Question:

White phosphorus reacts with sulphuryl chloride and forms a solid substance A and a gas D. When A is heated at high temperature, it decomposes to give a colorless oily liquid 'X' and a gas C. The shape of X is:

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$PCl_3$ structure is similar to ammonia ($NH_3$) with a lone pair on the central atom.
Updated On: Jun 10, 2026
  • Pyramidal
  • Trigonal bipyramidal
  • Square planar
  • Tetrahedral
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Concept
Chemical reactions of phosphorus. $P_4 + SO_2Cl_2 \rightarrow PCl_3$ (A) + $SO_2$ (D). Then $PCl_3$ is stable? Wait, heating $PCl_5$ gives $PCl_3$ + $Cl_2$. The oily liquid 'X' is $PCl_3$.

Step 2: Analysis
$PCl_3$ has a central phosphorus atom with one lone pair and three bond pairs, resulting in a Pyramidal geometry.

Step 3: Conclusion
The shape of 'X' ($PCl_3$) is Pyramidal.

Final Answer: (A)
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