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In boric acid (H₃BO₃), the hybridization states of the boron atom and the oxygen atoms are, respectively,

1. sp³ and sp²
2. sp² and sp³
3. sp² and sp²
4. sp³ and sp³

Correct answer: sp² and sp³

Solution

In boric acid, the boron atom is bonded to three oxygen atoms through single bonds and has a trigonal planar geometry, indicating sp² hybridization. The oxygen atoms, which are involved in both single bonds and a lone pair, adopt a bent shape, leading to sp³ hybridization.

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