Phosphorus monochloride Lewis Structure

Phosphorus monochloride Lewis Structure: ClP Lewis Structure, linear (diatomic) Geometry, sp2 Hybridization & Polarity

Phosphorus monochloride Key Facts

The Phosphorus monochloride Lewis structure is a linear diatomic with a polar bond between its two atoms; because the two atoms differ in electronegativity, Phosphorus monochloride is polar.

Figure 1: Lewis Structure of Phosphorus monochloride (ClP)

Chemical Formula	ClP
CAS Number	13398-13-5
Total Valence Electrons	12
Lewis Structure	linear diatomic molecule with one single bond and a lone pair on each atom
Electron-Domain Geometry	linear
Molecular Geometry	linear (diatomic)
Hybridization Model	sp2
Bond Angle	180°
Polarity	Polar molecule

PubChem and NIST list Phosphorus monochloride as ClP with CAS 13398-13-5; molecular weight ≈ None g/mol. View CAS 13398-13-5 dictionary details on Guidechem →

Applications of Phosphorus monochloride (CAS 13398-13-5)

This organic compound is used as a solvent, intermediate or specialty reagent in fine-chemical, pharmaceutical and materials synthesis; specify grade and impurity profile when sourcing.

Solvent / Reagent Medium for reactions, extraction or formulation.

Intermediate Building block for downstream derivatives.

Specialty Use Targeted role in pharma/fragrance/materials.

Procurement Note "Phosphorus monochloride" is supplied in multiple commercial grades and package sizes. Specify purity, grade, moisture/impurity limits, package (cylinder, drum or bulk) and intended process, and use CAS 13398-13-5 as the primary identifier when screening suppliers; always confirm regional availability and safety documentation (SDS).

Step 1 - Valence Electrons & Central Atom

To draw the Phosphorus monochloride Lewis structure we first count the total valence electrons. ClP contains 7 (Cl) + 5 (P); the net charge of 0 gives a total of 12 valence electrons to place.

The central atom is P. It is the least electronegative atom capable of forming multiple bonds and is surrounded by the more electronegative terminal atom(s); hydrogen, when present, always occupies a terminal position. Electronegativity considerations place the electron density toward the terminal atom(s).

Valence-electron count

Total valence electrons = 7 (Cl) + 5 (P) = 12 electrons.

Step 2 - Lewis Structure & Electron Distribution

Place P at the center and connect each surrounding atom with a single bond, complete octets on the terminal atoms, and place any remaining electrons on the central atom. The resulting electron distribution is: linear diatomic molecule with one single bond and a lone pair on each atom.

Counting bonding and nonbonding electrons around P therefore satisfies the octet/expanded-octet requirement for the drawn structure.

P–Cl

P: 2 lone pairs, 1 bonding domain

1 bonding domains + 2 lone pairs = 3 electron domains

Octet & Diradical Note In a simple Lewis drawing each atom of this homonuclear diatomic carries lone pairs; species such as O₂ are more accurately described by molecular-orbital theory (paramagnetism arises from unpaired electrons in π* orbitals).

Step 3 - VSEPR Theory & Geometry

VSEPR theory states that the 3 electron domains around P arrange to minimize mutual repulsion, giving an linear electron-domain geometry.

Because 2 of these domains are lone pair(s) — and lone pairs repel more strongly than bonding pairs — the observed molecular geometry is linear (diatomic); the P bond angle is set to 180° rather than the ideal value for the electron-domain geometry.

Repulsion hierarchy

A useful VSEPR approximation is: lone pair–lone pair repulsion > lone pair–bonding pair repulsion > bonding pair–bonding pair repulsion. With 2 lone pair(s) on P, the lone-pair domains occupy positions that minimize overall repulsion while pushing the bonding domains (and therefore the bonded atoms) closer together.

Hybridization & Formal Charge

In the conventional localized-bond model, P uses sp2 hybrid orbitals to form the 3 equivalent electron-domain directions (1 bonding + 2 lone pair).

Formal-charge check

Formal charge on central P = V − N − ½B = 5 − 4 − ½×2 = 0. The preferred Lewis structure carries zero formal charge on the central atom (and on the terminals), so it is the dominant contributor.

Modeling Note Modeling Note: sp2 is a compact model for the 3 electron-domain directions around P; full quantum-chemical treatments use molecular orbitals.

Is Phosphorus monochloride Polar or Nonpolar?

Phosphorus monochloride is polar. The linear (diatomic) shape prevents cancellation of the bond dipoles. The bond dipoles do not cancel, leaving a net molecular dipole, which strongly influences solvation behavior and intermolecular interactions.

Expert Quote — Structural Chemistry Perspective

The decisive structural fact is not simply that the individual bonds are polar; it is whether molecular symmetry allows their vector sum to vanish. In Phosphorus monochloride the linear (diatomic) arrangement prevents cancellation, so a permanent dipole remains.

Interpretation consistent with standard VSEPR / molecular-geometry references.

This polarity profile underpins its behavior as a solvent, reactant or process intermediate; when sourcing, specify grade and container compatibility.

Structural Comparison Table

Species	Formula	Central Atom	Electron Domains	Molecular Geometry	Polarity
Phosphorus monochloride	ClP	P	3	linear (diatomic)	Polar
Phosphine	H₃P	P	4	trigonal pyramidal	Polar
Phosphorus trichloride	Cl₃P	P	4	trigonal pyramidal	Polar
Phosphorus pentachloride	Cl₅P	P	5	trigonal bipyramidal	Nonpolar
Phosphorus trifluoride	F₃P	P	4	trigonal pyramidal	Polar
Phosphorus pentafluoride	F₅P	P	5	trigonal bipyramidal	Nonpolar

Practice question Starting from the 12 valence electrons of ClP, draw the Lewis structure and confirm the central P atom is sp2-hybridized with linear (diatomic) geometry. What happens to the bond angle if one terminal atom is replaced by a more electronegative substituent?

Looking for industrial bulk or specified-grade supplies of Phosphorus monochloride (CAS 13398-13-5)? Browse Supplier on Guidechem →

FAQs

Is ClP polar or nonpolar?

Phosphorus monochloride is polar. Its linear (diatomic) geometry (and/or unequal terminal atoms) stops the bond dipoles from cancelling.

What is the Lewis structure of Phosphorus monochloride?

linear diatomic molecule with one single bond and a lone pair on each atom. It uses all 12 valence electrons and the preferred structure carries zero formal charge on the central atom.

What is the bond angle in Phosphorus monochloride?

The P angle is about 180°. Lone-pair repulsion compresses the angle from the ideal linear value.

What is the hybridization of P in Phosphorus monochloride?

The conventional model is sp2. Phosphorus monochloride has 3 electron domains around the central P.

What is the CAS number of Phosphorus monochloride?

The CAS number is 13398-13-5. PubChem and NIST identify this with ClP; use it to locate suppliers and database records.

References

PubChem, Phosphorus monochloride. Molecular formula, CAS number, molecular weight and chemical identity.
NIST Chemistry WebBook, SRD 69, Phosphorus monochloride. Formula, CAS Registry Number and thermochemical / spectroscopic data.
IUPAC Gold Book. Definitions for "lone pair", "VSEPR", "hybridization" and "formal charge".
Atkins, P. & de Paula, J., Physical Chemistry. VSEPR, molecular geometry and dipole moments.
Guidechem supplier & dictionary records. Commercial sourcing and CAS-linked property pages for Phosphorus monochloride (CAS 13398-13-5).

Technical scope: Lewis structures, VSEPR and hybridization are model-based descriptions for chemical communication and structure prediction; actual molecular electronic structure is more accurately represented by molecular-orbital and quantum-chemical methods. Commercial grades vary substantially by supplier and intended use; CAS 13398-13-5 identifies the substance, not a universal purity specification.

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Phosphorus monochloride Lewis Structure