Question

Boron nitride can be represented by the given structure. The structure of ${\text{BN}}$ is similar to:

A) Graphite
B) Diamond
C) Benzene
D) Pyridine

Answer 1

Hint: Boron nitride consists of boron and nitrogen atoms. Boron nitride is amorphous in nature. It exists in hexagonal, cubic and wurtzite form. We are given a hexagonal form of boron nitride. To solve this we must know about the structures of graphite, diamond, benzene and pyridine.

Complete step-by-step answer:
We are given the structure of boron nitride i.e. ${\text{BN}}$ as follows:

From the structure, we can see that boron nitride consists of boron and nitrogen atoms. Boron nitride is amorphous in nature. It exists in hexagonal, cubic and wurtzite form. We are given a hexagonal form of boron nitride.

In the hexagonal structure of boron nitride, the boron and nitrogen atoms are held together by weak van der Waals forces. The structure is a layered structure. Within each layer, strong covalent bonds exist between the boron and nitrogen atoms. This structure of boron nitride is similar to that of graphite.
Graphite is an allotrope of carbon. In graphite, the carbon atoms are present in a hexagonal arrangement. The hexagonal arrangement of carbon atoms forms layers which have weak van der Waals forces between them. Within each layer, strong covalent bonds exist between the carbon atoms. Thus, the structure of ${\text{BN}}$ is similar to graphite.

Thus, the correct option is (A) graphite.

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