Question

Which response contains all of the characteristics listed that should apply to phosphorus trichloride, $PC{l}_3,$ and no other characteristics?
(1) trigonal planar
(2) one unshared pair of electrons on P
(3) $s{p}^2$ hybridized at P
(4) ​​​​​​​polar molecule
(5) ​​​​​​​polar bonds

• A. 1, 4, 5
• B. 2, 3, 4
• C. 1, 2, 4
• D. 2, 4, 5

Answer 1

The correct option is D 2, 4, 5

$PC{l}_3\Rightarrow$ hybridisation = $s{p}^3$
Geometry = tetrahedral
shape $\Rightarrow$ pyramidal
No. of bond pairs = 3
No. of lone pairs = 1
Hence, (1) and (3) are wrong.