Axial positions prefer high electronegative atoms. So 2 fluorines on axial and one on equatorial position.
As-F axial(2)
As-F, As-Cl, As-Cl equatorial (3)

**Axial and Equatorial Bond Lengths in AsF3Cl2**

The molecule AsF3Cl2, also known as arsenic trifluoride dichloride, consists of an arsenic atom (As) bonded to three fluorine atoms (F) and two chlorine atoms (Cl). The arrangement of atoms in this molecule leads to the formation of axial and equatorial bonds, each with distinct bond lengths.

**Axial Bond Lengths:**
The axial bond lengths in AsF3Cl2 refer to the bonds formed between the arsenic atom and the chlorine atoms. In this molecule, the chlorine atoms are arranged in an axial position, perpendicular to the plane formed by the three fluorine atoms. The axial bond lengths are longer than the equatorial bond lengths due to the presence of steric hindrance caused by the larger size of the chlorine atoms compared to the fluorine atoms. The repulsion between the larger chlorine atoms and the lone pairs on the arsenic atom leads to an elongation of the axial bonds.

**Equatorial Bond Lengths:**
The equatorial bond lengths in AsF3Cl2 refer to the bonds formed between the arsenic atom and the fluorine atoms. In this molecule, the three fluorine atoms are arranged in an equatorial position, forming a trigonal planar geometry with the arsenic atom. The equatorial bond lengths are shorter than the axial bond lengths due to the decreased steric hindrance caused by the smaller size of the fluorine atoms compared to the chlorine atoms. The repulsion between the smaller fluorine atoms and the lone pairs on the arsenic atom results in a compression of the equatorial bonds.

**Explanation:**
The difference in bond lengths between the axial and equatorial positions in AsF3Cl2 can be explained by the concept of steric hindrance. Steric hindrance refers to the repulsion between atoms or lone pairs of electrons that leads to distortions in molecular geometry. In this case, the larger size of the chlorine atoms compared to the fluorine atoms results in increased repulsion between the chlorine atoms and the lone pairs on the arsenic atom. This repulsion causes the axial bonds to elongate as the chlorine atoms are pushed further away from the arsenic atom.

On the other hand, the smaller size of the fluorine atoms leads to decreased repulsion between the fluorine atoms and the lone pairs on the arsenic atom. This reduced repulsion allows the equatorial bonds to be compressed, bringing the fluorine atoms closer to the arsenic atom.

In summary, the axial bond lengths in AsF3Cl2 are longer than the equatorial bond lengths due to steric hindrance caused by the larger size of the chlorine atoms. The equatorial bond lengths are shorter than the axial bond lengths due to the decreased steric hindrance caused by the smaller size of the fluorine atoms.