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Question 35

The formation of molecular complex $$\text{BF}_3 - \text{NH}_3$$ results in a change in hybridization of boron

Solution

In gaseous $$\text{BF}_3$$ the central atom B is surrounded by three electron-pair regions (three B-F $$\sigma$$ bonds and no lone pair).
For three regions the steric number is 3, giving trigonal-planar geometry and $$sp^2$$ hybridisation.

Ammonia, $$\text{NH}_3$$, possesses a lone pair on N. When $$\text{BF}_3$$ and $$\text{NH}_3$$ interact, this lone pair is donated to the vacant $$2p$$ orbital of boron, forming a coordinate bond:
$$\text{F}_3\text{B}\; \leftarrow \; \text{:NH}_3$$

After donation, boron is now surrounded by four electron-pair regions (three B-F bonds + one B←N bond).
For four regions the steric number is 4, giving tetrahedral geometry and $$sp^3$$ hybridisation.

Thus the hybridisation of boron changes

$$sp^2 \; \longrightarrow \; sp^3$$

Option B which is: from $$sp^2$$ to $$sp^3$$

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