Question

Describe the hybridisation in case of PCl₅. Why are the axial bonds longer as compared to equatorial bonds?

Answer 1

The geometry of PCl5 is trigonal bipyramidal.

The P atom sprawls in the middle of a central triangle & three P-Cl bonds (equatorial bonds) are shown towards its three intersections with 120° bond angle.

The remaining two P-Cl bonds (axial bonds) lie beyond and beneath the plane of the triangle at bond point 90 °.

The axial wires are more significant than central bonds because the axial Cl atoms undergo from more hatred when the central Cl atoms; as a result, the axial Cl atoms try to stay far away from the central Cl atoms, and hence axial bond are more significant than first relationships.