Question
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
JEE Main
Chemistry
Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
2026
JEE Main 2026 (22 January Shift 1)
JEE Main Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution
Options
- A. sp ^ 2 and sp ^ 3
- B. Both sp ^ 3
- C. sp ^ 3 and sp ^ 2
- D. Both sp ^ 2
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 Hybridization: sp³ Therefore, the hybridizations are sp² for XF₃ (Boron) and sp³ for YF₃ (Nitrogen).
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