Question
Chemistry Question on Inorganic chemistry
Identify the incorrect statement about PCl5:
A
PCl5 possesses two different Cl – P – Cl bond angles
B
All five P – Cl bonds are identical in length
C
PCl5 exhibits sp3d hybridisation
D
PCl5 consists of five P – Cl (sigma) bonds
Answer
All five P – Cl bonds are identical in length
Explanation
Solution
PCl5 has a trigonal bipyramidal geometry. In this geometry, there are two types of P-Cl bonds:
- Axial bonds: Two longer and weaker bonds positioned above and below the central phosphorus atom.
- Equatorial bonds: Three shorter and stronger bonds arranged in a trigonal plane around the central phosphorus atom.
Therefore, the statement "All five P - Cl bonds are identical in length" is incorrect. The other statements are correct: PCl5 has two different bond angles (90° and 120°), exhibits sp3d hybridization, and consists of five sigma bonds.