The small size of boron prevents it from forming compounds in which it have more than four nearest neighbors. Thus, BF₃ forms the only coordinate the: A) single-coordinate, mono BF⁻ ion. B) double-coordinate, bent BF₂⁻ ion. C) three-coordinate, trigonal BF₃⁻ ion. D) four-coordinate, tetrahedral BF₄⁻ ion. E) six-coordinate, octahedral BF₆^- ion.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Due to its small size, boron cannot have more than four nearest neighbors. In BF₃, there is one boron atom, three sulfur atoms, and one phosphorus atom bonded to it. Thus, the boron atom is tetrahedral with four surrounding atoms, making it a four-coordinate, tetrahedral ion.

The Small Size of Boron Prevents It from Forming Compounds