Question

Identify the incorrect statement about PCl₅:

• A. PCl₅ possesses two different Cl – P – Cl bond angles
• B. All five P – Cl bonds are identical in length
• C. PCl₅ exhibits sp³d hybridisation
• D. PCl₅ consists of five P – Cl (sigma) bonds

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

PCl₅ has a trigonal bipyramidal geometry. In this geometry, there are two types of P-Cl bonds:

• Axial bonds: Two longer and weaker bonds positioned above and below the central phosphorus atom.
• Equatorial bonds: Three shorter and stronger bonds arranged in a trigonal plane around the central phosphorus atom.

Therefore, the statement "All five P - Cl bonds are identical in length" is incorrect. The other statements are correct: PCl₅ has two different bond angles (90° and 120°), exhibits sp³d hybridization, and consists of five sigma bonds.