Chapter 8: Problem 70
Which one of the following statements regarding \(\mathrm{BF}_{3}\) is not correct? (a) It is a Lewis acid (b) It is an ionic compound (c) It is an electron deficient compound (d) It forms adducts
Short Answer
Expert verified
Option (b) is not correct; \(\mathrm{BF}_{3}\) is not ionic.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Nature of BF3
Boron trifluoride (\(\mathrm{BF}_{3}\)) is a compound composed of boron and fluorine. Boron typically has three valence electrons and forms three covalent bonds with three fluorine atoms. This results in a total of six electrons around boron, rather than the octet (eight electrons) that many atoms strive for.
02
Evaluate Each Option
- **Option (a):** Lewis acids are species that can accept electron pairs. Since \(\mathrm{BF}_{3}\) is electron-deficient, it can accept electrons, making it a Lewis acid.- **Option (b):** Ionic compounds are formed of cations and anions with ionic bonds. \(\mathrm{BF}_{3}\) forms covalent bonds, not ionic, as boron shares electrons with fluorine.- **Option (c):** Electron-deficient compounds have fewer electrons than needed for a complete octet. \(\mathrm{BF}_{3}\) is electron-deficient as boron only has six electrons surrounding it.- **Option (d):** Adducts are formed when a Lewis acid such as \(\mathrm{BF}_{3}\) accepts an electron pair from a donor, forming a coordination complex.
03
Identify the Incorrect Statement
Comparing our analysis from Step 2, the correct options (a, c, d) align with \(\mathrm{BF}_{3}\)'s properties. Option (b) stating that it is an ionic compound is incorrect because \(\mathrm{BF}_{3}\) is covalent.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Lewis Acid
A Lewis acid is a chemical species that can accept a pair of electrons. This is an important concept in chemistry, particularly in understanding reactions where electron pairs are transferred. In the case of boron trifluoride (\( \mathrm{BF}_{3} \)), its structure enables it to function as a Lewis acid.
- As \( \mathrm{BF}_{3} \) is electron-deficient, it has an unfulfilled need for electrons.
- This electron deficiency makes it eager to accept electron pairs from other molecules or ions, classifying it as a Lewis acid.
- A typical reaction would involve \( \mathrm{BF}_{3} \) accepting an electron pair from a donor, like a nitrogen atom in ammonia (\( \mathrm{NH}_{3} \)).
Covalent Bond
Covalent bonds form when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons. In boron trifluoride, each boron atom bonds with three fluorine atoms through covalent bonding.
- The boron atom has three valence electrons and forms a single covalent bond with each of the three fluorine atoms, which need one more electron to achieve a full outer shell.
- These shared pairs of electrons constitute the covalent bonds in \( \mathrm{BF}_{3} \).
- This sharing allows all involved atoms to attain a more stable electronic configuration.
Electron Deficient Compound
An electron-deficient compound, like \( \mathrm{BF}_{3} \), has fewer electrons around an atom than required for a stable octet configuration. Boron, in this case, finds itself with only six electrons in total after forming bonds with fluorine.
- Boron's tendency is to pursue the electron configuration similar to a noble gas, which typically means having eight electrons.
- This deficiency marks \( \mathrm{BF}_{3} \) as an electron-deficient compound, motivating it to seek extra electrons from other chemicals.
- As a result, it can readily take part in reactions where electron pairs are donated by other species.
Adduct
An adduct forms when a Lewis acid and a Lewis base combine, sharing one or more electron pairs. \( \mathrm{BF}_{3} \) often forms adducts due to its nature as a Lewis acid.
- When a compound like ammonia, which can donate electron pairs, interacts with \( \mathrm{BF}_{3} \), an adduct is formed as the nitrogen atom donates a pair of electrons to the boron.
- This forms a stable complex or adduct, which can alter properties and reactivities of the initial substances.
- Adduct formation highlights \( \mathrm{BF}_{3} \)'s role in chemical synthesis and coordination chemistry.