Lewis Structure of PCl₃ (Phosphorus Trichloride)
What is the Lewis structure of PCl₃?
PCl₃ has 26 valence electrons, 3 bonding electron pairs, and 10 lone pairs. PCl₃ has 26 valence electrons. Six are in three P-Cl bonds, 2 form a lone pair on phosphorus, and 18 form 3 lone pairs on each chlorine. The lone pair on P gives PCl₃ a trigonal pyramidal shape.
| Formula | PCl₃ |
| Name | Phosphorus Trichloride |
| Total Valence Electrons | 26 |
| Lone Pairs | 10 |
| Has Resonance | No |
| Concept | Lone Pairs |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
Step 1: Count Valence Electrons
P (Group 5A) has 5, each Cl has 7: 5 + 3(7) = 26 total.
Step 2: Draw the Skeleton
Phosphorus is central, bonded to 3 chlorines. Three bonds use 6 electrons; 20 remain.
Step 3: Distribute Lone Pairs
20 electrons: 3 lone pairs on each Cl (18 electrons) and 1 lone pair on P (2 electrons). All octets satisfied.
Step 5: Check Formal Charges
- P: FC = 5 - 2 - ½(6) = 0
- Cl: FC = 7 - 6 - ½(2) = 0
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