QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Is the bond type of PCl₃ polar or nonpolar?
And is its molecular polarity polar or nonpolar?
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this step by step, focusing on the bond polarity and molecular polarity of PCl₃.
Step 2:: Determine the Electronegativity Difference
- Electronegativity difference: $$|3.16 - 2.19| = 0.97
- Phosphorus (P) electronegativity: 2.19 - Chlorine (Cl) electronegativity: 3.16
Step 3:: Analyze Bond Polarity
- The electronegativity difference of 0.97 indicates a polar covalent bond - Chlorine is more electronegative, so it will pull electron density away from phosphorus - Each P-Cl bond will have a partial negative charge on chlorine and a partial positive charge on phosphorus
Step 4:: Examine Molecular Geometry
- PCl₃ has a trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry - The three chlorine atoms are not symmetrically arranged around the phosphorus - This asymmetric arrangement allows for net dipole moment
Step 5:: Determine Molecular Polarity
- Because the P-Cl bonds are polar and the molecular geometry is asymmetric - The individual bond dipoles do not cancel out - Therefore, PCl₃ is a polar molecule
Final Answer
- Bond Type: Polar Covalent - Molecular Polarity: Polar
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