NCERT Class XI Chemistry The p-Block Elements Solutions
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Question : 3
Total: 38
Why does boron trifluoride behave as a Lewis acid?
Solution:
B has an electronic configuration of 1 s 2 2 s 2 2 p 1 and undergoes s p 2 hybridisation and then bonds with 3 fluorine atoms to yield B F 3 .
B (ground state) 2s :
2p :
B (excited state) 2s :
2p :
[s p 2 hybrid orbitals]
But, inspite of this bonding it remains electron deficient i.e., it does not have 8 electrons around it in the outermost shell; it has only 6 electrons in the outermost shell.
This electron deficiency coupled with the fact that it has an empty 2p orbital which can accept more electrons making it a Lewis acid.
(Lewis acids are compounds that can accept electrons)
B (ground state) 2s :
↿⇂ |
↿ |
B (excited state) 2s :
↿⇂ |
↿⇂ | ↿⇂ |
But, inspite of this bonding it remains electron deficient i.e., it does not have 8 electrons around it in the outermost shell; it has only 6 electrons in the outermost shell.
This electron deficiency coupled with the fact that it has an empty 2p orbital which can accept more electrons making it a Lewis acid.
(Lewis acids are compounds that can accept electrons)
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