In the question, it says describe the changes in hybridization of the B and N atoms as a result of the reaction:
BF3 + NH3 -----> F3B - NH3
In the answer key it says that BF3 has a hybridization of sp^2, and F3B is sp^3. How are the two formulas different??
BF3 + NH3 -----> F3B - NH3
In the answer key it says that BF3 has a hybridization of sp^2, and F3B is sp^3. How are the two formulas different??
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F3B is written in that manner to highlight the fact that the bond is between the B and the N
BF3 has three sp2 hydridzed orbitals. They are all in the same plane and are 120 degrees from each other. The unhybridized p orbital projects above and below the plane of the Sp2 orbitals and is perpendicular to the plane.
In F3B - NH3, the B now has four bonds, so the hydridization rearranges to sp3, since that arrangement is at a lower energy that three bonds to three sp2 and one bond to a p.
HTH
BF3 has three sp2 hydridzed orbitals. They are all in the same plane and are 120 degrees from each other. The unhybridized p orbital projects above and below the plane of the Sp2 orbitals and is perpendicular to the plane.
In F3B - NH3, the B now has four bonds, so the hydridization rearranges to sp3, since that arrangement is at a lower energy that three bonds to three sp2 and one bond to a p.
HTH