Question:medium

The decreasing order of bond angles in $BF_{3} , NH_{3} , PF_{3}$ and $I_{3}{^{-}}$ is

Updated On: Apr 1, 2026
  • $I_3{^{-}} > NH_3 > PF_3 > BF_3$
  • $I_3{^{-}} > BF_3 > NH_3 > PF_3$
  • $BF_3 > I_3{^{-}} > PF_3 > NH_3$
  • $BF_3 > NH_3 > PF_3 > I_3{^{-}}$
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

To determine the decreasing order of bond angles in the molecules \( BF_3 \), \( NH_3 \), \( PF_3 \), and \( I_3^{-} \), it's essential to consider the molecular geometry and the factors affecting bond angles.

  1. \( BF_3 \) (Boron Trifluoride):
    • This molecule has a trigonal planar geometry because boron is bonded to three fluorine atoms with no lone pairs on the central atom.
    • The bond angle is exactly \( 120^\circ \).
  2. \( NH_3 \) (Ammonia):
    • This molecule has a trigonal pyramidal geometry due to the presence of one lone pair on the nitrogen atom.
    • The lone pair-bond pair repulsion reduces the bond angle from the tetrahedral \( 109.5^\circ \) to approximately \( 107^\circ \).
  3. \( PF_3 \) (Phosphorus Trifluoride):
    • Similar to \( NH_3 \), this molecule also has a trigonal pyramidal geometry, but the presence of larger fluorine atoms results in bond angle strain.
    • The bond angle is slightly less than that of \( NH_3 \), around \( 96^\circ \).
  4. \( I_3^{-} \) (Triiodide Ion):
    • This is a linear molecule because the central iodine has three lone pairs, effectively arranging the two terminal iodines at \( 180^\circ \).

From the above analysis, the order of bond angles is highest for the linear molecule \( I_3^{-} \) followed by \( BF_3 \), and then by \( NH_3 \) and \( PF_3 \), respectively.

The correct order is: I_3{^{-}} > BF_3 > NH_3 > PF_3.

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