Is liquid ammonia is solvent?
Boron shows anomalous behaviour in its groups because of its small size and non-availability of d orbitals. It resembles silicon, the second member of the next higher group.
1. Both boron and silicon are non-metals, and exist in allotropic forms. They have high melting points and are semiconductors. The other members of Group 13 are metals.
2. Both boron and silicon form several volatile and spontaneously inflammable hydrides called boranes and silanes, respectively. The hydrides are readily hydrolyzed.