8. What Is The Crystal Structure Of AuCl3?

The crystal structure of AuCl3 is trigonal planar, with each gold atom surrounded by three chlorine atoms in a triangular arrangement. The molecule has a space group of P-3m1 and a lattice parameter of a = b = 8.077 Å, c = 8.685 Å, α = β = 90°, γ = 120°. The coordination geometry around the gold atom is best described as distorted T-shaped, with two shorter equatorial Au-Cl bonds and one longer axial Au-Cl bond. The molecular symmetry is D3h.