Question

Which of the following statements is not correct about the structure of $PC{l}_5$?

• A. $PC{l}_5$ has a trigonal bipyramidal structure.
• B. Three equatorial P-Cl bonds are equivalent.
• C. The two axial bonds are different and longer than equatorial bonds.
• D. Equatorial bond pairs suffer more repulsion than that of the axial bond pairs.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Equatorial bond pairs suffer more repulsion than that of the axial bond pairs.

Axial bonds suffer repulsion from the equatorial bonds due to the bigger size of the chlorine and hence axial bonds are longer than the equatorial bonds.