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Chapter 10: Problem 69

The molecular shape of \(\mathrm{BF}_{3}\) is planar (see Table 10.1 ). If a fluoride ion is attached to the \(B\) atom of \(B F_{3}\) through a coordinate covalent bond, the ion \(\mathrm{BF}_{4}^{-}\) results. What is the shape of this ion?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The shape of the BF4- ion is tetrahedral.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the Central Atom

Firstly, recognize the central atom in the molecule. In BF4-, boron (B) is the central atom because it has the least electronegosity.
02

Determine Electron Pairs on Central Atom

Subsequently, find out the total number of electron pairs on the central atom. Boron in BF4- has four atoms of fluorine (F) bonded to it and hence there are four electron pairs.
03

Determine the Molecular Geometry

With the information from step 2, the geometry of the BF4- molecule can by identified by electron pair repulsion theory. According to this theory, the four electron pairs will spread themselves around the boron atom as far as possible to decrease electron-pair repulsion. Hence, the shape of the molecule will be tetrahedral.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Explain why it is not necessary to find the Lewis structure with the smallest formal charges to make a successful prediction of molecular geometry in the VSEPR theory. For example, write Lewis structures for \(S O_{2}\) having different formal charges, and predict the molecular geometry based on these structures.

Draw a plausible Lewis structure for the following series of molecules and ions: \((a) \operatorname{SiF}_{6}^{2-} ;\) (b) \(\mathrm{PF}_{5} ;\) (c) \(\mathrm{SF}_{4}\); (d) \(\mathrm{XeF}_{4}\). Describe the electron group geometry and molecular structure of these species.

Each of the following ionic compounds consists of a combination of monatomic and polyatomic ions. Represent these compounds with Lewis structures. (a) \(\mathrm{Al}(\mathrm{OH})_{3}\); (c) \(\mathrm{NH}_{4} \mathrm{F}\); (d) \(\mathrm{KClO}_{3}\); (b) \(\mathrm{Ca}(\mathrm{CN})_{2}\); (e) \(\mathrm{Ba}_{3}\left(\mathrm{PO}_{4}\right)_{2}\).

A few years ago the synthesis of a salt containing the \(\mathrm{N}_{5}^{+}\) ion was reported. What is the likely shape of this ion-linear, bent, zigzag, tetrahedral, seesaw, or square-planar? Explain your choice.

One possibility for the electron-group geometry for seven electron groups is pentagonal-bipyramidal, as found in the IF \(_{7}\) molecule. Write the VSEPR notation for this molecule. Sketch the structure of the molecule, labeling all the bond angles.
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