Question

What orbitals are used to form the C–B bonds in B(CH3)3?

Answer 1

Boron has an electronic structure of 1s2 2s2 2p1 but it is never found in the +1 state, only the +3 state. One of the 2s electrons is promoted to the 2p level to make the sp2 hybrid which is trigonal planar in 3-D.

Answer 2

I don't understand. They gave options for this question. What I don't understand is how to find their orbitals.

Here are the options:

C sp – B sp2

C sp2 – B sp2

C sp3 – B sp3

C sp3 – B sp2

C sp2 – B sp3

Answer 3

Sorry let me repost.

A). C sp – B sp2 B). C sp2 – B sp2

C). C sp3 – B sp3 D). C sp3 – B sp2

E). C sp2 – B sp3

Answer 4

C in CH4 is sp3 hybridized so CH3- (denoting a bond to something else) is sp3. B, as I explained in my first response, is sp2 so the correct answer should be C.