Chapter 14, Problem 14.40P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

It is to be explained in what kind of orbital the lone pair of each nitrogen atom ${\text{B}}_{\text{3}}{\text{N}}_{\text{3}}$ resides.

Concept introduction:

A lone pair is an electron pair that is not a part of actual bonding; it is also called a non-bonding electron pair. The orbital that holds the lone pair can be determined by assigning the hybridization to the respective atom having a lone pair. The hybridization for the atom can be assigned based on its number of attachments, i.e., steric number. The hybridization defines the orbitals used by the atom in its attachments. While assigning the electron pair to the orbitals, first assign the $\text{σ}$ bond electrons to hybrid orbitals and $\text{π}$ bond electrons to $\text{p-}$ orbitals. The orbital whose electron pair is not involved in actual bonding can be identified as the orbital holding the lone pair.