Question

what is the hybridization of the central atom in the boron trifluoride (bf₃) molecule?

Explanation:

Step1: Determine boron's valence electrons

Boron (B) is in group 13 of the periodic table and has 3 valence electrons.

Step2: Analyze bonding in BF₃

In BF₃, boron forms 3 sigma - bonds with three fluorine atoms and has no lone - pairs.

Step3: Calculate the steric number

The steric number (SN) is the sum of the number of sigma - bonds and lone - pairs around the central atom. Here, SN=3 + 0=3.

Step4: Determine hybridization

Based on the steric number, when SN = 3, the hybridization is sp².

Answer:

sp²