Question

Which of the following statement is correct regarding the shape of $PC{l}_3{F}_2$?

• A. Axial bonds are occupied by flourine atoms
• B. Axial bonds are occupied by chlorine atoms
• C. Axial bonds contain 1 chlorine atom and 1 fluorine atom
• D. Bond length of equitorial and axial bonds are equal

Answer 1

The correct option is A Axial bonds are occupied by flourine atoms

$P{F}_{2}C{l}_3$ molecule has a hybridisation of $s{p}^{3}d$ and has a shape of trigonal bypiramidal in which the axial bonds have an angle of ${90}^o$ and the equitorial bonds have an angle of ${120}^o$.

Since chlorine atoms are larger in size, they tend to be at the equitorial positions to minimise repulsions.

Fluorine atoms are more electronegative and so they tend to occupy the axial positions.

Axial bonds are longer than the equitorial bonds.