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JEE Advanced levelOne or more correct optionsDifficulty 3 of 3cb035

Which of the following statements about gaseous (trigonal bipyramidal) are correct?

  1. AThe two axial P-Cl bonds are longer than the three equatorial P-Cl bonds
  2. BAll Cl-P-Cl bond angles are either or
  3. CThe axial P-Cl bonds are shorter than the equatorial bonds
  4. DThe molecule has zero net dipole moment

Answer: A, D

Each axial bond has three 90-degree repulsions against two for an equatorial bond, so axial bonds are longer. The axial-axial angle is 180 degrees, so the second statement is false. Bond dipoles cancel by symmetry, so the net dipole moment is zero.
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