Question

Which of the following set consists of only planar species?

• A. XeF\(_4\), BF\(_3\), PCl\(_3\)
• B. XeF\(_4\), AlF\(_3\), NCl\(_3\)
• C. XeF\(_6\), BF\(_3\), AlCl\(_3\)
• D. XeF\(_4\), BF\(_3\), BCl\(_3\)

Hint:

Planar species often arise from \(sp^2\) hybridization (trigonal planar) or \(dsp^2\) (square planar).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Review Molecular Geometries.
- XeF\(_4\): Square planar (owing to 2 Xe lone pairs).
- BF\(_3\): Trigonal planar (\(sp^2\)-hybridized).
- BCl\(_3\): Trigonal planar (\(sp^2\)-hybridized).
- PCl\(_3\), NCl\(_3\): Trigonal pyramidal (due to lone pairs) → non-planar.
- XeF\(_6\): Distorted octahedral → non-planar.
Step 2: Identify the Correct Set.
Option (4) uniquely contains all planar species: XeF\(_4\), BF\(_3\), and BCl\(_3\).
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{XeF\(_4\), BF\(_3\), BCl\(_3\)}} \]