Question 3

SCQMEDIUM

The correct order of dipole moments for the given species is

(A)

BF3=NH4+<NF3<NH3BF_3 = NH_4^+ < NF_3 < NH_3

(B)

BF3<NH4+<NF3<NH3BF_3 < NH_4^+ < NF_3 < NH_3

(C)

NH4+<BF3<NH3<NF3NH_4^+ < BF_3 < NH_3 < NF_3

(D)

BF3<NH4+<NH3<NF3BF_3 < NH_4^+ < NH_3 < NF_3

Detailed Solution

Dipole moment (μ\mu) depends on molecular symmetry and the vector sum of bond moments.

  1. BF3BF_3: Trigonal planar geometry (sp2sp^2 hybridized) with no lone pairs. The vector sum of three B−FB-F bond moments is zero. Thus, μ=0\mu = 0.
  2. NH4+NH_4^+: Tetrahedral geometry (sp3sp^3 hybridized) and perfectly symmetric. The vector sum of four N−HN-H bond moments is zero. Thus, μ=0\mu = 0.
  3. NH3NH_3 and NF3NF_3: Both have pyramidal geometry with one lone pair. In NH3NH_3, the N−HN-H bond moments and the lone pair moment are in the same direction, reinforcing each other. In NF3NF_3, the N−FN-F bond moments are in the opposite direction to the lone pair moment, partially cancelling it. Thus, μ(NH3)>μ(NF3)>0\mu(NH_3) > \mu(NF_3) > 0. Combining these, the order is BF3=NH4+(0)<NF3<NH3BF_3 = NH_4^+ (0) < NF_3 < NH_3.
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