To determine the hybridisation of the central atom, we calculate its steric number (number of σ bonds + number of lone pairs):
- NO2−: The central nitrogen atom forms 2 σ bonds with oxygen atoms (one single and one double bond) and possesses 1 lone pair . The steric number is 2+1=3, which corresponds to sp2 hybridisation.
- NH3: The central nitrogen atom forms 3 σ bonds with hydrogen atoms and has 1 lone pair . The steric number is 3+1=4, which gives sp3 hybridisation.
- BF3: The central boron atom forms 3 σ bonds with fluorine atoms and has 0 lone pairs . The steric number is 3+0=3, corresponding to sp2 hybridisation.
- NH2−: The central nitrogen atom forms 2 σ bonds with hydrogen atoms and possesses 2 lone pairs (due to the extra electron). The steric number is 2+2=4, resulting in sp3 hybridisation.
- H2O: The central oxygen atom forms 2 σ bonds with hydrogen atoms and has 2 lone pairs . The steric number is 2+2=4, leading to sp3 hybridisation.
Therefore, both central atoms in the pair BF3 and NO2− exhibit sp2 hybridisation.