In the lewis structure of Nitrogen trifluoride (NF3), there are three N-F bonds and one lone pair on nitrogen atom. Each fluorine atom has three lone pairs. Lewis structure of NF3 can be drawn by starting from valence electrons of nitrogen and fluorine atoms in several steps. Each step of drawing the lewis structure of NF3 is explained in detail in this tutorial. After drawing the lewis structure of NF3, you can decide shape of the NF3 molecule.
In the lewis structure of NF3, there are three N-F bonds and one lone pair on nitrogen atom which is the center atom. Each fluorine atom has three lone pairs.
You have to follow few steps to draw the lewis structure of NF3. Because nitrogen trifluoride is a simple molecule, these steps are not complex and do not require all steps which are used to draw lewis structures of complex molecules and ions. Those steps are explained in detail in next sections.
There are two elements in NF3; fluorine and nitrogen. Fluorine is a group VIIA element and has seven electrons in its last shell (valence shell). Nitrogen is a group VA element in the periodic table and contains five electrons in its last shell. Now, we know how many electrons includes in valence shells of fluorine and nitrogen atoms.
To find out total valence electrons given by a particular element, you should multiply number of electrons of the valance shell by the number of atoms of that element.
Total valance electrons pairs = σ bonds + π bonds + lone pairs at valence shells
Total electron pairs are determined by dividing the number total valence electrons by two. For, NF3S, Total pairs of electrons are thirteen.
To be the center atom, ability of having greater valance and being most electropositive element in the molecule are important.
Now we have found the center atom and sketch of NF3 molecule. Now, we can start to mark lone pairs on atoms. Remember that, there are total of thirteen electron pairs.
There are no charges on nitrogen atom and fluorine atoms. Therefore, we do not need to worry about reducing charges on atoms to get the best stable structure. That means, we have found the lewis structure of NF3.
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