CHAPTER III

GOLONGAN IIIA AND IVA ELEMENTS

2.1. Elements and Compounds of Group IIIA

The elements of class IIIA consist of: boron (B), aluminum (Al), gallium (Ga), indium (In), and
thalium (Ti).

2.1.1. Boron and Its Compounds

Boron is used in firework displays to give a green color. Other boron compounds are used in
the manufacture of borosilica glass and in healing arthritis, boron-10 isotopes are used as a
control in nuclear reactors, as a shield in nuclear radiation and in instruments used to detect
neutrons.
2.1.2. Aluminum and Its Compounds
Aluminum is an abundant chemical element that is widely used throughout the world for various
products. This element has an atomic number 13, and is identified by the symbol Al on the
periodic table of the elements. Aluminum is a metal that is lightweight, strong and corrosion
resistant, so it is widely used for household appliances, window frames, to building frames,
aluminum is used as a coating for biscuits, chocolate packaging. One of the properties of
aluminum is its resistance to corrosion. Aluminum is a low mass type metal that is very resistant
to oxidation / corrosion. This is due to the formation of a fine oxide layer (when the metal is
exposed to air) which blocks the oxide further from the deeper metal layers.