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multiple choice Q

hi, can someone help explain to me why the answer would be ClF3 for this!

“Which molecule has the largest dipole?”

- ClF3
- BF3
- SF6
- CF4

I thought the answer would be BF3 since the greatest difference in electronegativity is between B and F from the molecules above so am not sure why ClF3 is the right answer.

Thanks!
Original post by subbhy
hi, can someone help explain to me why the answer would be ClF3 for this!

“Which molecule has the largest dipole?”

- ClF3
- BF3
- SF6
- CF4

I thought the answer would be BF3 since the greatest difference in electronegativity is between B and F from the molecules above so am not sure why ClF3 is the right answer.

Thanks!

Think about the shapes of each molecule.

If the shape means the polar bonds face opposing directions, the dipoles will cancel out and the molecule will be non-polar.

i.e BF3 is non-polar, since the trigonal planar shape causes the polar bonds to face opposing directions
Reply 2
Original post by TypicalNerd
Think about the shapes of each molecule.

If the shape means the polar bonds face opposing directions, the dipoles will cancel out and the molecule will be non-polar.

i.e BF3 is non-polar, since the trigonal planar shape causes the polar bonds to face opposing directions


Ah thanks!

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