Question

what is the hybridization of the central atom in the borate (bo₃³⁻) anion?

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the central atom

The central atom in $BO_{3}^{3 - }$ is boron (B).

Step2: Calculate the number of electron - groups around the central atom

Boron has 3 valence electrons. Each oxygen atom forms a single bond with boron, and the overall charge of the anion is - 3. But the number of bonding pairs around B is 3 and there are no lone - pairs on B. The number of electron - groups (bonding pairs + lone - pairs) around B is 3.

Step3: Determine the hybridization

Based on the VSEPR (Valence - Shell Electron - Pair Repulsion) theory, when the number of electron - groups around a central atom is 3, the hybridization is $sp^{2}$.

Answer:

$sp^{2}$