QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
"What is the geometry of the BF₃ (boron trifluoride) molecule?
A. Tetrahedral
B. Trigonal pyramidal
C. Linear
D. Bent
E. Trigonal planar
"
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this step by step using the proper LaTeX formatting:
Step 2:: Determine the central atom and surrounding atoms
- The central atom is boron (B) - Three fluorine (F) atoms are attached to the boron atom
Step 3:: Count the number of electron domains around the central atom
- Each B-F bond represents one electron domain - Total electron domains = 3
Step 4:: Analyze the electron domain geometry
- 3 electron domains around the central atom - This suggests a trigonal planar electron domain geometry
Step 5:: Check the arrangement of atoms
- Bond angles are approximately $$120^{\circ}
- All three fluorine atoms are arranged symmetrically around the boron atom - The atoms are in the same plane
Step 6:: Determine molecular geometry
- No lone pairs on the central boron atom - Actual molecular geometry matches the electron domain geometry - This confirms a trigonal planar shape
Final Answer
Trigonal planar Explanation: BF₃ has a trigonal planar geometry with boron at the center and three fluorine atoms symmetrically arranged in the same plane at 120^{\circ} angles from each other.
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