Organic Chemistry (8th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321768418
ISBN 13: 978-0-32176-841-4

Chapter 1 - Introduction and Review - Study Problems - Page 36: 1-24 b

Answer

The lewis structures of both $NCl_3$ and $NCl_5$ are shown in the picture below. $NCl_5$ is not possible because of the excessive number of electrons around N.

Work Step by Step

$NCl_5$ is an unlikely structure because N is a second row element and cannot hold more than 8 electrons around it. $PCl_5$ is possible because P is a third row element and due to the d orbital it can hold more than 8 electrons around it.
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