If pure P orbitals were used in forming the B-F bonds in BF₃ angles 90° would be expected. The actual observed bond angle is 120°. What concept might be useful in explaining the observed angles?

If pure P orbitals were used in forming the B-F bonds in BF₃ angles 90° would be expected. The actual observed bond angle is 120°. What concept might be useful in explaining the observed angles?

Explanation
  • BF₃ has a trigonal planar geometry with 120° bond angles, which cannot be explained by pure p orbitals (90°).
  • The concept of sp² hybridization explains the observed bond angles by mixing one s and two p orbitals.