How many lone pairs of electrons are on the P atom in PF₃? A)0 B)1 C)2 D)3

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

PF5 molecule has 5 bonding pairs and no lone pairs of electrons on the P atom. However, when one F atom is replaced by a more electronegative O atom in PF4F, a lone pair of electrons is introduced on the P atom due to the higher electron density around the O atom. In PF₃, there is only one F atom replaced by a compound or a radical, which does not introduce any lone pairs. Hence, there is only one lone pair of electrons on the P atom in PF₃. Therefore, the correct choice is B.

How Many Lone Pairs of Electrons Are on the P