BF3 Lewis Structure: 5 Easy steps with Image

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In the BF3 Lewis structure, the shape of the molecule is planar trigonal having a bond angle of 1200. The central B atom is sp2 hybridized. Three F atoms are present at the three corners of the trigonal moiety. Due to having a vacant site in B it can accept electrons or lone pairs and behaves as lewis acid.

Three F atoms and B are present in the same plane. The molecule is nonpolar due to zero dipole moment. The B-F bond length is near around 130 pm. It is isoelectronic with carbonate anion.

How to draw the BF3 Lewis structure

To accurately depict the Lewis structure for BF3 (Boron Trifluoride) follow the below steps:

BF3 Lewis Structure: Steps

Valence Electrons Calculation: For BF3, the total count of valence electrons is 24. This is calculated from Boron’s 3 valence electrons plus 21 from the three Fluorine atoms (each contributing 7 electrons).

Creating the Skeleton Structure: Boron, having the lower electronegativity compared to Fluorine, is placed in the center. Single bonds are drawn from Boron to each of the three Fluorine atoms. This step utilizes 6 out of the 24 valence electrons (2 electrons for each of the 3 bonds).

BF3 Lewis Structure: Central Atoms
BF3 Lewis Structure: : 2 dots are added between atoms

Completing the Octets for Fluorine: The next step involves distributing the remaining 18 electrons (24 total – 6 already used) to fill the octets of the Fluorine atoms. Each Fluorine atom receives 6 additional electrons to complete its octet, fully allocating the 24 valence electrons.

BF3 Lewis Structure stp3

Examining Boron’s Electron Configuration: In this final structure, Boron is surrounded by 6 electrons, which come from its bonds with the Fluorine atoms. Boron does not achieve an octet, which is notable and acceptable for BF3. This configuration is stable for Boron and is an exception to the octet rule.

The Lewis structure for BF3 thus features a central Boron atom bonded to three Fluorine atoms, with each Fluorine atom satisfying the octet rule. Boron, however, does not fulfill the octet rule, having only six electrons in its valence shell. This is a characteristic trait of BF3 and reflects Boron’s ability to be stable in compounds even without completing an octet. This structure highlights the unique electronic configuration of BF3, demonstrating its stability despite Boron’s incomplete octet.

BF3 Lewis Structure

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