Question

Which of the following statements is/are true about the P-Cl bonds in $PC{l}_5$ ?

• A. Three bonds are of one type and two of another type
• B. Two bonds are of one type and three of another type
• C. All the bonds are of the same type
• D. Each P-Cl bonds is unique

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B)

Three bonds are of one type and two of another type
Two bonds are of one type and three of another type

In $PC{l}_5$, electronic configuration of P atom in the excited state is $3s^{1}3p_x^{1}3p_y^{1}3p_z^{1}3d^1$. It undergoes $s{p}^{3}d$ hybridisation.

Hence, the shape of $PC{l}_5$ is trigonal bipyramidal with two Cl atoms occupying axial positions an another three occupying equatorial positions.

Hence, options $A$ and $B$ are correct.