The ratio of 2c – 2e bonds to the 3c – 2e bonds in B₂H₆ is

Solution:

Diborane (B₂H₆) has a unique structure. It consists of two boron atoms and six hydrogen atoms. The bonding in diborane can be described as follows:

1. 2-center-2-electron (2c-2e) bonds: There are four terminal B-H bonds. Each of these bonds involves two atoms (B and H) and two electrons, similar to a typical covalent bond. So, the number of 2c-2e bonds is 4.

2. 3-center-2-electron (3c-2e) bonds: There are two bridging B-H-B bonds, often referred to as 'banana bonds'. Each of these bonds involves three atoms (B, H, B) but only two electrons. So, the number of 3c-2e bonds is 2.

The question asks for the ratio of 2c-2e bonds to 3c-2e bonds.

Ratio = (Number of 2c-2e bonds) : (Number of 3c-2e bonds)

Ratio = 4 : 2

Ratio = 2 : 1

Thus, the ratio of 2c – 2e bonds to the 3c – 2e bonds in B₂H₆ is 2 : 1.