Question

In the solid state $PC{l}_5$ exists as an ionic solid - True or False?

• A. True
• B. False

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

True

In the solid state $PC{l}_5$ exists as $\left[PC{l}_4{]}^{+}\right[PC{l}_6{]}^{-}$_. Do note that the $PC{l}_5$ is borderline ionic-covalent. In other words, the compound has nearly equal characteristics of both ionic and covalent characters!

The cation $[PC{l}_4{]}^{+}$ is tetrahedral while $[PC{l}_6{]}^{-}$ is octahedral