the bond between P atom and Cl atom are in `PCl_5` are likely to be

Options

A. Ionic with no covalent character
B. Covalent with no ionic character
C. Covalent with some ionic character
D. Ionic with some metallic character

Answer

To determine the nature of the bonds between phosphorus (P) and chlorine (Cl) atoms in phosphorus pentachloride (PCl5), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Compound
The compound in question is phosphorus pentachloride (PCl5). The prefix "penta-" indicates that there are five chlorine atoms bonded to one phosphorus atom.

**Hint:** Remember that the prefix in chemical nomenclature indicates the number of atoms present in the compound.

### Step 2: Understand the Structure of PCl5
Phosphorus pentachloride has a trigonal bipyramidal structure. In this structure, three chlorine atoms are in a plane (equatorial position), and two chlorine atoms are above and below this plane (axial position).

**Hint:** Visualizing the molecular geometry can help you understand how the atoms are arranged and how they bond.

### Step 3: Determine the Type of Bonding
The bond between phosphorus and chlorine in PCl5 is formed by the sharing of electrons. This type of bond is known as a covalent bond. Since both phosphorus and chlorine are nonmetals, they tend to form covalent bonds by sharing their valence electrons.

**Hint:** Recall that covalent bonds are formed between nonmetals through the sharing of electrons.

### Step 4: Evaluate the Covalent Character
In PCl5, all five bonds between phosphorus and chlorine are covalent in nature. There is no ionic character in these bonds because both elements are nonmetals and there is no significant difference in electronegativity that would lead to ionic bonding.

**Hint:** Consider the electronegativity values of the elements involved to assess whether the bond is covalent or ionic.

### Conclusion
The bonds between the phosphorus atom and the chlorine atoms in PCl5 are likely to be covalent bonds.

**Final Answer:** The bonds in PCl5 are covalent.