If BH3 formed the trigonal planar molecule shown in the image below, which statement would best describe BH3?
A. Boron does not contain a complete octet of electrons.
B. BH3 would orient in an electric field.
C. BH3 is a polar molecule.
D. BH3 forms four bonds around the center atom.
I believe the answer is b
2 answers
If BH3 is a trigonal planar molecule then it has no dipole moment which means it isn't polar and with no polarity there is no reason for it to orient itself a particular way in an electric field. Count the electrons around BH3. How many do you see?
The answer is A because it needs 8 electrons but the model only has 6.