Question

answer the questions in the table below about the shape of the borate (bo₃³⁻) anion. how many electron groups are around the central boron atom? note: one “electron group” means one lone pair, one single bond, one double bond, or one triple bond. what phrase best describes the arrangement of these electron groups around the central boron atom? (you may need to use the scrollbar to see all the choices.)

Explanation:

Step1: Determine bonding in $BO_3^{3 -}$

Boron has 3 valence electrons. In $BO_3^{3 -}$, boron forms three single - bonds with oxygen atoms. There are no lone pairs on the boron atom. So the number of electron groups around the central boron atom is 3.

Step2: Identify electron - group arrangement

According to the VSEPR (Valence - Shell Electron - Pair Repulsion) theory, when the number of electron groups around a central atom is 3 and there are no lone pairs, the electron - group arrangement is trigonal planar.

Answer:

How many electron groups are around the central boron atom? 3
What phrase best describes the arrangement of these electron groups around the central boron atom? Trigonal planar