Boron is a highly reactive element. It has an electronegativity of 2.04, which means that it has a strong tendency to gain electrons. This makes it a good reducing agent. It is also a good oxidizing agent, because it can easily give up its own electrons.

Boron is particularly reactive with oxygen. It burns easily in air, forming boron oxide. It can also react with water, forming boric acid.

Boron is also reactive with metals. It forms borides with many metals, including iron, aluminum, and magnesium. These borides are often hard and wear-resistant.

Boron is also reactive with organic compounds. It can react with hydrocarbons to form boron hydrides. These boron hydrides are colorless, flammable gases that are used as rocket fuel and as a source of hydrogen.

Boron is also reactive with halogens. It forms halides with all of the halogens. These halides are all covalent compounds.