Which statement best explains why the molecule BH does not satisfy the octet rule in…
CHEMISTRY · Single correct · AP · Chemistry · Compound Structure and Properties · Compound Structure and Properties
Problem
Which statement best explains why the molecule BH3 does not satisfy the octet rule in its Lewis diagram?
(a) Because boron has only three valence electrons, it can form just three single bonds, giving it a total of six shared electrons.
(b) Because hydrogen’s 1s orbital can share only one electron, boron cannot form double bonds and therefore falls short of an octet.
(c) Because boron can utilize empty 2p and 3d orbitals to expand its valence shell, the octet rule does not apply to BH3.
(d) Because several resonance structures spread the electrons over the molecule, no single structure can give boron a full octet.