Chemistry

Chemistry

Problem

Boron trifluoride, BF3_3, has measured F–B–F bond angles of approximately 120∘120^{\circ}. Which of the following best explains this observation? a) Boron forms sp hybrid orbitals that orient themselves 120∘120^{\circ} apart to minimize repulsion. b) Boron is surrounded by three electron domains that give rise to sp2^{2} hybrid orbitals arranged 120∘120^{\circ} apart. c) Boron has four electron domains (three bonds and one lone pair) which adopt sp3^{3} hybridization; strong lone-pair repulsion pushes the B–F bonds to 120∘120^{\circ}. d) The central boron uses dsp3^{3} hybridization, and the three equatorial B–F bonds in a trigonal-bipyramidal geometry are 120∘120^{\circ} apart.

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