Question

P in $PC{l}_5$ has $s{p}^{3}d$ hybridisation which of the following statement is wrong about $PC{l}_5$ structure?

• A. Two $P-Cl$ bonds are stronger and three $P-Cl$ bonds are weaker
• B. Two $P-Cl$ bonds are axial and larger than three $P-Cl$ equatorial bonds
• C. $PC{l}_5$ has trigonal bipyramidal geometry with non-polar nature
• D. All of these

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Two $P-Cl$ bonds are stronger and three $P-Cl$ bonds are weaker

The first statement, two $P-Cl$ bonds are stronger and three $P-Cl$ bonds are weaker is incorrect. The rest is correct.

Bond pair- Bond pair repulsion is maximum in the two axial $P-Cl$ bonds as compared to the 3 equatorial $P-Cl$ bonds.
Hence, the axial $P-Cl$ bonds are less stable and are removed readily when ${PCl}_5$ is heated.