QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Write a Lewis structure for the phosphorus trifluoride molecule, PF^3.
Draw the Lewis dot structure for PF^3.
Draw the molecule by placing atoms on the grid and connecting them with bonds.
Include all lone pairs of electrons.
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Answer
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Step 1: Determine the total number of valence electrons in the PF^3 molecule.
Phosphorus (P) is in the 15th group of the periodic table, so it has 5 valence electrons. Each fluorine (F) atom is in the 17th group and has 7 valence electrons. There are 3 fluorine atoms in this molecule. Total valence electrons = 5 (from P) + 3 × 7 (from F) = 26 valence electrons
Step 2: Place the atoms on the grid and distribute the valence electrons.
Place the phosphorus atom in the center of the grid since it is the least electronegative atom. Arrange the three fluorine atoms around the phosphorus atom.
Final Answer
The final Lewis structure for the PF^3 molecule is: Phosphorus (P) is in the center, connected to three fluorine (F) atoms via single bonds. There are 3 lone pairs on the phosphorus atom and 6 lone pairs on the fluorine atoms. The total number of electrons in the Lewis structure is 26, which matches the total number of valence electrons calculated in Step 1.
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