Which of the following statements is true? (i) The two axial $\mathrm{P}-\mathrm{Cl}$ bonds in…
Which of the following statements is true?
(i) The two axial $\mathrm{P}-\mathrm{Cl}$ bonds in $\mathrm{PCl}_5$ are longer than the three equatorial bonds.
(ii) The axial bonds in $\mathrm{PCl}_5$ are stronger than equatorial bonds.
(iii) The axial bonds in $\mathrm{PCl}_5$ are more stable than equatorial bonds.
(iv) All five bonds in $\mathrm{PCl}_5$ molecule are equivalent.
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
Solution
In $\mathrm{PCl}_5$, there are three equatorial bonds and two axial bonds. The axial bonds are longer than equatorial bonds because of greater repulsion from equatorial bonds. The 2 -axial bonds are at $90^{\circ}$ angle to 3-equatorial bonds, while all equatorial bonds are at $120^{\circ}$ angle to each other.