Lewis Structure

PCl3 Lewis Structure

Phosphorus trichloride

PCl3 has phosphorus in the center with three P-Cl single bonds and one lone pair on phosphorus.

Use the diagram and steps below to check the phosphorus trichloride Lewis structure, PCl3 Lewis dot structure, valence electrons, formal charges, and molecular shape.

PCl3

Phosphorus trichloride

26 e-
P Cl Cl Cl
Valence electrons26
Central atomP
GeometryTrigonal pyramidal
Bond angleAbout 100 deg
PolarityPolar
Electron geometryTetrahedral

VSEPR Geometry

Molecular geometry Trigonal pyramidal
Electron geometry Tetrahedral
Bond angle About 100 deg
Polarity Polar
Valence electrons 26
Bonding / lone pairs 3 / 1 around P
Central atom P
Electron regions 4

How to Draw PCl3: Step-by-Step

1

Parse the molecular formula

PCl3 -> P, Cl, Cl, Cl

The molecule contains one phosphorus atom and three chlorine atoms.

2

Count total valence electrons

5 + 7 + 7 + 7 = 26

Phosphorus contributes 5 electrons, and each chlorine contributes 7.

3

Choose the central atom

Central atom: P

Phosphorus is less electronegative than chlorine and can connect to three chlorine atoms.

4

Draw the skeleton

Three P-Cl single bonds

The three bonds use 6 electrons.

5

Place lone pairs

Three lone pairs on each Cl; one lone pair on P

After filling chlorine octets, the remaining pair stays on phosphorus.

6

Final answer

The PCl3 Lewis structure has phosphorus in the center with three P-Cl single bonds, one lone pair on phosphorus, and three lone pairs on each chlorine.

Formal Charges

AtomFormal charge
P0
Cl0 each

Common Mistakes

  • PCl3 is trigonal pyramidal, not trigonal planar.
  • Do not forget the lone pair on phosphorus.

FAQ

What is the Lewis structure for PCl3?

The PCl3 Lewis structure has phosphorus in the center with three P-Cl single bonds, one lone pair on phosphorus, and three lone pairs on each chlorine.

What is the Lewis dot structure for PCl3?

The Lewis dot structure for PCl3 is the electron-dot drawing shown above. The PCl3 Lewis structure has phosphorus in the center with three P-Cl single bonds, one lone pair on phosphorus, and three lone pairs on each chlorine.

How many valence electrons does PCl3 have?

PCl3 has 26 total valence electrons in this Lewis structure.

What is the molecular geometry of PCl3?

PCl3 has trigonal pyramidal molecular geometry and tetrahedral electron geometry.

Is PCl3 polar or nonpolar?

PCl3 is polar in the Lewis structure shown here. Its molecular geometry is Trigonal pyramidal.

References

Method notes are aligned with standard Lewis structure steps: count valence electrons, draw a skeleton, distribute electrons, form multiple bonds when needed, and check formal charges and resonance.

OpenStax Chemistry 2e: Lewis Symbols and Structures and Formal Charges and Resonance.