In BF3, what is the hybridization of boron and the approximate bond angle around boron?

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Multiple Choice

In BF3, what is the hybridization of boron and the approximate bond angle around boron?

Explanation:
The key idea is that boron in BF3 has three regions of electron density around it: three B–F sigma bonds and no lone pairs. With three electron domains, the atoms arrange themselves in a trigonal planar geometry, which minimizes repulsion by spreading the bonds about 120 degrees apart. That arrangement is best described by sp2 hybridization: three sp2 hybrid orbitals form the three sigma bonds, and there is one unhybridized p orbital perpendicular to the plane (empty in BF3), which helps explain its behavior as a Lewis acid when it accepts electron density from bases. So the boron–center geometry and bonding align with sp2 hybridization and bond angles of about 120 degrees.

The key idea is that boron in BF3 has three regions of electron density around it: three B–F sigma bonds and no lone pairs. With three electron domains, the atoms arrange themselves in a trigonal planar geometry, which minimizes repulsion by spreading the bonds about 120 degrees apart. That arrangement is best described by sp2 hybridization: three sp2 hybrid orbitals form the three sigma bonds, and there is one unhybridized p orbital perpendicular to the plane (empty in BF3), which helps explain its behavior as a Lewis acid when it accepts electron density from bases. So the boron–center geometry and bonding align with sp2 hybridization and bond angles of about 120 degrees.

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