Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes the electron domain geometry and molecular geometry of the neutral compound BH3?
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11. Bonding & Molecular Structure
Lewis Dot Structures: Neutral Compounds
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Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis dot structure of the neutral compound BH3?
A
Boron is surrounded by two single bonds to hydrogen and has two lone pairs.
B
Boron is surrounded by three single bonds to hydrogen and has one lone pair.
C
Boron is surrounded by three single bonds to hydrogen and has no lone pairs.
D
Boron is surrounded by three single bonds to hydrogen and has a complete octet.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the Lewis dot structure represents the valence electrons of atoms in a molecule, showing bonds and lone pairs explicitly.
Determine the total number of valence electrons in BH3: Boron (B) has 3 valence electrons, and each Hydrogen (H) has 1 valence electron, so total electrons = 3 + 3*1 = 6.
Arrange the atoms with Boron as the central atom bonded to three Hydrogens, each connected by a single bond, which accounts for 6 electrons (3 bonds × 2 electrons per bond).
Check the octet rule for Boron: Boron has only 6 electrons around it in BH3, which is an exception to the octet rule, so it does not have a complete octet and no lone pairs are present on Boron.
Conclude that the correct Lewis structure for BH3 shows Boron surrounded by three single bonds to Hydrogen atoms and no lone pairs, with Boron having an incomplete octet.
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