- Boron (B)
- Aluminium (Al)
- Gallium (Ga)
- Indium (In)
- Thallium (Tl)
These elements are characterized by having three valence electrons in their outermost shell. This configuration gives them the ability to form covalent bonds with other elements.
The boron group elements are all relatively rare in the Earth's crust. Boron is the most abundant, with an abundance of about 10 parts per million. The other elements in the group are all less than one part per million.
The boron group elements have a variety of applications. Boron is used in the production of fiberglass, glass, and ceramics. Aluminium is used in the production of aircraft, automobiles, and building materials. Gallium is used in the production of semiconductors and solar cells. Indium is used in the production of thin films and liquid crystal displays. Thallium is used in the production of alloys and rat poison.
