Question

A compound consisting of 6 atoms of this element bound to lanthanum crystallizes to form a low temperature superconductor with a low work function. 40 atoms of this element can form spheres analogously to 60 atom carbon buckyballs. (10[1])An extremely sterically hindered D2h molecule features two atoms of this element that are bridged by two hydrogens. Adding this element to pinacol or catechol (10[1])leads to the formation of a 5-membered ring in which this element is bound to two oxygens and a hydrogen. Wade’s rules are used to predict the structure (10[1])of (10[1])compounds containing this element, which forms 3-center 2-electron bonds (10[1])with hydrogen. This element forms 3 bonds without possessing a lone pair, thus violating the octet rule. For 10 points, name this element with atomic number 5. (10[1])■END■ (10[2]0[1])

ANSWER: boron [accept B; prompt on boranes diborane or pinacolborane or catecholborane or borospherenes]
<Chemistry>
= Average correct buzz position

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Buzzes

PlayerTeamOpponentBuzz PositionValue
Maxwell YeCambridge AOxford A3710
Justin LeeImperial AImperial B6210
Sam MooreDurham AEdinburgh9010
Lewys JenkinsBristolCambridge C9110
Brendan BethlehemCambridge BWarwick10010
Ian DewanKielOxford C12710
Haike LiuKCLDurham B12810
Aisling SkeetDurham BKCL1280
Ella WardeOxford BSheffield12810

Summary

2024 ACF Regionals @ Nebraska01/27/2024Y6100%0%17%99.33
2024 ACF Regionals @ Imperial01/27/2024Y8100%0%0%95.38