Question

Why PCl5 break in Cl2 and PCl3

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

Pcl5 has a trigonal pyramidal shape. The bond pair – bond pair repulsion is greater in the two axial P-Cl bonds as compared to the three equatorial P-Cl bonds. 

So the axial P-Cl bonds are less stable and are removed readily when PCl5 is heated. 

PCl5 <=> PCl3 +Cl2..................