Question

The shapes of $PC{l}_4^{+},PC{l}_4^{-}$ and $AsC{l}_5$ are respectively:

• A. square planar, tetrahedral and see-saw
• B. tetrahedral, see-saw and trigonal bipyramidal
• C. tetrahedral, square planar and pentagonal bipyramidal
• D. trigonal bipyramidal, tetrahedral and square pyramidal

Answer 1

The correct option is B tetrahedral, see-saw and trigonal bipyramidal

The molecules assume different geometry based on the number of bond pairs/lone pairs in the valence shell of the central atom. $PC{l}_4^{+}$ has four bond pairs and hence, it is tetrahedral in shape.

$PC{l}_4^{-}$ has 4 bond pairs and one lone pair and hence its geometry is trigonal bipyramidal its shape is see-saw.

$AsC{l}_5$ has 5 bond pairs and hence, it is trigonal bipyramidal in shape.