In solid state, the structural unit of phosphorus pentachloride can be written as PCl4+, PCl6-, cesium chloride crystal structure, the two ions are tetrahedral and octahedral structure, respectively. The phosphorus atom in the cation is sp3 hybrid, and the phosphorus in the anion is sp d hybrid. The gaseous and liquid phosphorus pentachloride has a single molecular structure, and the molecules are triangular and double-tapered, as predicted by VSEPR theory.

The molecular structure of the solution depends on the concentration and the solvent. When dissolved in polar solvents (such as nitromethane, nitrobenzene), phosphorus pentachloride occurs self-coupling ionization.

White to yellowish crystalline block. It has a pungent and unpleasant smell. Smoke. It is easy to deliquesce. Sublimation at about 100℃, no melting. It hydrolyzes with water to form phosphoric acid and hydrogen chloride. Form corresponding chlorides when encountering alcohols. Soluble in carbon disulfide and carbon tetrachloride. Low toxicity. It is corrosive.

Hydrolyzed to hydrogen chloride and phosphoric acid when met with water

Chemical equation :PCl5+4H2O=5HCl+H3PO4 Phosphorus pentachloride ammonolysis occurs in liquid ammonia

PCl5+9NH3==P(NH)(NH2)3+5NH4Cl

Phosphorus and chlorine gas reaction: chlorine gas enough, the formation of phosphorus pentachloride (white smoke); When chlorine gas is insufficient, phosphorus trichloride (white fog) is generated, and phosphorus trichloride can continue to react with chlorine gas to produce phosphorus pentachloride.