The GATE Grind

GATE 2021 CY – Question 51

Inorganic Chemistry · Main Group Elements: Shapes and structures of molecules using VSEPR postulates, Hydrides, halides, oxides, oxoacids, nitrides, sulfides - shapes and reactivity. Structure and bonding of boranes, carboranes, silicones, silicates, boron nitride, borazine and phosphazenes: electron counting in polyhedral boranes, isolobal analogy. Allotropes of carbon, phosphorus and sulfur. Industrial synthesis of compounds of main group elements such as NH3, H2SO4 and HNO3. Chemistry of noble gases and interhalogen compounds. Acid-base concepts and principles (Lewis, Brønsted, HSAB and acid-base catalysis). · 2 marks · Multiple choice

The correct order of Lewis acid strengths of BF2Cl, BFClBr, BF2Br and BFBr2 is:

  1. BF2Cl > BFClBr > BF2Br > BFBr2
  2. BFBr2 > BFClBr > BF2Br > BF2Cl
  3. BF2Cl > BF2Br > BFClBr > BFBr2
  4. BFClBr > BFBr2> BF2Cl > BF2Br

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (B) BFBr2 > BFClBr > BF2Br > BF2Cl

Explanation

Halogen-to-boron π donation reduces electron deficiency at boron. Strong 2p–2p donation from fluorine makes fluorine-rich boranes less Lewis acidic; replacing F with heavier halogens generally weakens this donation. Within the difluoro pair, the bromide is stronger than the chloride.

Thus the intended order is **BFBr2>BFClBr>BF2Br>BF2Cl, B**. This is the usual comparative Lewis-acidity trend for these molecules.