If BH3 formed the trigonal planar molecule shown in the image below, which statement would best describe BH3?
A. Boron does not contain a complete octet of electrons.
B. BH3 would orient in an electric field.
C. BH3 is a polar molecule.
D. BH3 forms four bonds around the center atom.
I believe the answer is b
The answer is A because it needs 8 electrons but the model only has 6.
The correct answer is not B. BH3 does not orient in an electric field.
The correct answer is A. Boron does not contain a complete octet of electrons. Boron typically forms three bonds in its compounds, therefore BH3 does not have a complete octet of electrons around the central boron atom.
To determine the correct answer, let's analyze each statement and find the most suitable one:
A. Boron does not contain a complete octet of electrons.
This statement is incorrect. Boron, with its 3 valence electrons, can form three bonds and achieve a stable electron configuration, even though it does not fulfill the octet rule.
B. BH3 would orient in an electric field.
This statement is incorrect. The orientation of a molecule in an electric field depends on its molecular polarity and dipole moment. The structure of BH3 suggests that it is nonpolar, so it would not show a significant orientation in an electric field.
C. BH3 is a polar molecule.
This statement is incorrect. BH3 has a trigonal planar geometry, with the three hydrogen atoms placed symmetrically around the central boron atom. This arrangement results in a perfectly symmetrical distribution of charge and cancels out any molecular polarity. Hence, BH3 is a nonpolar molecule.
D. BH3 forms four bonds around the center atom.
This statement is incorrect. BH3 only forms three bonds with the three hydrogen atoms. The central boron atom would have an electron deficiency, making it a Lewis acid.
Based on the explanations provided, the correct answer is A. Boron does not contain a complete octet of electrons.