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BF3 exhibits sp^2 hybridization with a trigonal planar geometry, 120° bond angles, and an empty p-orbital contributing to its Lewis acidity. Electrons in three sp^2 orbitals form σ bonds with F atoms, while the unhybridized p-orbital is available for π bonding, enhancing electrophilic characteristics.
BF3 hybridization
In the BF3 lewis structure, the central B has three valence electrons (one in s and two in p orbital) and there are three F atoms present in the surrounding.
Hybridization in BF3 involves the mixing of the boron atom’s atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals that can form sigma bonds with the fluorine atoms. Boron has an electronic configuration of 1s² 2s² 2p¹ in its ground state, possessing three valence electrons. For bonding in BF3, boron undergoes an excitation process where one electron from the 2s orbital is promoted to an empty 2p orbital, resulting in a configuration of 1s² 2s¹ 2p².
Following this electron promotion, hybridization occurs. The 2s orbital mixes with two of the 2p orbitals (2p_x and 2p_y, for instance) to form three sp² hybrid orbitals. These hybrid orbitals have a planar, trigonal geometry, with each one oriented 120° apart from the others. This arrangement is optimal for forming sigma bonds with the fluorine atoms in BF3.
The third 2p orbital (2p_z, if we consider the xy plane for the sp² hybridization) remains unhybridized and is perpendicular to the plane of the sp² orbitals. However, in BF3, this p orbital does not participate in bonding and remains empty, which is a key factor in BF3’s reactivity and its ability as a Lewis acid to accept a pair of electrons into this vacant p orbital.
Each of the sp² hybrid orbitals contains one electron and overlaps with the 2p orbital of a fluorine atom, which also contains one electron, to form a sigma bond. This results in three B-F sigma bonds, with each bond having equal strength and length due to the equivalence of the sp² hybrid orbitals.
The sp² hybridization of BF3 thus explains its trigonal planar structure, with bond angles of 120°, and accounts for its chemical properties, including its reactivity and interactions with other molecules.
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Hi……I am Biswarup Chandra Dey, I have completed my Master’s in Chemistry from the Central University of Punjab. My area of specialization is Inorganic Chemistry. Chemistry is not all about reading line by line and memorizing, it is a concept to understand in an easy way and here I am sharing with you the concept about chemistry which I learn because knowledge is worth to share it.