Problem

The phosphorus trihalides (PX3) show the following variation in the bond angle X—P—X: PF3,...

The phosphorus trihalides (PX3) show the following variation in the bond angle X—P—X: PF3, 96.3°; PCl3, 100.3°; PBr3, 101.0°; PI3, 102.0°. The trend is generally attributed to the change in the electronegativity of the halogen. (a) Assuming that all electron domains are the same size, what value of the X—P—X angle is predicted by the VSEPR model? (b) What is the general trend in the X—P—X angle as the halide electronegativity increases? (c) Using the VSEPR model, explain the observed trend in X—P—X angle as the electronegativity of X changes., (d) Based on your answer to part (c), predict the structure of PBrCl4.

Step-by-Step Solution

Request Professional Solution

Request Solution!

We need at least 10 more requests to produce the solution.

0 / 10 have requested this problem solution

The more requests, the faster the answer.

Request! (Login Required)


All students who have requested the solution will be notified once they are available.
Add your Solution
Textbook Solutions and Answers Search