NCERT Class XI Chemistry The p-Block Elements Solutions

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Question : 7
Total: 38
Describe the shapes of BF3 and BH4. Assign the hybridisation of boron in these species.
Solution:  
BF3 has a planar triangular structure which arises from the sp2 hybrid orbitals.
(ground sytate) B 2s :
↿⇂
2p :

(excited state) B 2s :
2p :

These three sp2 hybrid orbitals are directed towards the corners of triangle and BF3 has a trigonal structure.

BH4 may be assumed to be made of a central B atom, 3H atoms and onehydride ion H. In order to accommodate the 3H atoms and one H ion, B undergoes sp3 hybridisation yielding four orbitals, 3 of which contain one e each and one is empty. The fourth, empty orbital accomodates the H ion. Thus, the structure of BH4 is tetrahedral.
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