Lewis Structure of NF3
Nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) is a colorless, odorless gas with the chemical formula NF3. It is a member of the nitrogen trihalides family, which also includes NF2, NF, and N2F4. NF3 is a widely used industrial refrigerant and fire suppressant.
Drawing the Lewis Structure of NF3
To draw the Lewis structure of NF3, we first need to count the valence electrons of each atom. Nitrogen has five valence electrons, and fluorine has seven valence electrons. So, the total number of valence electrons for NF3 is 5 + (3 * 7) = 26.
Next, we place the least electronegative atom in the center of the molecule. In this case, nitrogen is the least electronegative atom, so we place it in the center. We then place the fluorine atoms around the nitrogen atom, with each fluorine atom bonded to the nitrogen atom with a single bond.
Finally, we distribute the remaining electrons to the fluorine atoms to complete their octets. This gives each fluorine atom three lone pairs of electrons.
The completed Lewis structure of NF3 is shown below.
N F \ / F-N-F / \ F F Polarity of NF3
The NF3 molecule is polar. The nitrogen atom has a partial positive charge, and the fluorine atoms have a partial negative charge. This is because nitrogen is less electronegative than fluorine.
The polarity of NF3 is due to the difference in electronegativity between nitrogen and fluorine. Nitrogen has an electronegativity of 2.1, while fluorine has an electronegativity of 4.0. This means that fluorine is more attracted to electrons than nitrogen is.
The partial charges in the NF3 molecule can be represented by the following symbols:
N F \ / Fδ-Nδ+-F / \ F Fδ- Questions about the Lewis Structure of NF3
1. Why is nitrogen placed in the center of the NF3 molecule?
Nitrogen is placed in the center of the NF3 molecule because it is the least electronegative atom. The least electronegative atom is usually placed in the center of a molecule because it is more likely to form bonds with other atoms.
2. Why do the fluorine atoms have three lone pairs of electrons?
The fluorine atoms have three lone pairs of electrons because they have seven valence electrons and only need eight to complete their octets. The extra electron pairs are therefore unshared, and they are referred to as lone pairs.
3. Is NF3 a polar or nonpolar molecule?
NF3 is a polar molecule. The nitrogen atom has a partial positive charge, and the fluorine atoms have a partial negative charge. This is due to the difference in electronegativity between nitrogen and fluorine.
4. What is the shape of the NF3 molecule?
The NF3 molecule is trigonal pyramidal. The nitrogen atom is at the apex of the pyramid, and the three fluorine atoms are at the base.
5. What are some of the properties of NF3?
NF3 is a colorless, odorless gas with a boiling point of -146.4 degrees Celsius. It is a good electrical insulator and a weak base. NF3 is also a non-flammable gas.
