Based on VSEPR rules regarding repulsions and electronegativity, which of the following statements a — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Statement C is incorrect. According to VSEPR, as the electronegativity of the surrounding atom increases (F > Cl), the bond pairs are pulled further away from the central P atom. This decreases $bp-bp$ repulsion near the nucleus, allowing the lone pair to compress the angle more. Therefore, $PF_3 < PCl_3$.