Question

Explain why solid PCl5 is an ionic compound

Answer 1

Now, as formation of ions are difficult in gaseous state, PCl5 is covalent in gaseous state (Remember: Charges cannot be stabilised in gaseous state) however, in solid state, ions can be stabilised by Lattice Energy, also inPCl5 two bonds (axial) are longer and three bonds are shorter (equatorial bonds) so PCl5 is nit ...