Multiple Choice
Which of the following correctly describes the Lewis dot structure for neutral magnesium phosphide (Mg3P2)?
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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 BF3?
A
Boron is surrounded by three single bonds to fluorine and has one lone pair, resulting in eight electrons around boron.
B
Each fluorine atom shares two pairs of electrons with boron, forming triple bonds.
C
Boron forms double bonds with each fluorine atom to complete its octet.
D
Boron is surrounded by three single bonds to fluorine and has no lone pairs, resulting in only six electrons around boron.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that the Lewis dot structure represents the valence electrons of atoms and how they are shared or paired in bonds.
Identify the valence electrons for each atom: boron has 3 valence electrons, and each fluorine has 7 valence electrons.
Determine the bonding pattern: boron typically forms three bonds to complete its valence shell, and fluorine forms one bond plus three lone pairs to complete its octet.
Draw three single bonds between boron and each fluorine atom, and assign three lone pairs to each fluorine atom to satisfy their octet.
Note that boron in BF3 has only six electrons around it (from the three single bonds) and no lone pairs, which is an exception to the octet rule.
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