Question

What is the molecular geometry, or shape, of phosphorus trichloride (pcl3)?

Answer 1

Answer:

Trigonal Pyramidal

Explanation:

In PCl₃, between P and Cl, P is the less electronegative atom and so is the central atom. A pair of electron is shared between P and Cl thus forming a P-Cl covalent bond. There are a total of three P-Cl covalent bonds in PCl₃. And since P has 5 valence electrons P has a one lone pair of electron and the three covalent bonds. Also P has three sp³ hybird orbital and one p orbital containing a lone pair of electron. thus the molecular geometry, or shape, of phosphorus trichloride PCl₃ is trigonal pyramidal.

Answer 2

I believe the molecular geometry of PCL3 would be trigonal planar.