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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements correctly describes the Lewis dot structure of the neutral compound NH3BF3?
A
NH3 donates a lone pair to BF3, forming a coordinate covalent bond between nitrogen and boron.
B
NH3 and BF3 form an ionic bond with complete electron transfer from NH3 to BF3.
C
BF3 donates a lone pair to NH3, forming a coordinate covalent bond between boron and nitrogen.
D
NH3 and BF3 share electrons equally between all atoms, resulting in no coordinate covalent bonds.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Identify the nature of NH3 and BF3 molecules. NH3 (ammonia) has a lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom, making it a Lewis base (electron pair donor). BF3 (boron trifluoride) has an incomplete octet on boron, making it a Lewis acid (electron pair acceptor).
Step 2: Understand the concept of coordinate covalent bonds (also called dative bonds), where one atom donates both electrons to form a bond. Since NH3 has a lone pair and BF3 has an empty orbital, NH3 can donate its lone pair to BF3.
Step 3: Analyze the bonding interaction between NH3 and BF3. NH3 donates its lone pair to the electron-deficient boron in BF3, forming a coordinate covalent bond between nitrogen and boron.
Step 4: Evaluate the other options: ionic bonding would require complete electron transfer, which is unlikely here because both species are neutral molecules and the interaction is based on electron pair donation, not full transfer.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct description is that NH3 donates a lone pair to BF3, forming a coordinate covalent bond between nitrogen and boron.