Numford
Hybridisation

Hybridisation of BeF₂

Be is sp hybridised (hybridization by the VSEPR count): 2 sigma bonds and no lone pairs give a linear shape, bond angle 180°.

FBeF
  • Be
  • F

BeF₂Beryllium fluoride

Linear

AB₂: 2 bond pairs, no lone pairs

  • Hybridisationsp
  • Bond angle180°
  • Polaritynon-polar

Why this shape

  1. Be has 2 valence electrons. It uses two in two single bonds to F, so none are left over.
  2. Steric number = two sigma bonds + no lone pairs = 2, so Be is sp hybridised.
  3. Two electron pairs point in opposite directions, along a line (linear electron geometry). With no lone pairs the atoms take the same shape: linear.
  4. All the bond pairs repel each other equally, so the angle is the ideal 180°.
  5. The bond dipoles cancel in the symmetric linear shape, so BeF₂ is non-polar.

Lewis structure

16 valence electrons
i

Be has only four electrons around it, an incomplete octet.

BeFF

Formal charges: none

Working

Why this hybridisation and shape

  1. Be has 2 valence electrons. It uses two in two single bonds to F, so none are left over.
  2. Steric number = two sigma bonds + no lone pairs = 2, so Be is sp hybridised.
  3. Two electron pairs point in opposite directions, along a line (linear electron geometry). With no lone pairs the atoms take the same shape: linear.
  4. All the bond pairs repel each other equally, so the angle is the ideal 180°.
  5. The bond dipoles cancel in the symmetric linear shape, so BeF₂ is non-polar.

Class 11, Chapter 4 Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure.

Questions

Hybridisation of BeF2: quick answers

What is the hybridisation of BeF2?

Be has 2 valence electrons. It uses two in two single bonds to F, so none are left over. Steric number = two sigma bonds + no lone pairs = 2, so Be is sp hybridised.

What is the shape of BeF2 and its bond angle?

Linear, with a bond angle of 180 degrees. Two electron pairs point in opposite directions, along a line (linear electron geometry). With no lone pairs the atoms take the same shape: linear. All the bond pairs repel each other equally, so the angle is the ideal 180°.

Is BeF2 polar or non-polar?

Non-polar. The bond dipoles cancel in the symmetric linear shape, so BeF₂ is non-polar.

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