Home › NEET UG › Chemistry › Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure › In PCl₅, the axial P–Cl bonds are slightly *long…
In PCl₅, the axial P–Cl bonds are slightly *longer* than the equatorial ones because:
AAxial bonds use more d-character
BCl atoms in axial positions are larger
CEach axial bond pair experiences greater repulsion (three equatorial bp at 90°) than each equatorial bond pair (two axial bp at 90°)
DEquatorial bonds are π bonds
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. Each axial bond pair experiences greater repulsion (three equatorial bp at 90°) than each equatorial bond pair (two axial bp at 90°)
Axial bonds suffer **three 90° bp–bp repulsions** with the equatorial pairs; equatorial bonds face only two 90° repulsions with axial. Greater repulsion stretches the axial bonds, making them longer and weaker — which makes PCl₅ kinetically reactive.
Related questions
Besides VSEPR and the Kossel Lewis approach, which two theories are listed?Which theory is abbreviated VSEPR?Why can lattice enthalpy not be calculated directly from attraction and repulsion alone?Ionic bonds form most easily between elements with low ionization enthalpies and high negaWhat is the lattice enthalpy of sodium chloride?Lattice enthalpy is the energy required to separate one mole of an ionic solid into:The structures contributing to a resonance hybrid are called:Why was the concept of resonance introduced?