How Can Phosphorus Form 5 Covalent Bonds?

[amolv06]

My o-chem book says that phosphorus can have more than 4 covalent bonds. Why is this with respect to valence bond theory?

 

[kingdomof]

I'd guess hybridization of the d orbital, but I haven't really much experience with chemistry.

 

[Kushal]

consider the quantum level number 3 of phosphorous.

3s is full, 3p is half filled and 3d is vacant and energetically accessible.

in what way can you get 5 covalent bonds?

 

[epenguin]

My o-chem book says that phosphorus can have more than 4 covalent bonds.

You are saying this like it's a surprise but the most important and ornery P chemistry is pentavalent, esp. bio., all the most important compounds like DNA RNA ATP comes into nearly everything.