Describe hybridisation in the case of PCl₅ and SF₆. The axial bonds are longer as compared to equatorial bonds in PCl₅ whereas in SF₆ both axial bonds and equatorial bonds have the same bond length. Explain.

Question

Describe hybridisation in the case of PCl₅ and SF₆. The axial bonds are longer as compared to equatorial bonds in PCl₅ whereas in SF₆ both axial bonds and equatorial bonds have the same bond length. Explain.

Philoid · Accepted Answer

The hybridization of the P in PCl₅ is sp³d and the hybridization of the S in SF₆ is sp³d².

PCl₅ has trigonal bipyramidal geometry. In this case, the axial bonds are slightly longer than the equatorial bonds. This is because the axial bonds experience greater repulsion from other bonds than the equatorial bonds.

SF₆ has an octahedral structure. In this case, all the bonds have the same length since all bonds experience similar repulsion from other bonds.

Describe hybridisation in the case of PCl5 and SF6. The axial bonds are longer as compared to equatorial bonds in PCl5 whereas in SF6 both axial bonds and equatorial bonds have the same bond length. Explain.

Describe hybridisation in the case of PCl₅ and SF₆. The axial bonds are longer as compared to equatorial bonds in PCl₅ whereas in SF₆ both axial bonds and equatorial bonds have the same bond length. Explain.