Two p-block elements X and Y form fluorides of the type EF3. The fluoride compound XF3 is a Lewis acid and YF3 is a Lewis base. The hybridizations of the central atoms of XF3 and YF3 respectively are
- sp2 and sp3
- Both sp3
- Both sp2
- sp3 and sp2
Answer
(1) sp2 and sp3
Solution
XF3 is a Lewis acid, so X has only 6 valence electrons (3 bond pairs, no lone pair), as in BF3. With 3 electron pairs, X is sp2 hybridised (trigonal planar).
YF3 is a Lewis base, so Y has a lone pair to donate, as in NF3. With 3 bond pairs and 1 lone pair, Y is sp3 hybridised (trigonal pyramidal).
The hybridisations are sp2 and sp3.
Answer: (1)