Question

In solid state $PC{l}_5$ is a _______.

• A. covalent solid
• B. octahedral structure
• C. ionic solid with $[PC{l}_6{]}^{+}$ octahedral and $[PC{l}_4{]}^{-}$ tetrahedral
• D. ionic solid with $[PC{l}_4{]}^{+}$ tetrahedral and $[PC{l}_6{]}^{-}$ octahedral

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

In solid state $PC{l}_5$ tries to exist as oppositely charged ions like (1) $PC{l}_4^{+}$ and $(2)PC{l}_6^{-}$ as the ionic bonding enhances the crystalline nature. also $PC{l}_4^{+}$ is tetrahedral, while $PC{l}_6^{-}$ is octahedral these structure fit well into each other which gives more stability to solid structure. Hence option D is correct.