Two p-block elements X and Y form fluroides of the type $\mathrm{EF}_{3}$. The fluoride compound $\mathrm{XF}_{3}$ is a Lewis acid and $\mathrm{YF}_{3}$ is a Lewis base. The hybridization of the central atoms of $\mathrm{XF}_{3}$ and $\mathrm{YF}_{3}$ respectively are

JEE Main · 2026 · 22 Jan 2026 · Shift 1 · p-Block Elements

Two p-block elements X and Y form fluroides of the type

EF_{3}

. The fluoride compound

XF_{3}

is a Lewis acid and

YF_{3}

is a Lewis base. The hybridization of the central atoms of

XF_{3}

and

YF_{3}

respectively are

Answer: (B)

A trifluoride that acts as a Lewis acid must have an electron-deficient central atom with a vacant orbital; this is boron in

B F_{3}

, where boron makes three bonds and keeps no lone pair, giving a trigonal-planar

s p^{2}

shape. A trifluoride that acts as a Lewis base must carry a lone pair to donate; this is nitrogen in

N F_{3}

, where nitrogen makes three bonds and retains one lone pair, giving a pyramidal

s p^{3}

shape. The central atoms of

X F_{3}

and

Y F_{3}

are therefore

s p^{2}

and

s p^{3}

hybridised respectively.

JEE Main · 2026 · 22 Jan 2026 · Shift 1 · Single correct option