167k views
5 votes
Explain how to determine if the compound boron tribromide is n ionic polr or nonpolar comoound

User Aniket
by
7.1k points

1 Answer

3 votes

Final answer:

Boron tribromide (BBr3) is a nonpolar compound. Its molecular geometry is trigonal planar with symmetric arrangements, resulting in no dipole moments in opposing directions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Boron tribromide (BBr3) is a nonpolar compound. To determine if a compound is polar or nonpolar, it is helpful to examine the molecular geometry and symmetry. In the case of BBr3, boron has sp2 hybridization and a trigonal planar molecular geometry.

All three peripheral atoms (bromine) are the same, resulting in a symmetric arrangement around the central boron atom. The compound is nonpolar because there are no dipole moments in opposing directions that can cancel each other out, and there are no lone pairs of electrons on the central atom.

Therefore, boron tribromide is a nonpolar compound.

User DrunkOldDog
by
8.1k points