In BF3 molecule, we see that F donates its lone pair to form a back-bond (coordinate bond) despite being highly electronegative. Similarly, in NF3, why can't F be the donor atom instead of N, by donating its lone pair and forming a coordinate bond?

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Solution

Dear Student,

NF₃ is a Lewis base which is capable of donating lone pair of electron.
In NF_3,F is more electronegative then nitrogen therefore it pulls bond pair of electrons towards itself and hence decreases the electron density over nitrogen. This allows nitrogen to accommodate lone pair of electron efficiently and hence it has lower tendency of donate a lone pair of electron.
NF₃ has a lone pair of electrons on the central nitrogen atom, giving it a trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry alongside the three N-F bonds. The molecule is also able to donate this electron pair (such as when it forms the complex tetrafluoroammonium ion, NF₄⁺.

Regards,

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