Question

Choose the correct statements regarding $PC{l}_5$

Answer 1

Phosphorus contains $5$ valence electrons. In $PC{l}_5$ five atomic orbitals combine to form five hybrid orbitals resulting in five covalent bonds with five chlorine atoms. Out of which two are axial and three are in equatorial position.
Therefore, $PC{l}_5$ molecules have $s{p}^{3}d$ hybridization and therefore a trigonal bipyramidal structure.