The number of electrons shared between the two Boron atoms directly in the formation of bonds in diborane molecule

Options

A. 4
B. 2
C. 0
D. 8

Answer

To determine the number of electrons shared between the two boron atoms in the diborane (B2H6) molecule, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of Diborane
Diborane (B2H6) consists of two boron atoms and six hydrogen atoms. The structure includes two terminal hydrogen atoms bonded to each boron atom and two bridging hydrogen atoms that connect the two boron atoms.

**Hint:** Visualize the molecular structure to understand how the atoms are arranged.

### Step 2: Identify the Types of Bonds
In diborane, there are two types of bonds:
- **Two-centre two-electron bonds**: These are the bonds between each boron atom and the terminal hydrogen atoms.
- **Three-centre two-electron bonds**: These are the bonds formed by the bridging hydrogen atoms that connect the two boron atoms.

**Hint:** Recall the definitions of two-centre and three-centre bonds to differentiate between them.

### Step 3: Analyze the Bonding Between Boron Atoms
The two boron atoms in diborane are not directly bonded to each other. Instead, they are connected through the two bridging hydrogen atoms, which participate in the three-centre two-electron bonds.

**Hint:** Focus on the connectivity of the boron atoms and how the bridging hydrogens play a role.

### Step 4: Count the Electrons Shared Between Boron Atoms
Since there is no direct bond between the two boron atoms, there are no electrons shared directly between them. The bridging hydrogen atoms facilitate the connection, but the boron atoms themselves do not share any electrons directly.

**Hint:** Remember that shared electrons only count when there is a direct bond between the atoms.

### Step 5: Conclusion
Therefore, the number of electrons shared directly between the two boron atoms in the diborane molecule is **zero**.

**Final Answer:** The number of electrons shared between the two boron atoms directly in the formation of bonds in diborane is **0**.

---