JEE Main202622 January 2026Morning ShiftChemistryChemical Bonding and Molecular StructureActual
Two p-block elements X and Y form fluorides of the type EF ₃ . The fluoride compound XF ₃ is a Lewis acid and YF ₃ is a Lewis base. The hybridizations of the central atoms of XF ₃ and YF ₃ respectively are
Options
- Asp ² and sp ³
- BBoth sp ³
- Csp ³ and sp ²
- DBoth sp ²
Correct answer
A. sp ² and sp ³
Step-by-step solution
XF₃ is a Lewis acid, indicating the central atom X lacks a complete octet and can accept electron pairs. This is characteristic of Boron (B). Boron in BF₃: Valence electrons: 3 Steric number: 3 (three B-F bonds, no lone pairs) Geometry: Trigonal planar Hybridization: sp² YF₃ is a Lewis base, indicating the central atom Y has lone pair(s) available to donate. This is characteristic of Nitrogen (N). Nitrogen in NF₃: Valence electrons: 5 Steric number: 4 (three N-F bonds + one lone pair) Geometry: Trigonal pyramidal H