[swindon]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum so i apologies for posting this in the wrong section.

I've read wikipedia regarding alcl3 and it says in solid state that alcl3 has an octahedral shape. How does this occur? I can understand that it is a trigonal planar shape. But in solid form what forces are holding it together to create this octahedral shape? Cause surely its just Alcl3 with repeated over and over

[Borek]

Anhydrous aluminum chloride is not AlCl₃ (even if that's the simplest formula describing its composition). The same wikipedia page shows the molecule, and thats an important hint.