What is the Difference Between NF3 and NH3?

The main difference between NF3 and NH3 lies in their molecular structure, polarity, and chemical properties. Here are the key differences:

1. Molecular Structure: NF3 (nitrogen trifluoride) has three fluorine atoms bound to a central nitrogen atom, while NH3 (ammonia) has three hydrogen atoms bound to a central nitrogen atom.
2. Polarity: NF3 is nonbasic and has a low dipole moment (0.2340 D), while NH3 is basic and has a high dipole moment (1.47 D). The dipole moment of NH3 is larger than that of NF3 due to the direction of the lone pair dipole moment and the bond dipole moments.
3. Chemical Properties: NF3 is mainly useful in plasma etching of silicon wafers in electrochemical applications, while NH3 is used for fertilizer production, as a nitrogen source in fermentation, and as a cleaner in household applications.
4. Molar Mass: The molar mass of NF3 is 71 g/mol, while the molar mass of NH3 is 17 g/mol.

Both compounds have the same trigonal pyramidal geometry and occur as colorless gases. They also have lone electron pairs on nitrogen atoms.

Comparative Table: NF3 vs NH3

The key difference between NF3 and NH3 is the type of atoms bound to the central nitrogen atom. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences and similarities between NF3 and NH3:

Both NF3 and NH3 have the same molecular geometry, but they have different chemical and physical properties due to their different atomic compositions.