he fact that BCl₃ is a planar molecule while NCl₃ is pyramidal can be explained several different ways. Which is the best explanation? A) Nitrogen is more electronegative than boron. B) The nitrogen atom in NCl₃ has a lone pair of electrons whereas the boron atom in BCl₃ does not. C) The nitrogen atom is smaller than the boron atom. D) The boron atom in BCl₃ is sp³ hybridized, while the nitrogen atom in NCl₃ is sp² hybridized.

Chemistry: The Molecular Science
5th Edition
ISBN:9781285199047
Author:John W. Moore, Conrad L. Stanitski
Publisher:John W. Moore, Conrad L. Stanitski
Chapter7: Molecular Structures
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The fact that BCl₃ is a planar molecule while NCl₃ is pyramidal can be explained several different ways. Which is the best explanation?
A) Nitrogen is more electronegative than boron.
B) The nitrogen atom in NCl₃ has a lone pair of electrons whereas the boron atom in BCl₃ does not.
C) The nitrogen atom is smaller than the boron atom.
D) The boron atom in BCl₃ is sp³ hybridized, while the nitrogen atom in NCl₃ is sp² hybridized.
 
 
 
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