Question

Discuss the structure of PCl₃.

Answer 1

1. PCl₃ (Phosphorus trichloride) has a trigonal pyramidal shape.
2. The phosphorus atom is at the center with three chlorine atoms bonded to it.
3. There is one lone pair of electrons on the phosphorus atom.
4. The bond angle between the P-Cl bonds is approximately 100° to 110° due to lone pair repulsion.
5. The phosphorus atom undergoes sp³ hybridization, forming three sigma bonds and one lone pair.
6. This structure causes PCl₃ to be polar because of the asymmetrical shape.