Question

Number of lone pairs around phosphorus in $PC{l}_5,PC{l}_4^{+}$ and ${PC{l}_6}^{-}$ are respectively

• A. $0,1,2$
• B. $0,0,0$
• C. $1,2,3$
• D. $0,2,1$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $0,0,0$

$P$ atom has $5$ valence electrons, $PC{l}_5$, all $5$ electrons involed in bonding.

$PC{l}_4^{+}$: $+$ sign signifies loss of $1$ electron, rest $4$ involved in bonding.

$PC{l}_6^{-}$:$-$ sign signifies gain of $1$ electron, all $6$ involved in bonding.