Lewis Structure Generator
Nitrogen trifluoride · NF3

NF3 Lewis Structure

Nitrogen forms three N–F single bonds and keeps one lone pair. Each fluorine has three lone pairs, producing four electron domains around nitrogen and a trigonal pyramidal molecular shape.

Open NF3 in the generatorSee drawing steps
NF₃
:N: / | \ F F F
One lone pair on nitrogen; three on each fluorine
Total valence electrons26
Central lone pairs1
Electron geometryTetrahedral
Molecular geometryTrigonal pyramidal

NF3 overview

Nitrogen contributes five electrons and three fluorines contribute twenty-one. Three bonds use six electrons, fluorine octets use eighteen, and the final pair remains on nitrogen.

How to draw NF3

  1. Count 26 valence electrons.
  2. Place nitrogen in the center.
  3. Draw three N–F single bonds.
  4. Add three lone pairs to each fluorine.
  5. Place one lone pair on nitrogen and verify all formal charges are zero.

Geometry and bond angle

NF3 is AX3E. Its electron geometry is tetrahedral and its molecular geometry is trigonal pyramidal. The stored reference angle is about 102.5°, smaller than the ideal tetrahedral angle.

Common mistakes

  • Drawing nitrogen without a lone pair.
  • Using N=F double bonds.
  • Giving fluorine fewer than three lone pairs.
  • Calling the molecule trigonal planar.

Last reviewed: July 16, 2026. Educational reference only.