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MHT CET · Chemistry · p Block Elements (Group 15, 16, 17 & 18)

Which of the following reaction proves the chlorinating property of phosphorus pentachloride?

  1. A \(\mathrm{PCl}_{5}+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \longrightarrow \mathrm{POCl}_{3}+2 \mathrm{HCl}\)
  2. B \(2 \mathrm{PCl}_{5}+\mathrm{Sn} \longrightarrow \mathrm{SnCl}_{4}+2 \mathrm{PCl}_{3}\)
  3. C \(\mathrm{PCl}_{5} \longrightarrow \mathrm{PCl}_{3}+\mathrm{Cl}_{2}\)
  4. D \(\mathrm{P}_{4}+10 \mathrm{Cl}_{2} \longrightarrow 4 \mathrm{PCl}_{5}\)
Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(D) \(\mathrm{P}_{4}+10 \mathrm{Cl}_{2} \longrightarrow 4 \mathrm{PCl}_{5}\)

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

\(\mathrm{PCl}_{5} \rightarrow \mathrm{PCl}_{3}+\mathrm{Cl}_{2}\)
The trigonal bipyramidal structure of phosphorus pentachloride, in which the \(\mathrm{P}-\mathrm{Cl}\) (axial) bonds are somewhat larger than the \(\mathrm{P}-\mathrm{Cl}\) (equatorial) bonds, renders the molecule particularly unstable. It serves as a chlorinating agent when it dissociates, releasing two chlorine atoms from the axial bond.
\(\mathrm{PCl}_{5} \longrightarrow \mathrm{PCl}_{3}+\mathrm{Cl}_{2} \longrightarrow\) act as chlorinating agent