Scribd
Upload
393 views5 pages

Dry Lab 5 Student Guide

The document discusses the Valence-Shell Electron-Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) model for predicting molecular geometry based on a molecule's Lewis structure. It provides steps for using the VSEPR model, including writing the Lewis structure, counting electron domains, determining the electronic geometry, assigning bond angles, and determining the molecular geometry. Tables listing common VSEPR electronic geometries and their bond angles and molecular geometries are also included. Sample exercises are given to have students predict molecular geometries of specific molecules using the VSEPR model.

Uploaded by

Michael Vego
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
393 views5 pages

Dry Lab 5 Student Guide

The document discusses the Valence-Shell Electron-Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) model for predicting molecular geometry based on a molecule's Lewis structure. It provides steps for using the VSEPR model, including writing the Lewis structure, counting electron domains, determining the electronic geometry, assigning bond angles, and determining the molecular geometry. Tables listing common VSEPR electronic geometries and their bond angles and molecular geometries are also included. Sample exercises are given to have students predict molecular geometries of specific molecules using the VSEPR model.

Uploaded by

Michael Vego
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

5/2/2019 Dry Lab 5 student guide - Google Docs

Dry Lab

Molecular Geometry 
Molecular geometry is the three-dimensional arrangement of the atoms in the molecule. Determining
the geometry of the molecule is essential since it explain both its physical and chemical properties. Modern
technology enables chemists to predict and determine both the geometry and shape of the molecule.
However, the geometry of the molecule can be roughly estimated based on its Lewis structure.

Valence-Shell Electron-Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) Model

The VSEPR model is the most common and accurate approach in predicting the geometry of the
molecule based on its Lewis structure. VSEPR theory states that regions of high electron density, such as
bonding pairs or lone pairs of electrons (a VSEPR or electron domain), will arrange themselves as far apart
as possible around the central atom. Each single, double, or triple bond or unshared pair is counted as an
electron domain.

The VSEPR rules:

1. Write the LEWIS STRUCTURE.


2. Count the number of ELECTRON DOMAINS around the central atom (or any atom).
3. Pick the VSEPR/ELECTRONIC GEOMETRY. Note that this electronic geometry is based only on
the number of electron domains, regardless of what they are (triple bond, lone pair, etc…).
4. Assign geometries and the corresponding bond angles (see Table 1).
5. Arrange the VSEPR pairs to minimize repulsion.
6. Determine the MOLECULAR GEOMETRY. The molecular geometry is determined by what we can
actually “see” – the atoms bonded to the central atoms, but not the lone pairs. The molecular geometry is
set by the electronic geometry. See Table 2 to assign these geometries. (Account for any unfilled
positions in the electron pair geometry, i.e. non-bonding pairs/lone pairs).
7. Adjust angles to recognize STERIC (size) EFFECTS. This gives rise to slight deviations to the ideal
bond angles.
- Multiple Bonds – double, triple bonds take up more space than single bonds, therefore angles
involving them will be somewhat larger.
- Non-Bonding/Lone Pairs – lone Pair electrons take up much more space than bonding pairs,
compressing the angles between other, bonding pairs.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FkV9HXML2Chmi09Xe64T82MiwShtaOipVh6fR7kC7x0/edit#heading=h.gjdgxs 1/5
5/2/2019 Dry Lab 5 student guide - Google Docs

Table 1: VSEPR Electronic Geometries


umber of Electron Domains SEPR/Electronic Geometry Ideal Bond Angle(s)
2 Linear 180°
3 Trigonal planar 120°
4 Tetrahedral 109.5°
5 Trigonal bipyramidal 180°/120°/90°

6 Octahedral 180°/90°

Table 2: VSEPR Molecular Geometries

Total no. of Number of non-bonding or lone pairs on an atom


e- domains 0 1 2 3
2 Linear
3 Trigonal planar Bent Linear
4 Tetrahedral Trigonal pyramidal Bent
5 Trigonal See-saw T-shaped Linear
bipyramidal
6 Octahedral Square pyramidal Square planar T-shaped

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FkV9HXML2Chmi09Xe64T82MiwShtaOipVh6fR7kC7x0/edit#heading=h.gjdgxs 2/5
5/2/2019 Dry Lab 5 student guide - Google Docs

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FkV9HXML2Chmi09Xe64T82MiwShtaOipVh6fR7kC7x0/edit#heading=h.gjdgxs 3/5
5/2/2019 Dry Lab 5 student guide - Google Docs

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FkV9HXML2Chmi09Xe64T82MiwShtaOipVh6fR7kC7x0/edit#heading=h.gjdgxs 4/5
5/2/2019 Dry Lab 5 student guide - Google Docs

Exercises:

1. Predict the molecular geometry of the ff. molecules:


a. CCl4
b. Sulfur trioxide
c. Nitrogen dioxide
d. Sulfate ion
e. PCl3

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FkV9HXML2Chmi09Xe64T82MiwShtaOipVh6fR7kC7x0/edit#heading=h.gjdgxs 5/5

You might also like