Trigonals unite! Acid-base reaction with ammonia (NH3) and boron trifluoride (BF3) to form ammonia boron trifluoride. (more) Are There Triangular Molecules? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/Are-There-Triangular-Molecules Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by Melissa Petruzzello Melissa Petruzzello is Assistant Managing Editor and covers a range of content including plants, algae, and fungi; insects and spiders; and renewable energy and environmental engineering. She also handles... Melissa Petruzzello Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Aug 29, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot At a molecular level, atoms are always seeking shapes or combinations with other atoms that generate the least amount of strain and the most stability. Although the triangle is a strong shape in engineering, a molecule formed of three atoms in a triangle is both relatively unstable and uncommon. One such molecule, cyclopropane (C3H6), has three carbon atoms arranged in a triangular ring, with pairs of hydrogen atoms attached to each carbon. The angles of the bonds between the three carbons are 60° and do not fully accommodate the electron orbitals of the carbons, causing ring strain. This arrangement also ...(100 of 273 words)

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