QQuestionAnatomy and Physiology
QuestionAnatomy and Physiology
Draw the Lewis structure for PCl^5 in the window below and then answer the questions that follow. Do not include overall ion charges or formal charges in your drawing.
b. What is the electron-pair geometry for P in PCl^5 ?
c. What is the the shape (molecular geometry) of PCl^5?
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Answer
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Step 1: Draw the Lewis structure for PCl^5.
First, draw the skeletal structure of the molecule with P at the center and Cl atoms surrounding it. Then, add all the valence electrons (5 from P and 7 from each Cl atom) around the atoms. Finally, form bonds by sharing electrons between P and Cl atoms. Make sure that each Cl atom has 8 electrons around it, and there are no unshared electrons left on the P atom. \begin{array}{ccccc} \mathrm{P} & - & \mathrm{Cl} & - & \mathrm{Cl} \ & | & & | \ & \mathrm{Cl} & - & \mathrm{Cl} & - & \mathrm{Cl} \end{array}
Step 2: Identify the electron-pair geometry for P in PCl^5.
The electron-pair geometry for P in PCl^5 is octahedral. This is because there are 6 electron pairs (5 bonding pairs and 1 lone pair) around the central P atom.
Final Answer
a. The Lewis structure for PCl^5 is shown above. b. The electron-pair geometry for P in PCl^5 is octahedral. c. The molecular geometry of PCl^5 is a trigonal bipyramid.
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