Question

$\text{B}{(\text{OH})}_3+\text{NaOH}\stackrel{}{\rightleftharpoons }\text{Na}[\text{B}\left(\text{OH}{)}_4\right]$
How this reaction can is made to proceed in forward direction?

• A. Addition of cis 1,2 diol
• B. Addition of borax
• C. Addition of trans 1,2 diol
• D. Addition od $\mathrm{N}{\mathrm{a}}_2\mathrm{H}\mathrm{P}{\mathrm{O}}_4$

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$\left[\mathrm{B}\right(\mathrm{O}\mathrm{H}{)}_4{]}^{-}$ forms compound with cis 1,2 diol i.e. it consumes the product so according to le chatelier principle the reaction goes in forward direction. The complex anion formed with cis 1,2 diol is stable due to formation of 5 membered ring.