Question

In 3–5 sentences, predict how phosphorus and chlorine would bond. Explain why they would bond that way.

Answer 1

Phosphorus and chlorine would likely form a covalent compound due to their electronegativity difference and optimal electron sharing configuration. Phosphorus, with five valence electrons, tends to form three covalent bonds by sharing electrons, while chlorine, with seven valence electrons, typically forms one covalent bond. In a phosphorus trichloride (PCl₃) molecule, each chlorine atom shares one electron with phosphorus, allowing both to achieve a more stable electron configuration. This type of bonding is favorable because it allows both elements to fill their outer electron shells, achieving stability in the process.