Question

Identify the incorrect statement related to $PC{l}_5$ from the following:

• A. Three equatorial $P–Cl$ bonds make an angle of 120° with each other
  
• B. Two axial $P–Cl$ bonds make an angle of 180° with each other
  
• C. Axial $P–Cl$ bonds are longer than equatorial $P–Cl$ bonds
  
• D. $PC{l}_5$ molecule is non-reactive

Answer 1

The correct option is D $PC{l}_5$ molecule is non-reactive

The length of the axial bonds are $240pm$ and the length of the equatorial bonds are $202pm$. Due to longer axial bonds, they are weaker than the equatorial bonds and hence $PC{l}_5$ is a reactive molecule.