Question

Among the following species, identify the isostructural pairs.
$N{F}_3,N{O}_3^{-},B{F}_3,H_3{O}^{+},H{N}_3$

• A. $[N{F}_3,N{O}_3^{-}]$ and $[B{F}_3,H^3{O}^{+}]$
• B. $[N{F}_3,H{N}_3]$ and $[N{O}_3^{-},B{F}_3]$
• C. $[N{F}_3,H_3{O}^{+}]$ and $[N{O}_3^{-},B{F}_3]$
• D. $[N{F}_3,H_3{O}^{+}]$ and $[H{N}_3,B{F}_3]$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $[N{F}_3,H_3{O}^{+}]$ and $[N{O}_3^{-},B{F}_3]$

$N{F}_3$ and $N{H}_3$ are $s{p}^3$ hybridized and hence, have a similar structure due to the same number of lone pairs and bond pairs. $N{O}_3^{-}$ and $B{F}_3$ are $s{p}^2$ hybridized and have a similar structure.