Which of the following statements is not correct about the structure of `PCl_(5)`?

Options

A. `PCl_(5)` has a trigonal bipyramidal structure.
B. Three equatorial P-Cl bonds are equivalent.
C. The two axial bonds are different and longer than equatorial bonds.
D. Equatorial bond pairs suffer more repulsion than that of the axial bond pairs.

Explanation

To determine which statement is not correct about the structure of \( PCl_5 \), we need to analyze the geometry and bonding characteristics of the molecule. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the solution:

### Step 1: Identify the Geometry of \( PCl_5 \)
- \( PCl_5 \) has a trigonal bipyramidal geometry. This means that there are three chlorine atoms in the equatorial plane and two chlorine atoms in the axial positions.

**Hint:** Remember that the geometry can be determined by the arrangement of the atoms around the central phosphorus atom.

### Step 2: Analyze the Bond Angles
- In \( PCl_5 \), the bond angles are 120° between the equatorial bonds and 90° between the axial and equatorial bonds.

**Hint:** Bond angles are crucial in understanding the spatial arrangement of atoms in a molecule.

### Step 3: Evaluate the Equatorial and Axial Bonds
- The three equatorial \( P-Cl \) bonds are equivalent and are in the same plane. The two axial \( P-Cl \) bonds are positioned above and below this plane.

**Hint:** Look at how the positioning of atoms affects their interactions and repulsions.

### Step 4: Consider Bond Lengths and Repulsions
- The axial bonds experience more repulsion due to the three equatorial chlorine atoms being in the same plane. This repulsion causes the axial bonds to be longer than the equatorial bonds.

**Hint:** Repulsion between electron pairs affects bond lengths and angles.

### Step 5: Check Each Statement
- Now, we evaluate the statements provided:
1. \( PCl_5 \) is a trigonal bipyramidal structure. (True)
2. Three equatorial \( P-Cl \) bonds are equivalent. (True)
3. Two axial \( P-Cl \) bonds are different and longer than equatorial bonds. (True)
4. Equatorial bonds suffer more repulsion than the axial bonds. (False)

**Hint:** Identify which statement contradicts the established facts about the molecule.

### Conclusion
The statement that is **not correct** about the structure of \( PCl_5 \) is that "equatorial bonds suffer more repulsion than the axial bonds." In reality, the axial bonds suffer more repulsion due to the presence of the three equatorial chlorine atoms.