Molecular geometry of PCl3( Phosphorus trichloride) by VSEPR THEORY
This video explains molecular geometry of PCl3 molecule by VSEPR theory.
According to VSEPR theory, the shape of a covalent molecule depends upon the repulsion between the electron pairs in the valence shell of the central atom of the molecule.To minimise the repulsion they try to maximise their distance between them.
There is one lone pair on Phosphorus atom
Molecular geometry of PCl3
Atomic Number of P-15
Electronic configuration-1s22s22p63s23p3
valence electrons-5
Phosphorus share 3 of its electron with three Cl-atom and form 3 Bond pair.There is one lone pair on Phosphorus atom. These lone pair repel bond pair and reduce the bond angle less than 109.5 degree.
Expected shape is Tetrahedral but presence of lone pair repulsion is greater. Hence actual geometry is Trigonal pyramidal.