JEE Main Chemistry question

The correct order of bond angles is

(A)PF_3 < PCl_3 < PBr_3 < PI_3Correct
(B)PF_3 < PBr_3 < PCl_3 < PI_3
(C)PI_3 < PBr_3 < PCl_3 < PF_3
(D)PF_3 > PCl_3 < PBr_3 < PI_3

Answer: (A)

Solution

By Bent's rule, more electronegative substituents draw more p-character into their bonding orbitals, leaving the central atom's lone pair (and the remaining bonds) with relatively more s-character and, correspondingly, compressing the bond angle for the more electronegative substituent. Since electronegativity

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Question ID VK-133550