as B³⁺ and Cl⁻" is true or false, we can analyze the behavior of boron trichloride (BCl₃) when it is dissolved in water.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding BCl₃**:
- Boron trichloride (BCl₃) is a covalent compound that does not ionize completely in water like ionic compounds do.

2. **Hydrolysis of BCl₃**:
- When BCl₃ is added to water, it undergoes hydrolysis rather than simply dissociating into ions.
- The hydrolysis reaction can be represented as:
\[ \text{BCl}_3 + 3\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{H}_3\text{BO}_3 + 3\text{HCl} \]
- This reaction shows that BCl₃ reacts with water to form boric acid (H₃BO₃) and hydrochloric acid (HCl).

3. **Conclusion on Ion Formation**:
- Since BCl₃ does not dissociate into B³⁺ and Cl⁻ ions in aqueous solution, the statement is false.
- Instead, it forms H₃BO₃ and HCl, indicating that BCl₃ does not exist as B³⁺ and Cl⁻ in solution.

4. **Final Answer**:
- Therefore, the statement "BCl₃ in aqueous solution exists as B³⁺ and Cl⁻" is **False**.