PCl₅ has a shape of trigonal bipyramid whereas IF₅ has the shape of a square pyramid' It is due to

see full answer

Start JEE / NEET / Foundation preparation at rupees 99/day !!

21% of IItians & 23% of AIIMS delhi doctors are from Sri Chaitanya institute !!

An Intiative by Sri Chaitanya

F and Cl have different extent of repulsion

presence of lone pair on I which is oriented so as to minimise repulsion, while P in PCI₅ has no unshared Pair

octet of P is complete while that of I is incomplete

P and I are non-metals

answer is A.

(Unlock A.I Detailed Solution for FREE)

Ready to Test Your Skills?

Check your Performance Today with our Free Mock Test used by Toppers!

Take Free Test

Detailed Solution

In PCl₅ molecule, the central P atom has 5 bond pairs of electrons and 0 lone pairs of electrons. It undergoes sp³d hybridization which results in trigonal bipyramidal geometry.

In IF₅ molecule, the central iodine atom has 5 bond pairs of electrons and 1 lone pair of electrons. It undergoes sp³d² hybridization. The expected geometry is octahedral and the actual geometry is square pyramidal.

Watch 3-min video & get full concept clarity