Question

The $BC{l}_3$ is a planar molecule whereas $NC{l}_3$ is pyramidal, because

• A. nitrogen atom is smaller than boron atoms
• B. B - Cl bond is more polar than N - Cl bond
• C. N - Cl bond is more covalent than B- Cl bond
• D. $FC{l}_3$ has no lone pair but $NC{l}_3$ has a lone pair of electrons

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

In boron trichloride, boron is $s{p}^2$ hybridised and there is no lone pair on boron hence, $BC{l}_3$ is planar in shape while in $NC{l}_3$ the nitrogen is $s{p}^3$ hybridised and there is a lone pair on nitrogen atom hence, the shape of $NC{l}_3$ is pyramidal.