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

Explanation

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