Question

A molecule of a covalent compound contains three atoms of fluorine (F) and one atom of boron (B).

What is the correct molecular formula and chemical name of the compound described in this statement?

F3B; trifluorine boronide
BF; boron fluoride
BF3; boron trifluoride
F3B; boron trifluorine

Answer 1

BF₃; boron trifluoride

Step-by-step explanation:

The molecular formula of the compound would be BF₃

The atoms making up the compound consists of B and F.

In covalent bonds, electrons are shared between atoms for the bonds to form. Boron has 3 valence electrons and would freely share with other atoms for it to have a stable configuration. Fluorine requires just one electron to have a stable configuration. Three fluorine atoms would make the bonding work.

This leaves us with a BF₃ compound

Chemical name is Boron trifluoride(3 atoms of fluorine)