Molecular Geometry of Boron Trifluoride (BF₃) - VSEPR Theory
What is the molecular geometry of Boron Trifluoride (BF₃)?
Boron Trifluoride (BF₃) has 3 electron domains around the central B atom: 3 bonding and 0 lone pair(s). The electron domain geometry is trigonal planar, giving a trigonal planar molecular shape with bond angles of approximately 120 degrees.
| Formula | BF₃ |
| Name | Boron Trifluoride |
| Central Atom | B |
| Bonding Domains | 3 |
| Lone Pair Domains | 0 |
| Total Electron Domains | 3 |
| Electron Domain Geometry | Trigonal Planar |
| Molecular Geometry | Trigonal Planar |
| Bond Angle | 120° |
Electron Domain Count
Boron has 3 bonding domains (one for each B–F bond) and 0 lone pairs. Boron is electron-deficient — it has only 6 electrons, not 8.
Electron Domain Geometry
3 electron domains arrange in a trigonal planar pattern. The three B–F bonds point to the corners of an equilateral triangle.
Molecular Geometry
All 3 domains are bonding pairs, giving trigonal planar molecular geometry. The molecule is perfectly flat and symmetric.
Bond Angle
The bond angle is exactly 120°. With three identical bonds and no lone pairs, the geometry is perfectly symmetric.
See electron domains, molecular shapes, and bond angles on interactive 3D molecules with Lewis structure overlays.
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Lewis Structure of BF₃
Draw the Lewis dot structure of Boron Trifluoride
Is Boron Trifluoride Polar or Nonpolar?
Polarity analysis of BF₃
Orbital Hybridization
See how atomic orbitals mix to form sp, sp2, and sp3 hybrids