Question

why are axial bonds longer as compared to equatorial bonds

answer soon

Answer 1

in pcl5 the axial bonds suffer repulsion from the equatorial bonds so they become long and weak but in pf5 the axial and equatorial bonds are of nearly equal length because the repulsion between the bonds tries to make axial bonds longer but fluorine being most electronegative makes the P-F bond shorter as a result axial bonds become nearly equal to equatorial bonds.

Answer 2

In pcl5 the axial bonds suffer repulsion from the equatorial bonds so they become long and weak but in pf5 the axial and equatorial bonds are of nearly equal length because the repulsion between the bonds tries to make axial bonds longer but fluorine being most electronegative makes the P-F bond shorter as a result ...