Does BF3 follow the octet rule?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether the molecule boron trifluoride (BF3) adheres to the octet rule, which stipulates that atoms tend to bond in such a way that they have eight electrons in their valence shell. This involves examining the electron configuration and bonding of BF3.
Answer
BF3 does not obey the octet rule.
The final answer is BF3 does not obey the octet rule
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is BF3 does not obey the octet rule
More Information
BF3 (boron trifluoride) is a common example of a molecule that does not follow the octet rule. Boron, the central atom, has only six electrons in its valence shell after forming bonds with three fluorine atoms, rather than the typical eight electrons.
Tips
A common mistake is assuming that all elements always obey the octet rule. Some elements like Boron in BF3 can be stable without having a full octet.
Sources
- Why the compound BF3 is stable however after forming the covalent bond boron contain only 6 electrons instead of 8 in its outermost shell. Q. BF3 does not obey octet rule. - byjus.com
- Flexi answers - Does BF3 obey the octet rule? | CK-12 Foundation - ck12.org
- Why does BF3 not follow the octet rule? : r/chemhelp - Reddit - reddit.com