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Molecular Geometry Overview

Molecular geometry describes the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule and determines several of its properties. The valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) model predicts molecular geometry based on the number of electron pairs around a central atom. VSEPR states that electron pairs surrounding an atom will adopt an arrangement that keeps them as far apart from each other as possible. Common molecular shapes include linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal, and octahedral.

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Adrian Miclat
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153 views18 pages

Molecular Geometry Overview

Molecular geometry describes the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule and determines several of its properties. The valence shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) model predicts molecular geometry based on the number of electron pairs around a central atom. VSEPR states that electron pairs surrounding an atom will adopt an arrangement that keeps them as far apart from each other as possible. Common molecular shapes include linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, trigonal bipyramidal, and octahedral.

Uploaded by

Adrian Miclat
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Molecular Geometry

No heavy math included

Shapes of Molecules
Molecular Structure or Molecular Geometry

- is the three-dimensional arrangement of the atoms that constitute a molecule. It determines several properties of a substance including its reactivity, polarity, phase of matter, color, magnetism, and biological activity.
- the chemical formula has no direct relationship with the shape of the molecule.

Shapes of Molecules
Molecular Structure or Molecular Geometry

- the three-dimensional shapes of molecules can be predicted by their Lewis structures.


- Valence-shell electron pair repulsion (VSEPR) model or electron domain (ED) model: Used in predicting the shapes. The electron pairs occupies a certain domain. They move as far as possible. Lone pairs occupies more domains contributing largely to the repulsion and shape.

Terms and Definition


Bonding Pairs (AX) electron pairs that are involved in the bonding. Lone Pairs (E) electrons that are not involved in the bonding. They tend to occupy a larger domain. Electron Domains total number of pairs found in the molecule that contribute to its shape.

Linear
Bonding Pairs: Lone Pairs: Electron Domains: Bond angle: Example: Image: 2 0 2 180 CO2

Trigonal Planar
Bonding Pairs: Lone Pairs: Electron Domains: Bond angle: Example: Image: 3 0 3 120 BF3

Bent or Angular
Bonding Pairs: Lone Pairs: Electron Domains: Bond angle: Example: Image: 2 1 3 120 (119) SO2

Tetrahedral
Bonding Pairs: Lone Pairs: Electron Domains: Bond angle: Example: Image: 4 0 4 109.5 CH4

Trigonal Pyramidal
Bonding Pairs: Lone Pairs: Electron Domains: Bond angle: Example: Image: 3 1 4 109.5 (107.5) NH3

Bent or Angular (Ver.2)


Bonding Pairs: Lone Pairs: Electron Domains: Bond angle: Example: Image: 2 2 4 109.5 (104.5) H2O

Trigonal Bipyramidal
Bonding Pairs: Lone Pairs: Electron Domains: Bond angle: Example: Image: 5 0 5 90, 120 PCl5

Seesaw
Bonding Pairs: 4 Lone Pairs: 1 Electron Domains: 5 Bond angle: 180, 120 (173.1, 101.6) Example: SF4 Image:

T-shaped
Bonding Pairs: 3 Lone Pairs: 2 Electron Domains: 5 Bond angle: 90, 180 (87.5, < 180) Example: ClF3 Image:

Linear (Multiple Lone Pairs)


Bonding Pairs: Lone Pairs: Electron Domains: Bond angle: Example: Image: 2 3 5 180 XeF2

Octahedral
Bonding Pairs: Lone Pairs: Electron Domains: Bond angle: Example: Image: 6 0 6 90 SF6

Square Pyramidal
Bonding Pairs: Lone Pairs: Electron Domains: Bond angle: Example: Image: 5 1 6 90 (84.8) BrF5

Square Planar
Bonding Pairs: Lone Pairs: Electron Domains: Bond angle: Example: Image: 5 1 6 90 XeF4

Pentagonal Bipyramidal
Bonding Pairs: Lone Pairs: Electron Domains: Bond angle: Example: Image: 7 0 7 90, 72 IF7

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