Question

Based on the relative sizes of F and Cl, predict the structure of ${\mathbf{PF}}_{\mathbf{2}}{\mathbf{Cl}}_{\mathbf{3}}$

Short answer

The answer is

Step-by-step solution

Structure of Compounds

The structure of compounds can be determined using the hybridization and bonds of the atoms in that particular compound. The size of the atoms depends on the steric hindrance of the compounds.

 Explanation

The structure of ${\mathrm{PF}}_2{\mathrm{Cl}}_3$is given below.

The positions of chlorine and fluorine determine the structure of the compound. The three chlorine atoms are placed in a plane at equatorial position and two fluorine atoms at the axial position. This reduces the repulsions or steric hindrance of the structure.