Boron's empty p orbital in BF3

Started by SaintJude
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

SaintJude

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
So BF3 is trigonal planar, but then how does Boron in BF3 also have an empty p-orbital?
Should the diagram below help me understand how B in BF3 has an empty p orbital?

BF3-hyb.gif


I ask b/c understanding that B has an empty p-orbital was crucial to me identifying it as a lewis acid.
 
Last edited: