which diagram shows how the covalent bonds most likely form in a phosphorous trichloride molecule?
which diagram shows how the covalent bonds most likely form in a phosphorous trichloride molecule?
Answer
Brief Explanations:
Phosphorus has 5 valence electrons and chlorine has 7 valence electrons. In phosphorus trichloride ($PCl_3$), phosphorus forms 3 single - covalent bonds with 3 chlorine atoms to complete its octet. Each chlorine also has 3 lone - pairs of electrons. The correct Lewis structure shows single bonds between P and Cl with lone - pairs on both P and Cl.
Answer:
The third diagram (the one with single bonds between P and each Cl and lone - pairs on P and Cl)