* Boron's Electron Configuration: Boron has the electron configuration 1s²2s²2p¹.
* Hybridization: To form three bonds with the fluorine atoms, boron needs to use all three of its valence electrons. It achieves this through sp² hybridization. One 2s orbital and two 2p orbitals hybridize to form three sp² orbitals.
* Shape: The three sp² hybrid orbitals are arranged in a trigonal planar geometry around the boron atom, with bond angles of 120°. Each sp² orbital overlaps with a fluorine 2p orbital to form a sigma bond.
In summary, boron in BF3 forms sp² hybrid orbitals.
