Why is BF_3 considered to be a non-polar molecule, any yet B-F bonds are polar?

1 Answer
anor277
Aug 11, 2016

Molecular polarity results from the "vector sum" of the individual bond dipoles.

Explanation:

We know (i) the the B-F bond is polar; and (ii) that the /_F-B-F bond angles are 120""^@. When the individual bond dipoles are summed in a vector fashion, the resultant is necessarily 0. Thus boron trifluoride is non-polar. Capisce?

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