AP Chemistrymediummcq1 pt
According to VSEPR theory, what is the molecular geometry of phosphorus pentachloride, PCl₅?
A.Trigonal bipyramidal
B.Square pyramidal
C.Octahedral
D.Tetrahedral
Explanation
Core Concept
Five bonding pairs surround phosphorus and no lone pairs remain, so five domains minimize repulsion by taking a trigonal bipyramidal arrangement: three chlorines define the equatorial plane at 120 degrees while two axial chlorines stand at 90 degrees to it. With no lone pairs to remove, molecular geometry matches the electron-domain geometry exactly.
Correct Answer
ATrigonal bipyramidal
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