To determine the bond angles, we need to find the hybridisation and geometry of each species using VSEPR theory:
- BCl3: The central boron atom has 3 valence electrons and forms 3 σ bonds with chlorine atoms, leaving 0 lone pairs. Its steric number is 3, corresponding to sp2 hybridisation. The geometry is trigonal planar, which results in bond angles of exactly 120∘.
- PH3: Phosphorus has 5 valence electrons. It forms 3 σ bonds and has 1 lone pair. Due to Drago's rule, hybridisation is negligible, and the bond angle is close to 90∘ (∼93.5∘).
- NCl3: Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons. It forms 3 σ bonds and has 1 lone pair (sp3 hybridised). The geometry is trigonal pyramidal, and due to lone pair-bond pair repulsion, the bond angle is compressed to less than 109.5∘ (∼107∘).
- ClF3: Chlorine has 7 valence electrons. It forms 3 σ bonds and has 2 lone pairs (sp3d hybridised). The geometry is T-shaped, with bond angles slightly less than 90∘ due to strong lone pair repulsions.
Therefore, BCl3 is the only species with a bond angle of 120∘.