Question

Among the following species, identify the isostructural pairs.
$[N{F}_3,N{O}_3^{-},B{F}_3,H_3{O}^{+},N_{3}H]$

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

Answer 1

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

$N{F}_3$ and $H_3{O}^{+}$ are pyramidal structures with three bond pairs and one lone pair due to $s{p}^3$-hybridization. Thus, they are isostructural.

$N{O}_3^{-}$ are $B{F}_3$ triangular planar structures with three bond pairs and no lone pairs due to $s{p}^2$-hybridization. Thus, they are isostructural.