MadSci Network: Chemistry |
Why is BF3 monomeric and not a dimer?
I know that B in BF3 does not satisfy the octet rule, so it should form a multicenter bond like BH3 does.... but it doesn't. I think it has something to do with the electronegativity of F but I am not sure. Thanks for any help you can give, I am really stumped. Actually, the B in BF3 DOES satisfy the octet rule, by electron donation from the three fluorines:
In BH3, the only available electron donation is from a B-H bond in a neighboring BH3 molecule:
|
Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Chemistry.