Which bond is expected to be the least polar? — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Determine the electronegativity difference (ΔEN) between the bonded atoms in each option. Step 2: Compare the electronegativities: F (4.0), O (3.5), N (3.0), P (2.1), B (2.0), Si (1.8). Calculate the differences: O—F (4.0 - 3.5 = 0.5), P—F (4.0 - 2.1 = 1.9), Si—N (3.0 - 1.8 = 1.2), B—F (4.0 - 2.0 = 2.0). Step 3: The O—F bond has the smallest electronegativity difference (0.5), which makes it the least polar bond among the options, matching option (a).