`PCl_(5)` is ionic in nature in the solid state. Give reasons.
Or Solid phosphorus pentachloride behaves as an ionic compound. Explain.

Explanation

`PCI_(5)` conducts electricity in the molten state. This means that in the solid state, it exists as `[PCI_(4)]^(+) [PCI_(6)]^(-)` in which the cation is tetrahedral and the anion is octahedral
`2 PCI_(5) rarr [PCI_(4)]^(+) [PCI_(6)]^(-)`
On melting, these ions become free to move and hence `PCI_(5)` conducts electricity in the molten state.