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. 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 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 of compounds (10[3])containing this (10[1])element, which forms 3-center (10[1])2-electron bonds with hydrogen. This element forms 3 bonds without possessing a lone pair, thus violating the octet rule. For 10 points, name this element (-5[1])with atomic number 5. ■END■ (10[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
Kevin ParkClaremont ATexas A&M A9210
Dimitris KalafatisTexas A&M BSorbonne9210
Russell NipUBC AIowa A9210
Ryan HumphreyTexas AAppalachian State9410
Jason ThieuMichigan State ARice A9810
Owen AshbrookIowa BUW A123-5
Isaac OlsonUW AIowa B12810

Summary

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