Question:

The structure of \(\mathrm{PCl_5}\) in the solid state is :

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In the gas and liquid phases \(\mathrm{PCl_5}\) is trigonal bipyramidal, but the solid is ionic: \(\mathrm{[PCl_4]^+[PCl_6]^-}\).
Updated On: Nov 5, 2026
  • square pyramidal
  • tetrahedral \(\mathrm{[PCl_4]^+}\) and octahedral \(\mathrm{[PCl_6]^-}\)
  • square planar \(\mathrm{[PCl_4]^+}\) and octahedral \(\mathrm{[PCl_6]^-}\)
  • trigonal bipyramidal
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Gaseous and molten \(\mathrm{PCl_5}\) is a trigonal bipyramidal molecule (sp3d). In the solid state it exists as an ionic lattice, \(\mathrm{[PCl_4]^+[PCl_6]^-}\).
\(\mathrm{[PCl_4]^+}\): 4 bond pairs, no lone pair, sp3, tetrahedral.
\(\mathrm{[PCl_6]^-}\): 6 bond pairs, sp3d2, octahedral.
Therefore the correct description is tetrahedral cation and octahedral anion.
Answer: (2) tetrahedral \(\mathrm{[PCl_4]^+}\) and octahedral \(\mathrm{[PCl_6]^-}\)
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