A Mercury (II) chloride dissolves in water to give poorly conducting solutions, indicating that the compound is largely nonionized in solution-it dissolves as HgCl2 molecules. Describe the bonding of the HgCl2 molecule, using valence bond theory. b Phosphorus trichloride, PCl3, is a colorless liquid with a highly irritating vapor. Describe the bonding in the PCl3 molecule, using valence bond theory. Use hybrid orbitals.

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Chemistry

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14 September, 17:00

A Mercury (II) chloride dissolves in water to give poorly conducting solutions, indicating that the compound is largely nonionized in solution-it dissolves as HgCl2 molecules. Describe the bonding of the HgCl2 molecule, using valence bond theory. b Phosphorus trichloride, PCl3, is a colorless liquid with a highly irritating vapor. Describe the bonding in the PCl3 molecule, using valence bond theory. Use hybrid orbitals.

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Cubby · Answer 1

Using valence bond theory, HgCl2 is sp hybridized while PCl3 is sp3 hybridized.

Explanation:

sp hybridized molecules are largely covalent and cannot conduct electricity hence the nonconducting nature of HgCl2. PCl3 contains a lone pair and three unpaired electrons in sp3 hybridized orbitals.