Phosphorus pentachloride () exists as a covalent hybridized monomer in the gas phase. What is its hy — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question
Question
Phosphorus pentachloride ($PCl_5$) exists as a covalent $sp^3d$ hybridized monomer in the gas phase. What is its hybridization state and geometry in the solid crystalline state?
Answer: B
💡 Solution & Explanation
In the solid state, $PCl_5$ undergoes auto-ionization to form ionic $[PCl_4]^+$ and $[PCl_6]^-$ to stabilize its structure. The cation has 4 bond pairs ($sp^3$, tetrahedral) and the anion has 6 bond pairs ($sp^3d^2$, octahedral).
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