Answer to Question #82952 in General Chemistry for Annica Pooran

Question

What is the hybridization of the central atom in the phosphorus pentachloride
PCl5
molecule?

Answer 1

Solution:

Phosphorus electronic structure is [Ne]3s23p3 in the ground state. When it reacts with 5 chlorine atom, it transform in exited state where it has [Ne]3s13p33d1 electronic structure. Another worlds, one 3s electron moves to free 3d orbitals. Then, 5 unpaired electrons of phosphorous make 5 covalent bonds, which attempt to move on more distance from each other. This condition is realized for 5 bonds in trigonal bipyramidal structure [1], i.e., three bonds are arranged in trigonal planar structure, whereas the remaining two are arranged perpendicularly above and below this plane. Thus, this structure is corresponded to sp3d hybridization of central phosphorous atom.

Answer: It is sp3d hybridization of central phosphorous atom in PCl5 molecule.

Reference:

1. https://www.chemspider.com/Chemical-Structure.23204.html