Question:

The relative Lewis acid character of boron trihalides is in the order:

Updated On: Aug 1, 2022
  • $B{{I}_{3}}>BB{{r}_{3}}>B{{F}_{3}}>BC{{l}_{3}} $
  • $B{{I}_{3}}>BB{{r}_{3}}>BC{{l}_{3}}>B{{F}_{3}} $
  • $B{{F}_{3}}>BC{{l}_{3}}>BB{{r}_{3}}>B{{I}_{3}} $
  • $BC{{l}_{3}}>B{{F}_{3}}>B{{I}_{3}}>BB{{r}_{3}} $
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

$BI _{3}> BBr _{3}> BCl _{3}> BF _{3}$ This order can be easily explained on the basis of the tendency of the halogen atom to back donate its lone pair of electrons to the empty p-orbital of the boron atom through $p \pi-p \pi$ bonding. Since the size of the vacant $2 p$-orbital of $B$ and the $2 p$-orbital of $F$ containing a lone pair of electrons are almost identical, therefore, the lone pair of electrons on $F$ is donated towards the B atoms. Further due to back donation by three $F$ atoms, $BF _{3}$ can be represented as a resonance hybrid of the three structures.
As a result of $p \pi-p \pi$ back donation and resonance, the electron deficiency of $B$ decreases and thus $BF _{3}$ is the weakest Lewis acid. As the size of the halogen atom increases from $Cl$ to $I$, the extent of overlap between $2 p$ orbital of $B$ and a bigger $p$-orbital of halogen (3p in Cl, $4 p$ in Br and $5 p$ in I) decreases and consequently the electron deficiency of B increases and thus the Lewis acid character increases accordingly from $BF _{3}$ to $BI _{3} .$ Thus, the relative acid strength of the boron trihalides follows the sequence : $BI _{3}> BBr _{3}> BCl _{3}> BF _{3}$
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Concepts Used:

P-Block Elements

  • P block elements are those in which the last electron enters any of the three p-orbitals of their respective shells. Since a p-subshell has three degenerate p-orbitals each of which can accommodate two electrons, therefore in all there are six groups of p-block elements.
  • P block elements are shiny and usually a good conductor of electricity and heat as they have a tendency to lose an electron. You will find some amazing properties of elements in a P-block element like gallium. It’s a metal that can melt in the palm of your hand. Silicon is also one of the most important metalloids of the p-block group as it is an important component of glass.

P block elements consist of: