Write the chemical name for PF3
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The chemical name for PF3 is phosphorus trifluoride.
Explanation:
PF3 is a molecular compound that consists of one phosphorus (P) atom and three fluorine (F) atoms. The naming follows standard conventions in inorganic chemistry for binary compounds composed of two different elements. In this case:
- Phosphorus is the name of the central atom. Phosphorus, in its elemental form, is a nonmetal found in Group 15 of the periodic table. The atom can form multiple types of compounds, and here it forms a fluoride.
- The “tri-” prefix is used to indicate that there are three fluorine atoms in the molecule. Fluorine is a halogen element (Group 17 of the periodic table), and it is typically named “fluoride” when it forms a compound with another element.
Thus, PF3 is called phosphorus trifluoride because it consists of one phosphorus atom and three fluorine atoms.
Bonding and Structure:
In PF3, phosphorus is at the center of the molecule, with the three fluorine atoms surrounding it. The bonding between phosphorus and fluorine is covalent, with the fluorine atoms sharing electrons with phosphorus. This bonding occurs because phosphorus needs three additional electrons to fill its outer shell, and each fluorine atom contributes one electron.
The molecular geometry of PF3 is trigonal pyramidal, where the phosphorus atom forms three bonds with the fluorine atoms and has one lone pair of electrons, which causes the molecular shape to deviate from a flat plane, resulting in a pyramidal structure.
Properties:
PF3 is a colorless, toxic gas at room temperature. It is used in organic synthesis and in various chemical reactions, especially in the production of other fluorine-containing compounds. The molecule is relatively stable but can react with strong oxidizing agents or bases.
