Chemistry · Covalent Bonding: Concept of electronegativity, Fajan's rule, dipole moment, Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory and shapes of simple molecules
Which of the following statements is not correct about the structure of
Which of the following statements is not correct about the structure of \( \boldsymbol{P C l}_{5} \) \( ? \)
- A. \( P C l_{5} \) has a trigonal bipyramidal structure
- B. Three equatorial P-CI 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
Step-by-step solution
In the trigonal bipyramidal structure of PCl5, axial bond pairs experience three 90° repulsions from equatorial bond pairs, while equatorial bond pairs experience only two 90° repulsions (from axial) and two 120° repulsions (from other equatorial). Since 90° repulsions are stronger, axial bond pairs suffer more repulsion, making statement D incorrect.